7-1-11 Catching a Pest in 7 Steps - Dixie Center, Olla, LA

Friends:

Last Friday, I was at Lasalle Parish Library for my last summer reading program of the year. It was also my last summer reading program tour as I am no longer touring in the summer (more time for writing and spending time with my family). I love Andrea Book, the library director, and Donna Estis, the children’s librarian. They have been such great friends over the years. Thank you, ladies!!

My first show was in Jena, Louisiana. I began with my draw and tell story, The Emperor’s Dragon.

7-1-11 Drawing The Emperor's Dragon at Lasalle Parish Library in Jena, LA

We then had fun with Medio Pollito, a story from Spain.

7-1-11 Telling the story of Medio Pollito at Lasalle Parish Library in Jena, LA

I had just as much fun in Olla, Louisiana at the Dixie Center. Though the crowd was small, the kids were great.

7-1-11 Telling the story of There's A Dragon in the Library at the Dixie Center in Olla, LA

Kid Chef Eliana entertained the crowds in Jena and Olla. Too cute!

7-1-11 Kid Chef Eliana performs at the Dixie Center in Olla, LA

We loved eating and shopping at The Caboose, one of our favorite places in Louisiana. Lasalle Parish rocks!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

6-17-11 The draw and tell story of The Emperor's Dragon from Dianne's book, Handmade Tales

Friends:

This past Saturday, I performed at the NAS Belle Chasse Library for their summer reading program, which was themed “A Mid-Summer Knight’s Read.” It was a special performance for me because my mom, who retired last month, worked on base for many years, my step-dad still works there, and I am a certified Navy brat! Thank you to Chaney Foote, who brought me to the base library. We had a small but super-fun crowd and I LOVE the castle and knight decorations that Chaney put up! The library was so cute!

6-17-11 An intimate but fun audience at the NAS Belle Chasse Library

I told my draw and tell story, “The Emperor’s Dragon,” from my book, Handmade Tales. Also from my book, I told another draw and tell story, “Catching a Pest in 7 steps.”

6-17-11 The draw and tell story of Catching a Pest in 7 Steps from Dianne's book, Handmade Tales

We got down, we got funky, we even became monkeys! Hilarious!

6-18-11 Monkeys in the audience!

I told the story of “Medio Pollito” with the help of Robin, an energetic boy in my audience. Thanks, Robin!

6-17-11 Tell the story of Medio Pollito

I also told There’s a Dragon in the Library but my camera died so I don’t have any pictures! We had a great time and I loved being at the NAS library!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

6-17-11 Dianne de Las Casas does a draw and tell story called The Emperor's Dragon from her book, Handmade Tales

Friends:

This past Friday, I performed at the St. Bernard Parish Library for the summer reading program. I opened with a gift to Janet Perez, the children’s librarian. I gave her a set of poi balls from my trip to Hawaii. Poi balls are balls at the end of a long yard rope that are twirled in patterns. They are used by the Maori people of Aotearoa (New Zealand), which is part of the Polynesian Triangle. Janet tried her hand at the poi balls and did a great job!

6-17-11 Children's Librarian Janet Perez tries her hand at Maori Poi Balls

I apologize for the quality of the pictures. The backlighting made it hard for my little digital camera to take good pictures. My first story was “The Emperor’s Dragon” from my Handmade Tales book. After I drew the story, I showed them a Chinese dragon marionette that I picked up from my travels to Hawaii.

6-17-11 Dianne shows a Chinese dragon marionette she brought back from Hawaii's Chinatown

The next story I told was another draw and tell story from my Handmade Tales book called “Catching a Pest in 7 Steps.”

6-17-11 Dianne does another draw and tell story, Catching a Pest in 7 Steps, from her book, Handmade Tales

I did a fun traditional song, “My Aunt Came Back” and then told the story of “Medio Pollito,” a tale from Spain in which a half-chick with a full attitude does not listen to his mom. It’s a fun story with lots of audience participation. I ended with my book, There’s a Dragon in the Library.

6-17-11 Performing There's a Dragon in the Library

Dewey the Dragon made an appearance at the end of the story.

