The Cajun Cornbread Boy

Kansas Summer Reading Workshop SCKLS – Friday, March 25, 2011

by dlcasas on March 25, 2011

3-25-11 Love these STAR librarians!

Friends:

Today was the final day of my Kansas Summer Reading Workshop tour. South Central Kansas Library (SCKLS) was my 7th library system in Kansas!

We started the day with a creativity exercise. Workshop participants had to create a self-portrait using items from their purse, wallet or pockets. There were lots of creative librarians!

3-25-11 Dana creates a self-portrait out of items from her purse with a Reeses peanut butter cup nose and Twix eyes! My kind of girl!

I opened Handmade Tales with a draw and tell story called “The Emperor’s Dragon.” I love this story because it’s fun to see the dragon come to life with lines. Kids adore this story!

3-25-11 The Emperor's Dragon, a draw and tell tale to represent China

Next, I taught them the draw and tell tale of “Catching a Pest in 7 Steps.” This story creates a mouse using numbers!

3-25-11 Catching a Pest in 7 steps, a draw and tell tale that uses numbers to create the picture

We did the cut and tell story of “Joseph Had a Little Overcoat,” a cute story with audience participation, humor, and transformations.

3-25-11 Librarians do the cut and tell story of Joseph Had a Little Overcoat

I showed them a scroll story from Japan, Russian nesting dolls made of paper, and “The Ugly Duckling,” made out of towels.

3-25-11 The Ugly Duckling is made out of a hand towel

It’s so much fun to do the story of “Papa’s Teepee” and see the coffee filters transform into snowflakes. I love having everyone create a blizzard.

3-25-11 Librarians create a blizzard of coffee filter snowflakes from the story, Papa's Teepee

After the morning break, it was time for “Bandana Man,” my popular adaptation of “The Gingerbread Man.” Look at these cute old women! Thanks, Chris, Brandon, Eric and Steve!

3-25-11 SCKLS men as little old women in the story, Bandana Man

This bandana man is so cute!

3-25-11 Look at this cute Bandana Man with colorful leopard spots!

I taught the librarians the string story of “The Stubborn Turnip,” an adaptation of the Russian story, “The Enormous Turnip.” Then I taught them a star string figure. So cool to see all of these librarians with their stars!

3-25-11 These librarians reach for the stars... with string!

After lunch, we worked on Tangram Tales and I showed the librarians how to create a Tangram set without a pattern. Then we had an “Invent-a-Tangram” contest. The winner, Diane, won one of my giant There’s a Dragon in the Library posters. I love this person sitting down reading a book Tangram.

3-25-11 Diane is the winner of the Invent-A-Tangram contest with her person sitting and reading a book

The group performed a Tangram story theater of the story, “Tiger’s Tale, Anansi’s Stories.” It is a tale from the West Indies and their story chorus was fun and rhythmic. I love seeing their collective creativity and how it comes together so quickly!

3-25-11 The SCKLS Librarians perform Tiger's Tale, Anansi's Stories, a Tangram story theater

I finished the workshop with “Picture Book Make and Takes,” showing them different activities from my picture books: The Cajun Cornbread Boy, Mama’s Bayou, and The Gigantic Sweet Potato. Then I performed Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach with the help of Steve and his roach buddies.

3-25-11 Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach are the best of friends...

It was so much fun to see these roaches getting down and having a good time partying!

3-25-11 Monsieur and friends party while Madame Poulet is a away!

We ended the workshop with activities from my new picture book, There’s a Dragon in the Library. I LOVE these accordion dragons!

3-25-11 Librarians model their accordion dragons from There's a Dragon in the Library

I had such a great time with these wonderful librarians! Thank you to Marquita Boenke, Gail Santy, Shelly, Kathy and Abby for doing such a great job with the workshop. They took such good care of me! I LOVE the gorgeous framed, signed art of Kansas sunflowers, a photograph taken by a local photographer that was given to me as a gift from SCKLS! WOW! Thank you so much!

Gail Santy drove me to Wichita but on the way, we stopped in the town of Newton for dinner at the Bread Basket, a Mennonite German buffet. I had German sausage made by Yoder Meats, sauerkraut, home-baked bread, German potato salad, verenika (dumplings stuffed with dry curd cheese) and chicken borscht (soup). It was such different fare for me — I don’t often get to eat German food, and it was delicious! I loved it!

