4-17-10 Performing How Funky Is Your Chicken at the Zachary Area Reading Council Conference

Friends:

On Saturday, I was the keynote speaker for the Zachary Area Reading Council (ZARC) in Zachary, Louisiana. They are a chapter of the International Reading Association. I spoke and gave two break-out sessions, “Handmade Tales,” and “Story Fest.”

In my “Handmade Tales” workshop, I taught the teachers several make and take tales that they could integrate into their lesson plans and teach the students. They did cut and tell tales, draw and tell tales, fold and tell tales, and I even showed them a little bit of Tangram Tales.

4-17-10 ZARC Handmade Tales workshop participants create a snow blizzard with coffee filter snowflakes

They loved making Bandana Man and I surprised them by giving them the bandanas to keep.

4-17-10 ZARC Handmade Tales workshop participants make Bandana Man

My second session was “Story Fest: Reading Comprehension through Story Theater.” They did individual, partner and group role playing warm-up exercises. Boy, did they stretch their imaginations and have fun!

4-17-10 ZARC Story Fest workshop participants portray a woman walking her dog in central park

It was fun seeing them move through the task progression into group work.

4-17-10 ZARC Teachers in Story Fest workshop portray a football player kicking a ball through the field goal posts

The culminating activity of the workshop was the creation and performance of a group story theater: “The Turtle Who Would Not Stop Talking.”

It was a great day and I enjoyed working with all those wonderful teachers. Thank you Michelle Cardonella for driving all the way from the North Shore to see me! Thank you to Heather Stone for coordinating the event and my schedule. And a special thank you to Holly Stone-Barker for housing me and arranging a book signing at Jack and Jill that afternoon in Zachary, Louisiana.

Up next: an author visit to Zachary Elementary on Monday, April 19, 2010.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

4-16-10 Dianne de Las Casas signing books at ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited

Friends:

What a busy week it’s been! I attended the Texas Library Association Conference in San Antonio, Texas with my two illustrators, Marita Gentry and Holly Stone-Barker. My days were non-stop, running from book signing to book signing. I signed at both of my publishers, ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited and Pelican Publishing Company. The only time I got to see the Riverwalk was from my 27th floor room balcony!

4-15-10 View from private balcony at Marriott Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas

That evening, Marita, Holly and I attended the Storytelling Swap at the Grand Hyatt. Marita and I told a 7 minute version of Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach, with her drawing the tale as I told. It was so much fun and everyone loved it. The next day, when we signed books, we had a lot of librarians come to buy the book because of our performance.

On Thursday, the girls and I hit the ground running. We signed books at Pelican Publishing during the Exhibit Hall opening from 10am-12pm. It was crazy buzy with non-stop signing for all three of us.

4-15-10 Holly Stone-Barker, Dianne de Las Casas & Marita Gentry sign books

I was lucky enough to get a picture with my good friend, Phil Bildner, a fellow author and amazing person. Phil started a non-profit called NOLATREE. He lives in NYC but takes youth to New Orleans during the summer to rebuild the 9th Ward and areas devated by Hurricane Katrina. Phil, you totally ROCK!

4-15-10 Dianne de Las Casas with Author Phil Bildner

I had a lot of librarians who came looking for me. It was a good day!

4-15-10 Dianne de Las Casas & Marita Gentry with a librarian fan

In the afternoon, I signed books with ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited. Again, it was busy but fun because I got to see people I adore like Debby LaBoon, my author rep and Sharon Coatney, my editor. Plus, I got to see a lot of librarians I knew as well as making a lot of new connections!

4-15-10 Dianne de Las Casas with a fan at the ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited booth

Later that evening, I went to dinner with Shannon, an editor with Libraries Unlimited, Kendall Haven, an LU author with nearly 25 LU titles, Debby LaBoon, and Sharon Coatney. We ate at a charming restaurant called Josephine Street Cafe, which had a tree growing in the middle! The food was delicious but the company was even better.