6-17-11 Dewey the Dragon from There's a Dragon in the Library makes an appearance

Then special guest, Kid Chef Eliana, came out and rocked the house with her song, Cool Kids Cook!

6-17-11 Kid Chef Eliana rocks her song, Cool Kids Cook

We all had a great time and I love visiting the St. Bernard Parish Library. Thanks so much, Janet!!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

6-2-11 Performing my draw and tell tale, The Emperor's Dragon, at the Webster Parish Library in Minden, LA

Friends:

On Thursday, June 2, I was at the Webster Parish Library in Minden and then their Springhill Branch Library. This summer’s reading theme is “One World, Many Stories.” My program is called “Story Safari,” to coincide with the summer theme.

I began my program with my draw and tell story, The Emperor’s Dragon. The kids love seeing lines transformed into a picture! Then I did “Catching a Pest in 7 Steps,” another draw and tell story.

6-2-11 Performing my draw and tell tale, Catching a Pest in 7 Steps, at the Webster Parish Library in Minden, LA

My middle story was “Medio Pollito,” which in Spanish means “Little Half Chick.” It’s the story of how the weather vane came to be. Then it was time for a song: “My Aunt Came Back.”

6-2-11 With helpers from the audience, Dianne performs My Aunt Came Back, a traditional song at the library in Minden

My last story was from my book, There’s a Dragon in the Library. I had helpers from the audience participate in the story. The little boy who played the main character, Max, was hilarious. His name is Kayus. My rapport with the audience was magical and I had such an amazing time with them!

6-2-11 Cute and kooky Kayus plays Max in There's a Dragon in the Library

Kid Chef Eliana closed out the show with a performance of her new song, “Cool Kids Cook!” She is so adorable! Afterward, we sold and signed tons of books, especially Eliana!

6-2-11 Kid Chef Eliana talks about her cookbook, Eliana Cooks! at the library in Minden

At the end of the show, I put on some dance music and some kids from the audience showed everyone their moves. Check out Kayus!! He was the most incredible break dancer!

6-2-11 Kayus does a handstand while is he breakdancing to Dianne's music

After the show, it was time for our annual tradition: lunch at Moody’s Place! Moody’s is this “hole in the wall” restaurant that serves stick-to-your-ribs Southern soul food – fried chicken, fried pork chops, country fried steak, turnip greens, purple hull peas (black eyed peas), yams, and pies that will make you dream about them for days!!

6-2-11 Oh me, oh my! Look at those pies!

This is the restaurant that introduced me to “hot water cornbread.” Cornbread that is baked and then fried! But it sure tastes good!

6-2-11 Hot water cornbread at Moody's Place in Minden, LA

Jennifer Heard is the children’s librarian who introduced us to Moody’s. Now we have to eat there every time we go to Minden! Look at the two Jennifers! (Jennifer Heard is on the left.)

6-2-11 Jennifer X 2 from the Webster Parish Library in Minden!

Eliana even got to talk to Ms. Moody for a little bit. Yes, Moody’s Place is one of our favorite Southern cooking restaurants in Louisiana!

6-2-11 Kid Chef Eliana in front of Moody's Place in Minden, LA

After lunch, it was time to head to Springhill, Louisiana for our second show. Springhill is on the Arkansas border. It’s waay north! Again, I told my draw and tell stories. When I did “My Aunt Came Back,” the audience had a great time getting silly!

6-2-11 The audience at the Springhill Branch Library does My Aunt Came Back

“Medio Pollito” was a hit with the Springhill Crowd. They even learned a little Spanish!

6-2-11 Showing kids a weather vane from the story, Medio Pollito

When I performed There’s a Dragon in the Library, Zach was my little helper that played “Max” in the story. We had a good time!

6-2-11 Performing There's a Dragon in the Library at the Springhill Branch Library

Kid Chef Eliana performed her song, “Cool Kids Cook!” At this show, we sold out of books – both of us!

6-2-11 Kid Chef Eliana performs her song, Cool Kids Cook!