3-25-11 Dinner at the Bread Basket, a Mennonite German Buffet in Newton, Kansas

I really enjoyed my visits across the vast, open state of Kansas. Everyone was so sweet and hospitable. Thank you so much, Kansas librarians! I <3 U!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Kansas Summer Reading Workshop for SWKLS – Thursday, March 24, 2011

by dlcasas on March 24, 2011

3-24-11 Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach are BFFs...

Friends:

Today was my fifth library system in Kansas for my summer reading workshop tour. Today I went to Southwest Kansas Library System in Dodge City. We began the workshop with a fun creativity exercise in which the workshop participants had to create a self portrait out of items from their purses, pockets and wallets.

3-24-11 A creative self-portrait by a SWKLS Librarian made out of items from her purse

Then it was time for some draw and tell tales to open the workshop. First, we began with a story I created to represent China, “The Emperor’s Dragon,” which is in my Handmade Tales book.

3-24-11 The Emperor's Dragon, a story to represent China

I taught the librarians another draw and tell story, “Catching a Pest in 7 Steps,” which utilizes the numbers 1 through 7 to create the picture of a mouse. So cute!

3-24-11 The mouse from the story, Catching a Pest in 7 Steps from Handmade Tales

After showing the librarians a Japanese scroll story, Russian nesting dolls made of out paper, and “The Ugly Duckling,” we did the story of “Papa’s Teepee,” which turns into cool snowflakes made out of coffee filters!

3-24-11 Southwest Kansas Librarians create a blizzard from coffee filter snowflakes

Then it was time for “Bandana Man,” a fun version of “The Gingerbread Man.” First, they had to use their bandanas to make themselves into old women.

3-24-11 Look at the cute little old women from the story, Bandana Man

Then, they turned their bandanas into babies.

3-24-11 Librariaas crack up as they burp their babies

Finally, they folded their bandanas into Bandana Man! “Run, run, run as fast as you can. You can’t catch me, I’m Bandana Man!”

3-24-11 Librarians made Bandana Man, an adaptation of The Gingerbread Man

Then it was time for string figure stories. I taught them “The Stubborn Turnip” and how to make a string star. It’s so adorable!

3-24-11 Stephanie is a star! Woo hoo!

I also showed them how to make the “One Snip Star,” creating a five pointed star with just one snip of the scissors. Very cool!

3-24-11 The One-Snip Star! Too cool!

After lunch, we switched gears and did Tangram Tales. After demonstrating Tangrams and teaching the librarians how to create a set out of Fun Foam, I challenged them to an “Invent-A-Tangram” Contest. Look at the winning Tangram! I love it!!

3-24-11 The winning Invent-A-Tangram - A woman in the tub reading a book

When it was time for the Tangram Story Theater, these librarians got revved up! They performed “Tigers Tales, Anansi’s Stories” and had a fantastically fun story chorus singing, “Feel the story beat, feel the story beat, shake-a-shake-a-shake, shake-a-shake-a-shake. Feel the story beat, feel the story beat, shake-a-shake-a-shake, shake-a-shake-a-shake. UH!!” The storytellers involved the audience with participation and sound effects and the Tangram artists made every Tangram perfect! It was AWESOME!!

3-24-11 The Queen Bee Tangram in Tiger's Tale, Anansi's Stories Tangram story theater

The last part of the workshop focused on “Picture Book Make and Takes.” I showed them activities for The Cajun Cornbread Boy, Mama’s Bayou, and The Gigantic Sweet Potato. Then I performed Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach with Johnny and his roach friends…

3-24-11 Monsieur Roach and friends party like it's 1999!

It was so much fun seeing all the “roaches” on the ground, legs up! Hahahahaha!

3-24-11 Madame Poulet's aftermath - no more roaches partying in her house!

I ended with show them my new book, There’s a Dragon in the Library and all the activities that go with it. Look at this accordion dragon made by Millie Dearden!

3-24-11 Millie is a cutie with her accordion dragon puppet!

