by dlcasas on September 2, 2010
The Gigantic Sweet Potato Book Cover
THE GIGANTIC SWEET POTATO
Author: de las Casas, Dianne
Illustrator: Gentry, Marita
Review Date: September 1, 2010
Publisher:Pelican
Pages: 32
Price ( Hardback ): $16.99
Publication Date: September 1, 2010
ISBN ( Hardback ): 978-1-58980-755-6
Category: Picture Books
As soon as she feels a hankering for sweet-potato pie, Ma Farmer knows what to add to her excellent vegetable garden. Colorful watercolors accompany the rhythmic text and add a touch of foreshadowing; the indomitable mouse that eventually solves the problem close at hand appears early to watch the goings-on. Based on the Russian folktale “The Giant Turnip,” this lighthearted story stars Ma rather than Pa as the gardener and traces the growth of the sweet potato from farmer’s market to kitchen jar, then through planting, watering and growth. When it’s time to harvest, the fun begins, as Ma Farmer enlists Pa and a variety of farmyard animals to help when the potato remains resolutely rooted underground. Children will happily join in with the repetitive, cumulative text and enjoy the satisfying end, which naturally features sweet-potato pie (and a recipe for it). A nice tie-in to school- or home-based gardening projects, this tasty selection is a solid interpretation of the classic tale, with appealing pictures and a strong female character. (Picture book/folktale. 3-7)
by dlcasas on August 16, 2010
The Gigantic Sweet Potato book, paper bag sweet potato, and cardboard roll mouse
“As cherubs get ready to go to school this fall, show how much fun they can have with learning – and teamwork – with The Gigantic Sweet Potato. Adapted from a Russian folktale, “The Giant Turnip,” Harvey author-storyteller Dianne de Las Casas brings us another charming read-aloud with Louisiana roots, literally. Ma Farmer enlists the help of her hubby and animals big and small to help her with a particularly troublesome sweet potato. Illustrator Marita Gentry of Walker creates a colorful world with clues of what comes next. “Sweet Potato Fun Facts” might even help get picky eaters to eat their veggies. Or you could make a pie with the included recipe, of course.” – New Orleans Magazine, August 2010
by dlcasas on May 9, 2010
Friends:
Towards the end of April, I was at the International Reading Association Conference in Chicago, Illinois signing my books, The Cajun Cornbread Boy, Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach and Mama’s Bayou at the Pelican Publishing Booth.
When I arrived on Sunday, April 25, 2010, it was storming. But the next day, the weather cleared and it was gorgeous. Look at the beautiful tulips blossoming in downtown Chicago!
4-26-10 Tulips bloom in Chi Town
I was fortunate that many of my children’s author friends were also signing. I tried to see as many of them as possible. One of my favorite authors is Jane Yolen. Jane lost 40 pounds and looks like a million dollars! Way to go, Jane!
4-26-10 Author Jane Yolen & Dianne de Las Casas
It was great to see all my friends because I also stocked up on books and knocked off a lot of Christmas shopping! Who wouldn’t want to receive a signed book as a gift?! On Monday night, I attended the Highlights Foundation dinner and saw more close friends like Juliet Bond and MJ Diem.
4-26-10 Dianne de Las Casas, Illustrator Eric Rohmer and Author Candace Fleming
On Tuesday, April 27, 2010 I ran around trying to see as many of my author friends who were also signing. I was able to visit with my dear friend, Mary Jo Huff (but we forgot to take a picture together!!). I also neglected to take pictures with my buddy, Illustrator Rick Anderson and author Michael Shoulders. It was great meeting Eric Ode for the first time. We’d been corresponding for years by email and Facebook. I saw many fans from Louisiana, Guam, and other states and countries around the world!! It was a great conference.
4-27-10 Author Anastasia Suen and Dianne de Las Casas
I saw Lisa Yee and had the privilege of taking a picture with her and Peepy! 
4-27-10 Author Lisa Yee, Peepy & Dianne de Las Casas
I had been corresponding with Author Nancy Krulik on Facebook. I finally got to meet her in person too. Yay!