Kid Chef Eliana was a big hit and her little fans wanted pictures with her!

6-2-11 Kid Chef Eliana takes a picture with sweet fans!

Following our show, we headed across the street to AmJenn’s Soups and Scoops restaurant. We both enjoyed cold Coke floats. We even got to sign dollar bills that were placed on the ceiling! Cool!

6-2-11 Kid Chef Eliana and Dianne de Las Casas sign dollar bills for the ceiling at AmJenn's Soups & Scoops restaurant on Main Street in Springhill, LA

Eliana and I had a MARVELOUS time in Webster Parish. Webster Parish is just full of good people – we had such wonderful audiences and the library staff is just out of this world!!! So a world of thanks to our friends in Minden and Springhill! See you down the road…

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

6-1-11 In Leesville, LA performing my draw and tell story, The Emperor's Dragon

Friends:

These past couple of days, I have been touring Louisiana for the library summer reading programs. I visit the library as a special guest, performing my stories and getting kids excited about reading. It’s so much fun. I kicked off the summer at the Vernon Parish Library in Leesville, Louisiana, a good 5 hour drive from New Orleans. I began the program with a couple of draw and tell stories, “The Emperor’s Dragon” and “Catching a Pest in 7 Steps.” The kids loved the stories.

Next, I told a story from Spain called “Medio Pollito.” It is the story of how a weather vane came to be and how a little chick with a lot of attitude learns his lesson! Then it on to a fun song called “My Aunt Came Back.” I ended my program performing the story from my book, There’s a Dragon in the Library, illustrated by Marita Gentry and published by Pelican Publishing Company.

6-1-11 Performing There's a Dragon in the Library at the Vernon Parish Library in Leesville, LA

But the finale of the show was Kid Chef Eliana! She came out in full chef uniform and performed her new song, “Cool Kids Cook!” She was adorable!

6-1-11 Kid Chef Eliana performs her song, Cool Kids Cook!

Afterward, we both signed books and took pictures with fans. Fun!

6-1-11 Kid Chef Eliana takes a picture with little Victoria, who looks only slightly amused. LOL

A special thank you and a big hug to Flo, our hostess with the mostest! She was so sweet and accommodating, just a delight to be around!

6-1-11 Kid Chef Eliana and Dianne de Las Casas with Flo, the children's librarian in Leesville

It was a ton of fun in Leesville (although it hit 103 degrees outside! Whew!).

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

5-6-11 Mother's Day performance of Mama's Bayou at Barnes & Noble, Harvey, LA

Friends:

Yesterday, I had a special Mother’s Day Book Event at Barnes & Noble in Harvey, Louisiana featuring my book, Mama’s Bayou, illustrated by Holly Stone-Barker. After I performed the story with the kids, they made stick puppets of the characters from Mama’s Bayou.

5-6-11 Little Alivia makes Mama's Bayou stick puppets

I have the sweetest, most loving fans!

5-6-11 Dianne de Las Casas with sweet petite, Katie

Then it was time to sign books! I had a nice crowd and signed quite a few books. Yay! Thank you to all the wonderful fans who came to Barnes & Noble!

5-6-11 My wonderful little fans!

Happy Mama’s Day from the Bayou! Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

3-18-11 Aucoin Elementary welcomes Dianne de Las Casas in three languages - English, Spanish and Vietnamese!

Friends:

Today was the last day of my five day PK tour of St. Mary Parish Schools sponsored by the Title 1 Department of St. Mary Parish School Board. I went to Amelia, Louisiana to J.S. Aucoin Elementary. I was greeted warmly by the Aucoin Elementary principal, Mr. Joe Stadalis. Mr. Stadalis was so warm and friendly and he has an amazing rapport with his students!

3-18-11 Dianne de Las Casas & Joe Stadalis, Principal of Aucoin Elementary

I had two shows back to back and my first show was for students bussed in from Wyandotte Elementary.

3-18-11 Dancing zydeco with students from Wyandotte Elementary

My first story was Mama’s Bayou, performed with a large magnetic story board that is an enlarged page from the book. The animals are placed on the board as I sing the story. It’s so much fun to have students from the audience on stage with me. Full of audience participation, Mama’s Bayou is a great story for the PK and Kindergarten set.