I worked with such a phenomenal group of librarians! Thank you so much for your energy and hospitality. Sara McFarland, I hope you feel better… here’s a hug! Then it was time to get the heck out of Dodge (I have always wanted to say that! LOL) and head to Salina, Kansas, a three hour drive from Dodge City. On the way, I caught this cool picture near a wind farm. It looks sort of like a tornado funnel forming but it was just rain…

3-24-11 It looks like a funnel is forming in the Kansas plains but it's just rain...

But on the way to Salina, there was hail! Lots of it! Kansas weather is always an adventure! Thank you to Charlene and her hubby, Ed, for transporting me from Dodge City to Salina. We stopped to eat at Woody’s Smokehouse in Great Bend. Look at all these barbecue sauces!

3-24-11 The many barbecue sauces of Woody's Smokehouse in Great Bend, Kansas

Another great day in the fair state of Kansas! Tomorrow is my last summer reading workshop in Kansas. I’m looking forward to meeting another cool group of librarians!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Kansas Summer Reading Workshop, NWKLS – Wednesday, March 23, 2011

by dlcasas on March 23, 2011

3-23-11 Kansas' vast plains and green winter wheat

Friends:

Today began the second half of my Summer Reading Workshop Tour in Kansas. I flew into Wichita on Tuesday, March 22, and, after a long drive, arrived at my bed and breakfast in Norton, Kansas very late. Thank you to Gail Santy and George Seamon for being my chauffer. Thank you, Gail, for your excellent tour guide skills. I learned so much about Kansas!

3-23-11 The Rose of Sharon Bed and Breakfast

I stayed at The Rose of Sharon Bed and Breakfast, a pretty house in town. Sharon’s house is like a museum, filled with so many interesting items! I met Sharon’s 9 year old granddaughter, Genesis, who was so sweet.

3-23-11 The Rose of Sharon house full of dolls and porcelain figurines

The Northwest Kansas Library System (“NWKLS”) summer reading workshop began with a draw and tell story called “The Emperor’s Dragon,” a story I created to represent China.

3-23-11 Amy draws The Emperor's Dragon, a Chinese Tale

Next, I showed them the draw and tell tale of “Catching a Pest in 7 Steps.” It’s a fun story in which the numbers create an illustration. Isn’t it cute? Great job, Mary!

3-23-11 Mary Allen draws the mouse from the story, Catching a Pest in 7 Steps

We did the story of “Joseph Had a Little Overcoat,” a cut and tell story from my book, Handmade Tales.

3-23-11 NWKLS Librarians do Joseph Had a Little Overcoat

I showed them how to create the Ugly Duckling and the Beautiful Swan from towels.

3-23-11 The Ugly Duckling and the Beautiful Swan

After showing them a Japanese scroll story and paper Russian nesting dolls, we did the cut and tell story, “Papa’s Teepee,” which turns into a snowflake. Then we created a blizzard! Brrrr!

3-23-11 Creating a blizzard from coffee filter snowflakes

Then it was on to “Bandana Man!” It’s such a popular story and kids love watching the bandana transform.

3-23-11 Old women from the story of Bandana Man

And the bandana men came out sooo cute!

3-23-11 Run, run, run as fast as you can; you can't catch me, I'm Bandana Man!

We did some string stories and I love it when librarians get excited about mastering a new skill! Woo hoo, Sharon!

3-23-11 Sharon is sooo excited to make the string figure star!

Just before lunch, I taught them all how to make a perfect five-pointed paper star with strategic folds and one snip of the scissors.

3-23-11 Yes, these librarians are STARS!

After our taco bar lunch, we got back into the swing of things with Tangrams. I taught them how to create a tangram without a pattern and challenged them to invent a Tangram. Anna was the winner! Way to go, Anna!

3-23-11 Anna is the winner of the Invent-A-Tangram contest with her Rose in Bloom Tangram!

Then it was time for Tangram Story Theater. The group did a great job performing “Tiger’s Tale, Anansi’s Stories,” a tale from the West Indies. “Let’s feel the story beat, let’s feel the story beat. UH!”

3-23-11 Performing Tiger's Tale, Anansi's Stories Tangram story theater

The final part of my workshop focused on “Picture Book Make and Takes.” I showed them the story of The Cajun Cornbread Boy illustrated by Marita Gentry and they made Cajun Cornbread Boy puppets.