4-15-10 Shannon, Sharon & Debby from Libraries Unlimited

On Friday, Marita, Holly and I headed back to the convention center to sign more books with Pelican Publishing. At the beginning of my signing, Eric Kimmel, author extraordinaire and my friend, came to see me. I was so touched that he stopped by! Thank you, Eric. I <3 U!

4-15-10 Dianne de Las Casas & Author Eric Kimmel

I was also fortunate enough to hang out with the amazing Matthew Gollub, who is an author and phenomenal performer. On Thursday night, I went to the Doo Wop dance with Shannon from Libraries Unlimited and hung out with the two of them all night. What fun! Thanks for swapping tips with me, Matthew. You are one cool dude!

4-16-10 Author & Performer Matthew Gollub with Dianne de Las Casas

My last signing was at ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited, where the company interviewed me for a video podcast. I’ll let you know when the video is up. After signing, I had a little while to walk the exhibit hall, find friends, and shop. I happened to catch Jenni Holm, my friend and the author of the Baby Mouse series. Her 2 year old daughter, Millie, was with her. I sat on the floor with Millie and told stories while her mom signed books. Typical! LOL But I had a ton of fun with Millie!

4-16-10 Dianne de Las Casas with Author Jennifer Holm (Baby Mouse) and her 2 year old daughter, Millie

We had to leave on Friday evening because I had a keynote and workshop to present on Saturday so I had to stop at the San Antonio airport store to buy gifts for Eliana. To my delight and surprise, I was privileged to meet Suzanne Collins, the author of The Hunger Games series. Suzanne and I were both buying “tortilla warmers.” She was so sweet that she let me pick the one I liked best. Despite all her success, she remains humble and gracious. Now, I am an even BIGGER fan! Thanks, Suzanne!

4-16-10 Author Suzanne Collins (The Hunger Games series) and Dianne de Las Casas buying tortilla warmers at the San Antonio Airport store

The Texas Library Association conference was rockin’ awesome and I had a blast. I look forward to attending next year, with several new books including There’s a Dragon in the Library, illustrated by Marita Gentry.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

2-10-10 Flowers delivered to Strehle teachers and staff from Dianne

Friends:

Wednesday was my last day for my Story Fest Residency at Strehle. It was the day my upper grades performed: third, fourth, and fifth. First, my fifth graders performed for second grade. They did a great job and the second graders loved their performances. Two out of my three fifth classes performed their entire story without scripts. It was so cool to see the students rap and dance to the beat of a “beat master,” who created a beat with a pencil and a fist on a desk.

2-10-10 Ms. Walter's 5th grade class performs The Ant and the Grasshopper

Next my third graders performed for PK and Kindergarten classes. They did a great job and I loved seeing their stories come to life. It’s amazing that I only had three 45 minute periods to pull these performances together. I love how my method of story theater fosters cooperation, communication, and collaboration.

2-10-10 Ms. Guidry's third grade class performs The Turtle Who Could Not Stop Talking

After lunch, my fourth graders performed. After struggling with some of the classes in rehearsals, they surprised and delighted me with incredible performances. “The Little Red Hen” and “The Tortoise and the Hare” had great beats, cool raps that the students created, and fun dance moves that had the first graders practically on their feet! It was a magical moment to see my performing students connecting with their audience. I loved it!

2-10-10 Fourth graders perform for first graders on Story Fest Day

In the afternoon, PK did their annual Mardi Gras parade through the halls for all the students. It was so cute. They beat drums, wore crowns, and threw beads to spectators. Laissez les bon temps rouler! Let the good times roll!

2-10-10 PK marches the halls in their Strehle Mardi Gras parade

I treated the teachers to Krispy Kreme Donuts and had flowers delivered to thank them for having me at their school. I love the teachers and staff at Strehle. It feels like a second home to me!

2-10-10 (L-R) Fourth grade teachers, Ms. Landry (sitting), Ms. Till, and Ms. Creecy

I appreciate all the work the students of Strehle put into their performances. It was a blast and I loved every day I spent at the school.