Another highlight was getting to see my buddy, Eric Kimmel. I adore his books and love him as a person. He’s such a great guy, gracious and giving…
4-28-10 Author Eric Kimmel and Dianne de Las Casas
One of my storytelling heroes has always been Margaret Read MacDonald. I love her work and what she has contributed to children’s literature through her folktale collections and children’s books. I am happy to say we are now friends. Margie, you rock!
4-27-10 Dianne de Las Casas and Author Margaret Read MacDonald
IRA was an awesome conference and I loved every minute of it. I made new friends (Hi Vanessa and Deborah from Nashville, Tennessee!). A special thank you to Caitlin Smith, the school sales manager for Pelican Publishing for everything you did to make my visit to Chicago a success!
Until next time…
Warmly, Dianne
by dlcasas on December 2, 2009
11-29-09 Signing books at SE IRA Conference in New Orleans
Friends:
This past Sunday and Monday, I signed books for Pelican Publishing at the South East Regional International Reading Association Conference. It was a great conference and I met so many wonderful people and made new friends. It was also nice seeing my old friends too! I was excited to finally meet Brod Bagert, Rick Anderson, Chuck Galey, and Michael Shoulders. I had corresponded with Rick, Chuck, and Michael over Facebook but had not met them in person. Wonderful guys! They were so warm and friendly.
11-29-09 Chuck Galey, Rick Anderson, Dianne de Las Casas & Michael Shoulders
On the first day, I signed by myself and did very well, moving a lot of books. I shared the table with other Pelican authors including Cecilia Dartez and Sheila Hebert Collins.
11-30-09 Pelican Authors - Dianne de Las Casas, Cecilia Dartez & Sheila Collins Hebert
On the second day in the morning, Marita Gentry, the illustrator for The Cajun Cornbread Boy and Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach, joined me.
11-29-09 Dianne de Las Casas and Marita Gentry sign books
We did a live demonstration with me telling the story of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach and Marita illustrating on a large pad. It was so much fun and afterwards, we signed books. Books flew off the table as people lined up. We had a marvelous crowd. Thank you so much to the teachers and librarians who came to see us! We love you!
11-29-09 Joyous fans wait for autographs from Dianne and Marita
I took Marita to meet my friends, Rick Anderson (Illustrator) and Michael Shoulders (author). Lo and behold, Brod Bagert was at the table. So we all took a moment to pose for the camera… I really enjoyed meeting Brod, who is a children’s poet from New Orleans. He was charming and effervescent and always had women flocked around his booth. Of course, it can’t hurt that Brod serenaded me with song and poetry performed in Spanish!!
11-30-09 Brod Bagert, Dianne de Las Casas, Rick Anderson, Marita Gentry & Michael Shoulders
Back at the Pelican booth on Monday afternoon, New Orleans Saints fever was high. But chicken and roach fever was higher!
11-30-09 Dianne & John Scheid pose as Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach
Thank you very much to the fabulous Pelican sales team who did a phenomenal job: Caitlin Smith, Scott Campbell, and John Scheid. I look forward to being with you at the next conference! TLA, here we come!
11-30-09 Caitlin Smith & John Scheid, part of the dynamic sales team at Pelican Publishing
Until next time…
Warmly, Dianne
by dlcasas on November 14, 2009
11-14-09 Dianne & Marita with fans at Cherry Books
Friends:
Today I was at Cherry Books in Thibodaux, Louisiana with my illustrator, Marita Gentry promoting our new book, Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. Cherry Books is a beautiful little independent book store in Thibodaux on Canal Boulevard. The inside is so cute and they change the decor of children’s section to reflect the seasons. Look at this fantastic holiday Nutcracker!
11-14-09 The giant holiday nutcracker at Cherry Books
Marita illustrated live while I told the story of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. The girls were given roach antennae tiaras while the boys were given party hats. They played story shakers and danced with me. It was so much fun!
11-14-09 Marita draws while Dianne and the roaches dance
Here is a close-up of Marita’s live illustration.