3-23-11 Sharon cuts out The Cajun Cornbread Boy puppet after coloring him

I performed an excerpt of The Gigantic Sweet Potato and it was so much fun. Thanks, George and Judy (like the Jetsons? Where’s Jane?!). LOL

3-23-11 George and Judy help Dianne act out The Gigantic Sweet Potato

Then it was time to perform the hilarious Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. George Seamon, the NWKLS Library Consultant was Monsieur Roach. Sometime during the workshop, George landed the nickname, “Big Daddy Librarian.” All the librarians LOVED it and vowed to call him that from now on. Fortunately, George has a wonderful sense of humor and had fun with it. Look at how tall he is… he’s 6’4″! BIG DADDY LIBRARIAN!

3-23-11 Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach were once the best of friends...

I love the part of the story where all the roaches end up on the floor, dead, with their legs up! Too funny!

3-23-11 Monsieur Roach and all his roach buddies are legs up once Madame Poulet finds out the truth!

I ended the workshop with There’s a Dragon in the Library and the librarians loved the accordion dragon. Judy, you did such a great job! Judy, who had seen me last year at the Kansas Storytelling Festival, said to me, “Dianne, I am lucky that your bright comet flew through my Kansas sky twice!” Awww, Judy… You are sooo sweet!

3-23-11 Judy models her accordion dragon from There's a Dragon in the Library

After my workshop finished, George took me to Nebraska. Yes, I stepped foot in Nebraska and now I can say I’ve been there! LOL

3-23-11 Dianne de Las Casas visits Nebraska!

Then George took me to an adobe house at the local state park. The house, named “Lady of the Prairie,” was built in the 1890s. Since that time, it has been restored.

3-23-11 This adobe house was constructed in the 1890s

My day ended with another long drive to my final destination. I will tell you this. I have never seen so much open space! It’s breathtaking how the land just stretches for miles. I was told that in Kansas, there are more cows per capita than people! Funny little factoid. Here, in the plains, I felt the powerful Kansas winds. There were times I felt like I would be swept away like Dorothy!

The people of Kansas have been so kind and sweet. Thank you, NWKLS, for having me as your summer reading presenter this year. You have swept me off my feet with your hospitality! Here’s to “One World, Many Stories!”

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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St. Mary Parish PK Tour Day 5 – Friday, March 18, 2011

by dlcasas on March 18, 2011

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

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St. Mary Parish PK Tour Day 4 – Thursday, March 17, 2011

by dlcasas on March 18, 2011

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

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St. Mary Parish PK Tour Day 3 – Wednesday, March 16, 2011

by dlcasas on March 16, 2011

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

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St. Mary Parish PK Tour Day 2 – Tuesday, March 15, 2011

by dlcasas on March 15, 2011

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

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St. Mary Parish PK Tour Day 1 – Monday, March 14, 2011

by dlcasas on March 14, 2011

3-14-11 Dianne and some sweet teachers from Raintree Elementary

Friends:

Today was the first day of my author visit tour in St. Mary Parish, visiting PK and K classes throughout the parish. My first school was Raintree Elementary and the school greeted me with such hospitality! Ms. Vee hooked me up with water, a microphone, and anything else I needed. I was ready to go! I had two shows. The first show was for PK students. They were shy at first but I finally warmed them up and we had a grand time.

3-14-11 PK Students from Raintree Elementary help with Mama's Bayou

My second show was for kindergarten and they were such a lively, participatory group. I had fun riffing with them and making jokes.

3-14-11 Kindergarten students from Raintree help with Mama's Bayou

We had a terrific time with all my stories: Mama’s Bayou, illustrated by Holly Stone-Barker, The Cajun Cornbread Boy, and The Gigantic Sweet Potato, both illustrated by Marita Gentry. Afterward, I had lunch from a local eatery called Chick’s. Talk about delicious!

3-14-11 Hot sausage po-boy from Chick's. Mmmm!

My second school was LaGrange Elementary. Again, the hospitality was superb! Everyone was so helpful and accommodating, providing me with water, an easel, a table, a microphone, and even a Diet Coke! Boy, did I have a fun group of PK and K students!