2-10-10 A fourth grade student takes a picture with Ms. Dianne

Good work and I hope to see you next year, Strehle! You are stars!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

1-20-10 A teacher works with students to depict a Mardi Gras scene with masked revelers

Friends:

Today, I visited Quitman Upper Elementary. It was such a fun day! I did three Story Fest story theater workshops and a professional development workshop for the teachers at the end of the day.

1-20-10 4th & 5th grade portraying a mechanic fixing his car

My first and second assemblies consisted of 4th and 5th graders. I spoke to them about my method of story theater and explained that we would be doing role playing exercises to warm up. They did such an incredible job with their individual, partner and group exercises.

1-20-10 Monkeys climb a tree while hungry lions wait at the bottom

When I asked the students questions about what they learned from the Story Fest activity, a 4th grade girl named Jaden, responded, “You are never too old or too young to use your imagination.” I couldn’t have said it better myself, Jaden!

1-20-10 4th & 5th grade students portraying a king on a Mardi Gras float with parade revelers

With the third grade, I performed Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach in an assembly program. It was one of the most lively, interactive performances I have ever had of this story. When the roaches danced, the students not only sang, but added additional beats, creating an awesome hip hop rhythm for the story. It was incredible!

1-20-10 Dianne sneaks up on an unsuspecting teacher during Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach

After the story, I moved the 3rd grade group out to the gym floor and performed story theater exercises with them. It was well received. They had a blast!

1-20-10 A 3rd grade teacher works with a student portraying a mechanic fixing his car

My day ended with a professional development workshop with the teachers. Though most of them had seen Story Fest in action with their students, I gave them different roles to act out.

Then they rehearsed and performed a story theater piece: “The City Mouse and the Country Mouse. It was so cute and full of animated storytellers, a rhythmic chorus, scarves, and rhythm instruments.

1-20-10 Teachers perform story theater - The City Mouse and the Country Mouse

Quitman Upper Elementary loves integrating the arts. Just look at this gorgeous mural in the front office!

1-20-10 Quitman Upper Elementary front office mural - Wow!

I really enjoyed visiting the school. They had wonderful teachers, students and staff. Thank you to Tara Tucker, Amy Johnson, and Mr. Kelly for making my day superb! I loved my Mississippi school visits!

1-20-10 A MAC art project - The Mississippi State Seal made with natural materials

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

1-19-10 Performing for Quitman Lower Elementary 1st & 2nd grades

Friends:

Today I had the privilege of doing a school visit and a professional development workshop for Quitman Lower Elementary in Quitman, MS.

Angie Ledbetter, the Assistant Principal, was my contact person. My GPS misguided me to the wrong side of town and I called Angie on her cell phone in a panic. She was sweet and guided me in and greeted me upon my arrival. She told me that Carol Satterfield, a teacher and big “Fan of Dianne,” drove all the way from North Mississippi to see me and was spending the day at the school. How cool is that?!

Right before my first show, the Principal, Mr. Bounds, greeted me, welcomed me to the school, and introduced me to the students. I performed 2 shows. The first show was for pre-K and K. The second was for 1st and 2nd grades. It was so much fun and the students had a blast!

After my second show, Angie and another teacher, Tootsie, took me to lunch. We ate at a local restaurant, Skidmore’s Old Tyme Butcher Shop and Grill. They served delicious hot plates. I had fried chicken, cornbread, mac and cheese, green beans and peach cobbler. Talk about a Southern cooked meal!

1-19-10 Skidmore's Ole Tyme Butcher Shop and Grill in Quitman, MS

Lunch was so much fun. We laughed and laughed. Everyone that walked in the door could have been a book character! When we were finished eating, Tootsie said, “Now we have to clean our table and scrape off our plates.” It was like a flashback to junior high. So I took my dishes to the slop bucket and scraped off my plate. There was a big sign above the table where the bin for the dirty dishes was. It said, “Please do not throw your metal forks into the trash.”

Then Tootsie told me to read the fine print. Underneath that it said, “Throw away your spit cup please.” I’m not making this up! Better be careful… The white styrofoam cup you think is your drink might actually be someone’s spit cup! Eeeew. Of course, I HAD to take a picture!