3-18-11 Performing Mama's Bayou with students from Wyandotte Elementary

After performing The Cajun Cornbread Boy, we had a blast with The Gigantic Sweet Potato. A shy teacher played the part of Lily Mouse so it was fun to see her act on stage!

3-18-11 Performing The Gigantic Sweet Potato with students from Wyandotte Elementary

My second show was for students from Aucoin Elementary. Aucoin is very diverse with a large Hispanic and Vietnamese student population. I spoke Spanish and even used the few Vietnamese words I knew. I began with Mama’s Bayou and really enjoyed the students I had on stage with me (Hi Eric!).

3-18-11 Aucoin Elementary students help perform Mama's Bayou

After Mama’s Bayou, I performed The Cajun Cornbread Boy. The children really enjoy meeting Cajun Cornbread Boy and I do a little skit showing them how spicy he is (he never keeps his pan on). He’s just full of cayenne!

3-18-11 Dianne de Las Casas explains how spicy The Cajun Cornbread Boy is

My favorite part of the day was performing Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach for the Aucoin Elementary students. They were such an amazing audience!

3-18-11 Aucoin Elementary students are the best audience!

The boy who played Monsieur Roach was absolutely adorable. His name was Angel and he was so much fun!

3-18-11 Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach with Angel playing the part of the roach

All of the roaches had a great time, singing and dancing!

3-18-11 Monsieur Roach and his friends dance and have a party!

I love having all the “roaches” on stage and the best part is the story’s end, when Madame Poulet slurps up all the roaches. They lie “dead” on the floor, with their “legs” up. It’s hilarious!

3-18-11 Madame Poulet leaves behind a trail of roaches!

After my show, one of the Aucoin students gave me a picture that she drew of Madame Poulet and the roaches. Too cute!

3-18-11 A drawing of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach and friend from a student at Aucoin Elementary

I have two very special people I need to thank for taking care of me all week long. First, thank you to Alecia Rabalais from St. Mary Parish Schools Title 1 Department, who is responsible for my visit. Alecia works so hard to serve the students and teachers of St. Mary Parish. Another thank you to Tiffany Fakier, a consultant with St. Mary Parish School Board, who works with Alecia. Both Alecia and Tiffany really spoiled me this week, helping me unload, set up and pack up my show every day. We completed 14 shows this week. Yay! I am sending both Alecia and Tiffany a virtual hug! Another special thank you to Mr. Moncriffe his generous support of literacy and the arts in St. Mary Parish schools.

3-18-11 Tiffany Fakier, Joe Stadalis & Alecia Rabalais

I had an amazing time in St. Mary Parish. Thank you to all the principals, teachers, staff and students of St. Mary Parish Schools for hosting my visits! I had GIGANTIC fun! Laissez les bon temps rouler. Let the good times roll!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

3-17-11 Morgan City, Louisiana, home of the Shrimp & Petroleum Festival

Friends:

Today was St. Patrick’s Day and although I am not Irish (I have Welsh blood coursing through my veins), I wore my bit o’green. But I did find my lucky leprechaun at Shannon Elementary in Morgan City!

3-17-11 Happy St. Paddy's Day from Shannon Elementary!

My first show was a mix of PK and K students. I began with Mama’s Bayou, illustrated by Holly Stone-Barker. I love having the students become part of the show!

3-17-11 Mama's Bayou from first show at Shannon Elementary

Next, I performed The Cajun Cornbread Boy, illustrated by Marita Gentry. Cajun Cornbread Boy is such a spicy guy and he is fun to introduce to the students!

3-17-11 The Cajun Cornbread Boy at Shannon Elementary

I finished the show with a rousing performance of The Gigantic Sweet Potato, also illustrated by Marita Gentry. It’s tons of fun when everyone pulls up the gigantic sweet potato!