3-14-11 Greetings from LaGrange Elementary!

My first story was Mama’s Bayou and members of the audience helped with the story, including Alecia, who filled in for a faulty easel by becoming a human easel! :)

3-14-11 Dianne's hostess, Alecia Rabalais from St. Mary Parish Schools Title 1 Department

My second story was The Cajun Cornbread Boy. The students loved the story and were so responsive and participatory in the refrain, “Run, cher, run, as fast as you can. You can’t catch me, I’m full of cayenne!”

3-14-11 Dianne plays a fierce fox in The Cajun Cornbread Boy at LaGrange Elementary

My final story was The Gigantic Sweet Potato and I had a blast performing this story. The teacher who played the part of Itty Bitty Lily Mouse was ADORABLE!

3-14-11 Performing The Gigantic Sweet Potato at LaGrange Elementary

A special thank you to Mr. Michael Moncriffe, Supervisor of Federal Programs, who came to observe the last show. I am honored to be in St. Mary Parish working with the Pre-K and K cuties. They are so much fun! Another GIGANTIC thank you to Alecia Rabalais, my hostess, who is as sweet as potato pie!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Missouri Summer Reading Workshop Tour – St. Louis, Friday, March 4, 2011

by dlcasas on March 4, 2011

3-4-11 Oh, baby! These librarians are truly stars!

Friends:

Oh my goodness! What a FANTABULOUS day!! I had the best time at St. Louis County Library on the fifth and final day of my Summer Reading Workshop Tour. I worked with such a fun, spirited group of librarians and boy, did we laugh full belly laughs!

3-4-11 St. Louis County Library participant creates a self-portrait from items in her purse

After opening with a creativity exercise in which workshop participants had to create a self-portrait using items from her purse, we began with draw and tell tales. First, I showed the St. Louis librarians how to do the story, “The Emperor’s Dragon” from Handmade Tales. Cool!

3-4-11 Jeanie draws The Emperor's Dragon from Handmade Tales

Next, I showed them a scroll story from Japan, paper Russian nesting dolls, towel folding, and a story called “Papa’s Teepee” that uses a coffee filter to create a snowflake. I never get tired of creating the “blizzard!” LOL

3-4-11 It's a snow blizzard of coffee filter snow flakes!

After a refreshment break, we worked on the story, “Bandana Man.” Look at how cute Mary-Carol is as the little old lady in the story!

3-4-11 Mary-Carol is a fine old lady in the story of Bandana Man from Handmade Tales

They learned a string story, “The Stubborn Turnip” and even mastered the string figures!

3-4-11 Youthful librarians create a string figure bowl and saucer in the story, The Stubborn Turnip, from Handmade Tales

They had lots of fun and even learned how to create a magic star with a single snip of the scissors!

3-4-11 Those St. Louis Librarians sure do reach for the stars!

During lunch, I was inspired by the lunch box that my food came in. I created a mini shadow puppet theater. Yes, I am so going to use this idea in the future!

3-4-11 During lunch, I created a shadow puppet theater out of my lunch box. Nia help me illuminate it from behind with a flashlight.

We began the second half of the workshop with Tangram Tales. After teaching the librarians how to cut a Tangram set without a pattern, I held the Invent-A-Tangram contest. Julie won with her adorable puppy dog!! I mean, look how precious this pooch is!

3-4-11 Joyous Julie wins the Invent-A-Tangram contest with her cute puppy dog! Way to go, girl!

Then we created a Tangram Story Theater. It was so lively, especially with my funky story chorus creating a hip hop beat! “Ungh, ungh, ungh, ungh!”

3-4-11 St. Louis Librarians rock the Tangram Story Theater, performing Tiger's Tale, Anansi's Stories

Then it was on to the “Picture Book Make and Takes” portion of my workshop. First, I showed them an excerpt of The Cajun Cornbread Boy and they made the spicy little puppets.

3-4-11 The Cajun Cornbread Boy is full of cayenne!

Then, with the help of Jennifer as Monsieur Roach, and her five roach buddies, we performed Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. They were AMAZING! Look at these roaches dead on the floor! LOLOLOL

3-4-11 Roaches dead on the floor in the story, Madame Paoulet and Monsieur Roach. HILARIOUS!