1-19-10 Throw away your spit cup sign in Ole Tyme Butcher Shop restaurant in Quitman, MS

After lunch, we went back to school and I took a tour down the halls. The schools is one that really works to integrate the arts and the walls show it! There was art everywhere!

1-19-10 Students study Pointillism at Quitman Lower Elementary

A “Learning is Fun” attitude permeates the school’s atmosphere, from the administration to the staff to students. Quitman Lower Elementary’s teachers are enthusiastic and committed to their classrooms.

1-19-10 Learning is Fun mural in Quitman Lower Elementary

In the afternoon, the teachers came into the multipurpose room for my Story Fest workshop. It was so much fun sharing my signature story theater techniques with them. They were such great participants!

1-19-10 Teachers in Story Fest Workshop portraying a monkey swinging in the trees

They really embraced the story theater warm-up exercises, including Mr. Bounds, the school’s principal!

1-19-10 Mr. Bounds, Quitman Lower Elementary Principal, plays an old woman

I enjoyed their energy and willingness to step out of their comfort zones.

1-19-10 A lion and lioness coming out of a cave

When we were finished with the warm-up exercises, I divided the group in half and they created their own story theater. One group performed “The Turtle Who Could Not Stop Talking.”

The other group performed my brand new story theater script, adapted from my new book, Mama’s Bayou.

1-19-10 Teachers performing Mama's Bayou Story Theater

Afterwards, I signed tons of books and gave all the teachers reading posters. Every student received bookmarks. I really enjoyed my day at Quitman Lower Elementary. Thank you so much, Angie Ledbetter, for inviting me to Quitman. I love you and your school!

Tomorrow, I spend the day at Quitman Upper Elementary. Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

11-5-09 At the Libraries Unlimited booth

Friends:

On Tuesday, November 3, 2009, I went to see the Michael Jackson movie, This Is It, and fell down the dark movie theater stairwell, spraining my left ankle. I didn’t even get to see the movie! I was taken to the hospital in an ambulance.

11-5-09 Charlotte from inside the cab

Two days later, I had to travel to Charlotte, North Carolina for the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) conference for a book signing at ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited and to present my Story Fest story theater workshop on Saturday, November 7.

It wasn’t easy but I did it! Fortunately, airports and airlines are so accommodating to people with injuries or disabilities. I received nothing but kindness and assistance my entire trip. A special thank you to these librarians: Bridget Kratt from Nebraska for her help from the airport to the Hilton hotel and throughout the conference; Nancy Dickinson, Allison Roberts & Diane Chen from Tennessee for all their help wheeling me to and fro and bringing me to the closing party; and Lisa Upper from North Carolina for helping me throughout my Story Fest Session. You gals totally ROCK!

The Hilton Hotel was so accommodating and everyone there treated me like royalty! Edward Walter, the manager when I checked in, helped me to my room and even prepared an ice bag for my foot! Throughout my stay, I was met with nothing but kindness and compassion and a fresh bag of ice each day from Mirjana, the 6th floor housekeeper. What superb service!

11-6-09 Dianne de Las Casas & Edward Walter, Hilton Manager

After my book signing on Friday, I went to dinner at McCormick & Schmick’s with my team from Libraries Unlimited: Sally, Kristina, and Debby Laboon, the author services manager.

11-6-09 Dinner with Sally, Kristina & Debby from Libraries Unlimited

I love this picture of Debby Laboon!

11-5-09 Is that a lobster crawling up Debby's shirt?

On Saturday, I had my workshop at the convention center. Bridget Kratt wheeled me there and Nancy Dickinson helped me set up. I presented “Story Fest: Reading Comprehension through Revved-Up Story Theater.”

11-7-09 Participants depicting Baby Bear sitting in a chair

It was wonderful to see the librarians loosen their inhibitions and really get into the story theater mode, warming up with individual, partner and group role playing activities.

11-7-09 So this is what librarians do at AASL

The workshop culminated in two performances. One half of the room performed “The Turtle Who Could Not Stop Talking” while the other half of the room performed “The Frog and the Ox.” Each group was able to enjoy the other group’s performance.