3-17-11 The Gigantic Sweet Potato from first show at Shannon Elementary

For my second show at Shannon Elementary, children were bussed in from a nearby school. Again, I began with Mama’s Bayou and then performed The Cajun Cornbread Boy. But by special request, I performed Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach because one of the PK teachers made the story shakers with her students and brought them to the show. Of course, I pulled volunteers from the group of students with their cool music makers to play the roaches. A cute little boy named Blaze played the part of Monsieur Roach. Adorable!

3-17-11 Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach from second show at Shannon Elementary

Alecia Rabalais was unable to accompany me today because of meetings in Lafayette but Tiffany Fakier was such a fantastic companion. She’s a take-charge, take-care-of-things person, and she has me totally spoiled. She helps me unload, set up, and pack up every day! What a wonderful woman!

3-17-11 Tiffany Fakier, a consultant with the St. Mary Parish School Board

Tiffany and I went to lunch at Castalano’s, a locally owned, family Italian restaurant. The portions are more than generous and the food was absolutely delicious! Tasty eggplant parmesan filled my tummy!

3-17-11 Eggplant Parmesan at Castalano's in Morgan City. Yum!

Tiffany and I were lucky enough to run into an old friend… Mr. Lenny Armato, Supervisor at the St. Mary Parish Schools Special Education Department. He’s such a sweet guy… he shared his chocolate cake with me! Thank you, Mr. Armato. You know a way to a girl’s heart!

3-17-11 Mr. Lenny Armato at Castalano's

At my second school, Maitland School, I was so excited to see one of my favorite school librarians – Ann Breaux! She is so sweet and goes out of her way to make children’s literature exciting for her students. She did some amazing displays for my books. Look at the Cajun Cornbread Boy she had made by her sister, Mary. Too cool!

3-17-11 Ann Breaux, the amazing librarian from Maitland School had her sister, Mary, create a replica of Cajun Cornbread Boy. Way to go, ladies!

Ann Breaux’s son, Jaden, created this phenomenal rendition of the Cajun Cornbread Boy out of homemade, hand-painted clay. Jaden, you are sooo creative!

3-17-11 Jaden Breaux from Maitland School created The Cajun Cornbread Boy from homemade, hand-painted clay. Awesome!

Ann Breaux also did this shoebox float for Mama’s Bayou. I love it!

3-17-11 The Maitland School Library celebrates Mama's Bayou with shoebox float

After visiting the library, it was time for the show to start. I opened with Mama’s Bayou. I just love this story time magnet board!

3-17-11 Dianne de Las Casas talks about Mama's Bayou at Maitland School

Mr. Armato said that he was going to stop by Maitland School to see Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. He had heard that it was such a funny story and wanted to see it performed. Jaden, Ann Breaux’s son, played the part of Monsieur Roach.

3-17-11 Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach, played by Jaden Breaux from Maitland School

It was fun and hilarious, especially when the roaches get slurped up in the end…

3-17-11 Madame Poulet and the dead roaches at Maitland School in Morgan City, LA

After my shows at Maitland, my day was not over! I visited my dear friend, fellow storyteller, and Morgan City legend, Ms. Dolores Henderson. Ms. Dolores was a school librarian and has been a mentor to me for years. I cherish her friendship and feel blessed to have her in my life!

3-17-11 Dianne de Las Casas with Ms. Dolores Henderson, former school librarian and storyteller from Morgan City

Then it was off to meet my friends, the Breaux family, for dinner at the Latin Corner. Ann, Jeremy, Jaden, Shannon, Reagan, and Mary (Ann’s sister), you are an incredible family and I am honored to be your friend. Thank you for a wonderful dinner!

3-17-11 The Breaux Family

And thank you for the laughs!! LOL

3-17-11 Is that Mork and Mindy?!! Nanu, Nanu!

I am in love with the “Spirit of Morgan City.” The people of St. Mary Parish have been so fabulous and I have enjoyed every moment here!

3-17-11 The Spirit of Morgan City monument, a renowned landmark

One more day to go in St. Mary Parish!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

3-16-11 Taking pictures with students from Hattie Watts! Go Wee Jacks!