11-14-09 Close-up of Marita drawing
Afterwards, we passed out the illustrations to the audience and then signed books and the illustrations.
11-14-09 Dianne & Marita sign books and illustrations
We had “old” fans (from The Cajun Cornbread Boy) and new fans! This little boy, Samuel, said that when he grows up, he wants to become our assistant! Too cute!
11-14-09 Dianne & Marita with Samuel
Marita and I had so much fun at Cherry Books. The book store said that we are welcome to Cherry Books any time! I look forward to returning in the spring with my new book, Mama’s Bayou.
11-14-09 Madame Poulet and her twin?!!
Eliana, my 9 year old daughter, is a great little photographer. Check out this self-portrait!
11-14-09 Eliana wears Monsieur Roach on her head
After the book signing, Antonio, Eliana and I went to Thibodauxville, a big festival that takes place in downtown Thibodaux. My friend, Debbie Ruester and her daughter, Rebecca, were there and we visited with them for a while. The weather was perfect, the food was delicious and we ate a hearty lunch of Louisiana festival food: brisket sandwich, meat pies, Cajun sausage sandwich, bread pudding, and peanut butter fudge. YUM!
11-14-09 A mansion for auction in downtown Thibodaux
Thibodaux is a really cute town nestled next to the bayou. It is the home of Nicholls State University which now boasts the John Folse Culinary Institute. I love this picture of St. Joseph Co-Cathedral.
11-14-09 St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux
It was a wonderful day to be in Thibodaux. A special thank you to Marita Gentry, my talented illustrator, Pelican Publishing for publishing our books, and the staff of Cherry Books for always supporting us! And of course, thank you and a big hugs to all of our little (and big) fans in the bayou region.
Until next time…
Warmly, Dianne
by dlcasas on October 25, 2009
10-24-09 Nearly finished artwork for Mama's Bayou book
Friends:
I had the pleasure of visiting my friend, Holly Stone-Barker, and her family in Zachary, Louisiana. Holly is the illustrator for my next book, Mama’s Bayou, which will be out in Spring 2010. First, we had lunch at Sammy’s, a restaurant in Zachary. Eliana and I ate with Holly, her children: Stephen and Ella, her sister: Heather, and her mom. Lunch was delicious!
10-24-09 Stephen, Eliana and Ella
I love Holly’s family. They are so much fun. We shopped at a little boutique called Persnickety, where I found my favorite Tyler candles and a gorgeous new apron for Eliana. Afterwards, Eliana and I went to Holly’s house for a tour of her studio in the converted attic. A wonderful space! Here’s a picture of me and Holly.
10-24-09 Dianne de Las Casas and Holly Stone-Barker
Our picture book, Mama’s Bayou, published by Pelican Publishing will be out in Spring 2010. Holly works in cut paper and collage and the illustrations are stunning. Although the final artwork was not yet finished, Holly gave me a sneak peek. OMG! Look at these snakes! Each of the scales are individually cut out.
10-24-09 Snakes in Mama's Bayou
Breathtaking is the word the comes to mind. Here is a picture of the crawfish in the book.
10-24-09 Crawish in Mama's Bayou
Check out this cool catfish! Wow!
10-24-09 Catfish in Mama's Bayou
The book, a tribute to the symphony of sounds in the bayou, highlights a number of bayou mamas and their babies as well as the vegetation of the swamp. Here is a “symphony” page.
10-24-09 Symphony page in Mama's Bayou
I am so lucky to be able to work with Holly. Mama’s Bayou is going to be a stunning book and I can’t wait for you to see it! Before Eliana and I left to tell stories at Terror on the Teche in New Iberia, we had to take a picture in front of Holly’s cool Jack-O-Goblin.
10-24-09 Dianne and Eliana in Holly's house
Thank you, Holly, for the lovely tour of your studio and the sneak peek at the art for Mama’s Bayou. We are all excited about the book and your phenomenal artwork!!
Until next time…
Warmly, Dianne