Lisa Upper from Caldwell Academy in Greensboro, North Carolina was my “official” photographer and volunteer room attendant. Thank you, Lisa, for all your help! I ended with the story, “The Viper,” from my newest book, Scared Silly: 25 Tales to Tickle and Thrill, and I raffled away nearly ALL my books to the librarians, which they LOVED.

On Saturday night, my friends, Nancy Dickinson, Allison Roberts, and Diane Chen, picked me up and helped me get to the Imaginon for the AASL 2009 closing party. What a party it was!! I had a FABULOUS time, dancing in and on my wheelchair! No stopping this diva! LOL

11-7-09 Leopard Diva on crutches

It was a successful conference and I enjoyed being with old friends and making new friends. I hope to be a part of AASL 2011 in Minneapolis, next time on TWO FEET!

11-8-09 Dianne and a school librarian on departure date

Thank you to everyone who lent a helping hand and thank you to all the school librarians who attended my session on Saturday!! Keep it REVVED-UP!!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Valerie Byrd Fort, Dianne de Las Casas & Amanda LeBlanc, The Red Hot Mamas of SCASL 3-12-09

Friends:

I had an amazing time in Greenville, South Carolina at the 2009 South Carolina Association of School Librarians (SCASL) Conference. Valerie Byrd Fort (President), Amanda LeBlanc (Conference Coordinator), Kitt Lisenby (Past President, Betty Davis Davis (one of my hostesses), Lena Lee (one of my hostesses), and so many other media specialists made this one of the best library conferences I have ever attended. They made me feel welcome and loved!

Teacher Librarians cut "Joseph Had an Overcoat" in Handmade Tales Workshop 3-11-09

My first workshop (“Handmade Tales”) was on the morning of Wednesday, March 11, 2009 as part of the SCASL preconference. I had a great time with the librarians cutting, folding, drawing and telling Handmade Tales.

These librarians are "STARS" in my book! 3-11-09

My afternoon session was “Story Fest: Reading Comprehension through Story Theater.” It is a fun, active workshop that has the participants role-playing and dramatizing stories.

Teacher Librarians dramatize a role in my Story Fest workshop 3-11-09

Here are some more pictures of the group acting up! LOL

Teacher Librarians "act up" in Story Fest workshop. hahaha 3-11-09

It was a blast to see them let go of their inhibitions and have a great time. The workshop culminated in the librarians acting out two stories (I divided the room in half). The first group performed “Sausage Nose,” a Swedish folktale.

Teacher Librarians dramatize the story, "Sausage Nose" in Story Fest Workshop 3-11-09

The created their flavorful story choruses while the storytellers rehearsed. Then they put it all together.

"Sausage Nose" story chorus cheerleaders in Story Fest workshop 3-11-09

The second group performed “The Ant and the Grasshopper,” an Aesop fable.

Teacher Librarians dramatize the story, "The Ant and the Grasshopper," in Story Fest workshop 3-11-09

The story chorus for “The Ant and the Grasshopper” got down with their flavorful hip-hop rap.

"The Ant and the Grasshopper" story chorus in Story Fest workshop 3-11-09

On Thursday, March 12, 2009, I did two breakout sessions, “Tangram Tales,” and “Tell Along Tales.” Tangram Tales was well-received and the librarians loved combining the math of Tangrams with stories.

Teacher Librarian does a Tangram boat on her computer! 3-12-09

Here is another Tangram, the “organic” way…

A Candle Tangram in Tangram Tales workshop 3-12-09

I didn’t get any pictures from my Tell Along Tales workshop! But my room was packed to capacity. I received lots of compliments on all my workshops. I also told The Cajun Cornbread Boy at the awards luncheon and afterward, my book, The Cajun Cornbread Boy, sold out. I autographed a lot of books at this wonderful conference! It was a pleasure and an honor to do so.