I ended the workshop with There’s a Dragon in the Library and it was wonderful showing them all the activities that went with the book such as the jumbo accordion dragon.

3-4-11 Jeanie, Mary-Carol and Jennifer stretch out their dragons in There's a Dragon in the Library!

It was an awesome day and I LOVED being in St. Louis. Thank you to the fabulous hostess with the mostest, Desiree, who took care of me all day long. Desiree, you were amazing and I love your energy and enthusiasm. Thank you and a BIG HUG to Naphtali Faris and Barbara from the State Library of Missouri. I had a phenomenal week and sooo appreciate the hospitality of the librarians across the marvelous state of Missouri.

Happy Tales to You!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Missouri Summer Reading Workshop – Cape Girardeau, Thursday, March 3, 2011

by dlcasas on March 3, 2011

3-3-11 The Youth Section of the library in Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Friends:

Today was Day 4 of my 5-day Summer Reading Workshop tour in the state of Missouri. Today I was in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, south of St. Louis. The workshop was hosted by the Cape Girardeau Public Library. It is a GORGEOUS library that is only about a year and a half old. I love the Youth section of the library. The entrance is pictured above.

The workshop began with a creativity exercise. Workshop participants created a self-portrait using items from their purses. I like this one!

3-3-11 Self-portrait created by a librarian with items from her purse. Love the hair!

We began with draw and tell tales. First, was “The Emperor’s Dragon” from my Handmade Tales book. Next, we did “Catching a Pest in 7 Steps.”

3-3-11 Catching a Pest in 7 Steps from Handmade Tales

After that, I taught them how to do the story, “Joseph Had a Little Overcoat.” It’s such a fun story and easy to tie into the 2011 summer reading theme, “One World, Many Stories.”

3-3-11 Joseph Had a Little Overcoat from Handmade Tales

Then I showed the librarians lots of great storytelling techniques from around the world: scroll tales from Asia, paper nesting dolls from Russia, towel folding to accompany a story from Denmark, and a cut and tell paper called “Papa’s Teepee.”

3-3-11 Librarians create a snow blizzard from coffee filter snowflakes

Then it was on to the ever popular “Bandana Man.” They had a good time folding their bandanas into babies!

3-3-11 These librarians just LOVE their bandana babies!

Teaching string stories can be challenging, especially when there is not a lot of time for instruction but these librarians did a marvelous job with the bowl and saucer from “The Stubborn Turnip,” a story from Russia in my Handmade Tales book.

3-3-11 Ah, sweet success! Bowl and saucer string figure from the story, The Stubborn Turnip in Handmade Tales

After lunch, we moved on to Tangram Tales. I taught them how to cut a Tangram without a pattern and then challenged them to Invent-a-Tangram. Here is the winner of the contest. Congratulations, Beth!

3-3-11 Beth wins the Invent-a-Tangram contest with her Dancing Girl. Too cute!

Then the librarians created a Tangram story theater with the story, “Tiger’s Tale, Anansi’s Stories.” It was adorable. They really got into their roles!

3-3-11 Performing the story, Tiger's Tale, Anansi's Stories from Tangram Tales

The last portion of the workshop focused on “Picture Book Make and Takes.” I showed them lots of activities that they could incorporate into their story times using my books. Look at Cajun Cornbread Boy!

3-3-11 Run, cher, run, as fast as you can. You can't catch me, I'm full of cayenne!

I loved performing Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach with them. We had a ball! Just look at these roaches partying and having a great time!

3-3-11 Monsieur Roach and his Rockin' Roach Buddies dance. While the chicken's away, the roaches will play!

They loved There’s a Dragon in the Library and all the accompanying activities. Dewey, the accordion dragon, is adorable!

3-3-11 Sarah makes the accordion dragon from There's a Dragon in the Library

It was another wonderful day in the state of Missouri. My last stop is in St. Louis, sister city to New Orleans on the Mighty Mississippi. Thank you to Sharon of the Cape Girardeau Public Library, who was the most gracious hostess ever! Loved the Cajun food at lunch time! Laissez les bon temps rouler! Let the good times roll!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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