Friends:

Today was the third day of my five-day PK tour of St. Mary Parish Schools. Let me tell you something about St. Mary Parish Schools – their middle name is “Hospitality!” The minute I drove my car up to Hattie Watts Elementary, the custodian, “Pretty Girl” Steph, and the assistant principal, Charles Foulcard, helped unload my car. When I entered the auditorium, my table and microphone were ready. The principal, Niki Fryou, greeted me and welcomed me to Hattie Watts. Yes, hospitality is the “Louisiana Way,” especially in St. Mary Parish!

3-16-11 Dianne de Las Casas with Niki Fryou, Principal of Hattie Watts Elementary

My first show began with a mixed group of PK and K students or as Ms. Fryou referred to them, “almost Kindergarteners” and “almost First Graders.” I performed Mama’s Bayou with the help of audience members. They loved The Cajun Cornbread Boy and his iron skillet. I even danced with Mr. Foulcard, the assistant principal, who was “stylin’ and profilin’” with his Cajun two-step!

3-16-11 Charles Foulcard, Assistant Principal of Hattie Watts, dances Cajun two-step with Dianne de Las Casas

A rousing rendition of The Gigantic Sweet Potato had the kids singing and clapping. Talk about having a ball!

3-16-11 The Gigantic Sweet Potato from the first show at Hattie Watts Elementary

My second show as just as much fun with lots of wiggles and giggles from my Kindergarten audience, who were very participatory. Ms. Fryou, the principal, played the part of Lily Mouse in my story, The Gigantic Sweet Potato. She was awesome!

3-16-11 Hattie Watts' principal, Ms. Fryou, plays the mouse at the end of the line in The Gigantic Sweet Potato

I really loved it when she acted out the part of the mouse receiving the GIGANTIC sweet potato pies from Ma Farmer. Too cute!

3-16-11 Those swwet potato pies are heavy for such a little mouse!

We had special guests in the audience too. Lenny Armato, St. Mary Parish Schools Special Education Department Supervisor, and Maryanne Adams, St. Mary Parish School’s Elementary Coordinator, came by to observe the show. Thank you both for your support of literacy in St. Mary Parish Schools. The children are definitely benefiting from your generosity! Look at Mr. Armato with Cajun Cornbread Boy. I think they were destined to be friends!

3-16-11Two spicy guys together - Lenny Armato with from St. Mary Parish Schools Special Education Department with his Tabasco tie and Cajun Cornbread Boy with his cayenne pepper!

All of my shows were at Hattie Watts Elementary so I had a nice leisurely lunch from Lynn’s Hot Tamales Restaurant. I ate a yummy hot sausage sandwich and fried boudin balls. My taste buds did a happy dance!

3-26-11 Lunch from Lynn's Hot Tamales - Hot Sausage sandwich and fried boudin balls. Mmmm!

My last show was after lunch and a group from Cinderella Head Start joined us. I performed Mama’s Bayou with full audience participation. Holly Stone-Barker’s illustrations are just so amazing!

3-16-11 Dianne performs Mama's Bayou with the third group of Hattie Watts students

I taught some PK students how to dance the Cajun two-step, which is a perfect opener for the Louisiana stories I shared. The Cajun Cornbread Boy was a big hit and the students love meeting Cajun Cornbread Boy in person, even if he is a spicy guy who sometimes eschews his pan!

3-16-11 Dianne teaches PK students how to dance Zydeco

My last story, The Gigantic Sweet Potato, was hilarious because the boy who played Pa Farmer from the story was so funny and cute!

3-16-11 The third performance of The Gigantic Sweet Potato

This is Adonis, my little PK super star! Thank you for playing Pa Farmer, Adonis. (Now where are my diamonds?!!) LOL

3-16-11 Dianne with super star, Adonis, from Hattie Watts Elementary

It was a terrific visit at Hattie Watts. I couldn’t have asked for a better day. Upon my departure, Ms. Fryou, the principal, gifted me with a box of… CHOCOLATES! Luscious, dark chocolates at that! Way to endear yourself to me, Ms. Fryou. By the way, you will love my Fall 2011 book, Blue Frog: The Legend of Chocolate!