Children's Book Authors Dianne de Las Casas, Phil Bidner & Dan Yaccarino have fun at dinner 3-11-09

One of the many highlights of my trip was meeting fellow children’s book authors, Phil Bidner & Dan Yaccarino. They are wonderful guys and so much fun to be around.

"Mice on Main" art installation with "Goodnight Moon" in front of Hyatt Hotel in downtown Greenville, SC 3-12-09

Here is a picture of one of my favorite people from the conference – Kitt Lisenby. Kitt (Kee-Yit) taught me how to speak South Carolinian. Add a couple of syllables to every word and draw it out. I loooooove you, Kee-yit! LOL In addition to Southern speak, I had the best Southern food like fried green tomatoes! Yum!

I can’t wait to return to SCASL. I just love those librarians! Thank you all so much for making my trip to South Carolina so special!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

It was another  amazing day in Guam. My day began with my arrival at the Guam Council of the International Reading Association meeting at the Nikko Hotel in Tumon Bay.  I was scheduled to present an hour and fifteen minute workshop to the membership. After membership business and before my workshop began, the Talafofo Cultural Dance Group presented a beautiful Chamorro dance.

The group consisted of musicians playing and singing traditional Chamorro songs with children singing and dancing. The children were gorgeous, graceful and dynamic.  The dance was so inspirational, it moved me to tears. Seeing the children engaging in their cultural heritage with such spirit was an amazing experience. Biba Chamorro!

Following the dancers, I presented my workshop called “Story Safari,” a combination of “Handmade Tales,” “Kamishibai Story Theater,” and “Story Fest.” I demonstrated three “Handmade Tales” – “Joseph Had an Overcoat,” “Bandana Man,” and “Pulling Up the Sweet Potato.” I then explained the Kamishibai Story Theater Process. Afterwards, every member of the audience participated in presenting two of my story theater scripts, “The Turtle Who Could Not Stop Talking,” and “The Ant and the Grasshopper.” The teachers were incredible! Unfortunately, my camera battery died and I couldn’t take pictures of their presentations. But the feedback was phenomenal and we are talking about a return visit for a longer professional development session. They wanted more!

Look at how beautiful the stage is decorated!  Great job, Evelyn and Tina! You are phenomenal women. My resources (books and CDs) sold out. Yay! Many of the teachers told me that they were “inspired” and “motivated” and can’t wait to implement the techniques they learned in their classrooms. What a privilege it was to present to this creative and warm group of people. I am so touched by their hospitality and generosity.  Following my workshop, I was presented with more gifts – a tote bag, a t-shirt, a certificate of appreciation, and a stunning tea leaf and orchid lei handmade by Cyndy Pruski, with flowers from her own backyard. Thank you, Cyndy. I am so honored!

Afterwards, I had lunch at a Japanese hibachi restaurant called Joinus with my hosts, Tina, Evelyn, Cyndy and members of the board. Our chef gave us a spectacular show – it was so much fun! After lunch, Tina, Evelyn and Cyndy brought me to Chamorro Village, where I indulged in retail therapy and purchased delicious Guam chocolate and cookies, handmade artisan crafts, and unique native jewelry.

When I returned to my hotel and unpacked my workshop suitcase, there was one more surprise waiting for me – a stack of letters from students of Harry S. Truman Elementary with a thank you note from one of their teachers, Verna Mendiola. So sweet! I <3 U, Verna! This letter is from third grader, Chloe Reyes:

This letter is from third grader, Devin Topasna.

Tomorrow is a full day of fun! I will be picnicking at Ritidian Beach with my new friends and then going to a Polynesian show at night. I am so blessed to be with such warm, hospitable people here in Guam! I have been deeply touched by everyone’s kindness. Their warmth and spirit will forever be imprinted on my heart. Si Yu-Os Ma’ase’! Thank you!

Until next time,

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

Create a family story drama! Using a script, each person is assigned a role (or multiple roles). You can use a pre-made script such as “The Turtle Who Would Not Stop Talking” or other story theater scripts included in the “Story Collection” section of my website. Videotape your performance or better yet, perform it live in front of friends and family. It’s a fun way to get the whole family to tell tales together!

Warmly, Dianne