Hattie Watts Elementary, thank you so much for a wonderful visit! You totally rock! Alecia Rabalais & Tiffany Fakier, you ladies make my visit a splendid one indeed!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

3-15-11 The Gigantic Sweet Potato from second show at W.P. Foster Elementary

Friends:

Today was the second day of my PK Tour in St. Mary Parish Schools. My first two shows were at W.P. Foster Elementary in Franklin, Louisiana. When I first arrived, I was greeted by their friendly principal, Mr. Michael Payton. Ms. Renee, a PK teacher, totally took care of me, providing me with water, an easel, a microphone and anything else I needed. I began my first show with a performance of Mama’s Bayou with the help of the sweet students.

3-15-11 Mama's Bayou from first show at W.P. Foster Elementary

After a fun rendition of The Cajun Cornbread Boy, I performed The Gigantic Sweet Potato. “Heave ho! Heave ho! We’ll pull this sweet potato, just a little more to go…”

3-15-11 The Gigantic Sweet Potato from first show at W.P. Foster Elementary

After I finished my first show, I had a few minutes to refresh then it was show time again! Another fun group came in and we had the best time. I began with Mama’s Bayou, with the help of the students. Then I did The Cajun Cornbread Boy. Ooh yeah, cher!

3-15-11 The Cajun Cornbread Boy at W.P. Foster Elementary

When I performed The Gigantic Sweet Potato, my kitty cat was a precious little girl named Harlie, who was in PK3. She was soooo cute and hilariously funny! She had the audience rolling with her precocious little attitude. I totally fell in love with this child! I wanted to pack her up with me and take her home.

3-15-11 Harlie from PK3 with Cajun Cornbread Boy at W.P. Foster Elementary. What spicy friends!

After W.P. Foster Elementary, Alecia, Tiffany and I went to lunch at a Hot Tamale restaurant that served sandwiches and poboys. I had the hot tamales and made a mess with the juice dripping all over my dress! LOL My second school was J.A. Hernandez Elementary, also in Franklin, Louisiana. I was greeted by their wonderful principal, Ms. Sylvia Lockett. What a sweetheart! The first class to come in was Ms. Quantie Skinner’s PK class. I was so impressed because the whole class made Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach story shakers from my the book activities on my website!

3-15-11 Ms. Skinner's PK class made Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach story shakers!

This is the fabulous teacher who not only prepped her students for my visit but also had incredible control over her tiny tots. She is a third-year teacher but has the presence of a 20-year veteran! Way to go, Ms. Skinner!

3-15-11 Quantie Skinner, a fantastic PK teacher at J.A. Hernandez!

I began my show with a fun performance of Mama’s Bayou. One little girl, Tatiana, was so excited that I made up a song and a dance called “Do the Tatiana.” She helped me perform Mama’s Bayou along with fellow students.

3-15-11 Mama's Bayou with Tatiana and friends at J.A. Hernandez Elementary

I performed The Cajun Cornbread Boy and it was so much fun. The kids jumped and laughed and had a ball! But the star story of the day at J.A. Hernandez was Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach! I was so inspired by Ms. Skinner’s class that I performed the story in their honor. Boy, did we have FUN! After the show, boys were going back to class imitating Madame Poulet saying, “Monsieur Rooooooach!” Too cute!

3-15-11 Madame Poulet and roaches at J.A. Hernandez Elementary School

We were joined by Peter Pan Headstart from a local community center and the visiting students were so well-behaved. What a precious group of kids!

3-15-11 Madame Poulet and roaches at J.A. Hernandez Elementary School

I couldn’t have asked for a better day in St. Mary Parish. The weather was gorgeous and the principals, teachers, staff and students were AWESOME! I leave you with a picturesque scene, a bayou in Franklin, Louisiana.

3-15-11 A bayou with shrimp boats in Franklin, Louisiana

Thank you, Alecia Rabalais and Tiffany, for a wonderful Day 2 in beautiful St. Mary Parish, Louisiana! I can’t wait until tomorrow!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne