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"Dianne de Las Casas mixes humor, high spirits, lively narration and a colorful setting to bring alive
the timeless tale of The Gingerbread Boy. When a lonely old woman decides to cook up a cornbread boy in her magic skillet, her
too-generous use of cayenne pepper in the batter brings about unexpected results and sets the stage for this droll, Cajun-spiced
retelling. The author mixes her storyteller's ear for concise, vivid description; rhythmic language; and exciting pacing, with
tasty dollops of humor, as she recounts the cornbread boy's meetings with various woodland creatures who want to gobble him up.
This delectable, delightful retelling is accompanied by lively, appealing watercolor illustrations by Marita Gentry that capture
the zest of the tale and the distinctive bayou setting."
— Robert D. San Souci, author of The Talking Eggs: A
Folktale from the American South and Little Pierre: A Cajun Story from the American South |
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"Dianne de Las Casas is storytelling phenom and a prolific author. She's a must have workshop
facilitator! I'm looking forward to bringing her back to SEMLS."
— Vickie Beene Beavers, South East Massachusetts
Library System |
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"Hello, Ms. Dianne. My children and I cannot stop talking about your visit to our library here in Gautier,
MS (Jackson-George Regional). We really, really enjoyed your show. As I said when you were here, I am a kindergarten assistant and
I love new ...and fresh ideas. YOU ARE AWESOME! I hope we will get to see you again. Keep up the great work!"
— Yolanda Chandler, Mississippi |
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"Dianne, you are so inspiring! I saw you at South Carolina Associations of School Librarians
conference and you were wonderful! My lessons since then have been rejuvenated!"
— Kim Riddle, South Carolina |
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"So, let me tell you that at our Storytelling Event last night as school, I told "The Stubborn
Turnip" and "Walter and Wilbur" or at least that's what I called them! :) My kids and parents loved them, and they
thought that I was the stuff because I could do the string tricks. Immediate success in less than a week...what more
could you ask? You are the BEST!"
— Kitt Lisenby, South Carolina |
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"Hi Dianne. I attended your presentation at South Carolina Association of School Librarians
on storytelling and it was TERRIFIC. I am definitely ordering your books this week."
— Matthew Strickland, South Carolina |
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"Dianne, I met you at the Mississippi Library Commission Conference. You are fabulous! I told
"Santa's Stuck" to our Christmas kids in Madison last night--they loved it! Thank you for making storytelling so much fun!
You are simply THE BEST!"
— Liz Turner, Mississippi |
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"I'm so glad Mississippi Library Commission was able to book you. Since I have seen you, I have
already used the quick settle down techniques. I've memorized half of them and they work wonderfully. I have also sung the
"funky chicken" song with 1st graders. They absolutely LOVED it!!! They had so much fun trying to name more animals for
the song."
— Mara Villa, Pearl Public Library |
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"Hi Dianne! I must tell you that my fourth-graders performed your Turkey Finds Home puppet play for
the first-graders this afternoon. They were amazing! We got such tremendous feedback. And to think that I only sent the
script home with the students yesterday to practice their lines and today spent most of the day creating puppets and rehearsing.
They did an outstanding job! Your script is so easy to produce and the message is uplifting and profound. Thanks for all your
inspiration! Have you thought of turning that story into a picture book?"
— Susan Coti, Washington, D.C. |
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"Hi, I attended your workshop at New Jersey Association of School Librarians. Great!! I can't wait to use some of your ideas. Thanks for a great ending to the conference!"
— Barbara Plikaitis, New Jersey |
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"I look forward to receiving your Story Connection newsletters. I share your stories with all of my
friends. My grandchildren especially enjoy hearing your latest story as I retell it in the car on our way to school. Keep it up!"
— Cyndy Pruski, Guam |
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"What fun we had this summer with our programs. Thanks for being part of it and adding your special
storytelling magic to the mix!! I love the spoon puppets in your newsletter today. We're planning to use the idea tomorrow
for our last program of the season. Good job, Dianne!!” "
— Kitty Wood, Iberville Parish Library, Louisiana |
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"Listeners looking for a revved-up storytelling session will find one here, as de Las Casas infuses a
selection of favorite folktales with 'rhythm, rhyme and rap.' ...audiences will surely be enthused by these entertaining
retellings, which exploit de Las Casas' pleasant style and incorporate many crowd-pleasing elements."
– Publisher's Weekly (review of Jump, Jiggle & Jam)
Click Here to Read the Full Article |
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"Award-winning storyteller Dianne de Las Casas has given familiar folktales a modern twist by remixing
them with rhythm, rap, and rhyme. Energetic and commanding, de Las Casas convincingly performs these tales, repeating rapping
refrains and encouraging listeners to join in."
– School Library Journal (review of Jump, Jiggle & Jam)
Click Here to Read the Full Article |
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“De Las Casas' commanding voice, unique characterizations, emotive vocalizations, and creative
methods of reaching out to her audience are most engaging. Chants, songs, and realistic sound effects that can
be repeated provide active participation in the stories.”
– ALA Booklist
Click Here to Read the Full Article |
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“Dianne de Las Casas narrates with a clear and sincere voice. Refrains, songs, and sound effects
embellish her storytelling.” – AudioFile Magazine
Click Here to Read Full Article |
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World Fiesta Selected “Audio of the Week” May 2005
- School Library Journal
Click Here to Read Full Article |
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"Dianne de Las Casas has cooked up a delightful dish of folktales. This is a welcome
addition to units of Louisiana study as it truly captures the flavor of the area." (review of Jambalaya CD)
- School Library Journal
Click Here to Read the Full Article |
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"Storytelling fans will likely enjoy this pleasant new voice."
- Publisher's Weekly
Click Here to Read the Full Article |
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"School children across Louisiana know her simply as 'the story lady.' In over 200 performances
a year, Dianne de Las Casas brings to life characters kids fall in love with, entertaining and educating them on
various cultures at the same time."
- Biz New Orleans Magazine
Click Here to Read the Full Article |
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“If Dianne de Las Casas were a kid, you’d be tempted to call her hyperactive.
Because she’s an adult, it’s best to characterize her as indefatigable. How else to describe
someone who publishes three monthly email newsletters, maintains several websites, coordinates
an artists’ network, directs the children’s show Story Ballet Magic, raises a teen and a
preschooler, and tells stories to more than 50,000 children a year? Since becoming a professional
storyteller in 1996, de Las Casas has been redefining the role of children’s artist within both
the city and the state.”
- Gambit Weekly, Louisiana’s largest weekly newspaper
(Selected as 2003 “40 Under 40”) |
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“Dianne de Las Casas came to my classroom to do storytelling
with my students. She had quite a variety of interesting activities planned. The
children enjoyed the dramatic role-playing with scarves. They also loved the
idea of performing a play which Ms. de Las Casas adapted for the students.
She stated her rules and expectations at the beginning of the lesson,
which created a positive environment. Even students who struggle with
reading were excited about having a part to perform. They all left
feeling good about themselves. We would love to have Ms. de Las Casas
return to Bissonet to continue working with our students.”
- Betty Frechette, Second Grade Teacher;
Bissonet Plaza Elementary; Metairie, LA |
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“I learned some new stories. What I enjoyed most during the
program was the first story about the two girls, the mom and the old lady. I
enjoyed it all. I recommend that it lasts longer and Dianne de Las Casas comes back.”
- 5th Grade Student Evaluation;
Freshwater Elementary; Denham Springs, LA |
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“It is quite evident the love you share with your audience.
We just loved your performance and hope that we are blessed to have you return
soon. Thank you again for bringing smiles and laughter to young children.”
- Susan Hummel, Kindergarten Teacher;
Ascension of Our Lord School; LaPlace, LA |
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“I was thrilled to see the attentiveness and enthusiasm of the
students as Dianne de Las Casas performed. With over 300 children listening to each
performance, the students were completely enthralled with her ghost stories. Dianne
was a joy to work with; she is truly a professional. I would highly recommend Dianne
de Las Casas for anyone who enjoys outstanding storytelling.”
- Vee Duensing, Adult/Youth Services Coordinator;
St. Bernard Parish Library (school tour sponsored by the library) |
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“Wow! is all that we can say! Every year, your programs are more
amazing than the year before!”
- Angela LeBlanc, Library Associate;
North Kenner Library, Kenner, LA |
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“The manner in which the children participated throughout the
program impressed me greatly. You brought the stories to life. The children related to
the stories and truly enjoyed listening and sharing in the telling of the stories.”
- Lucille Marabella, Children’s Librarian;
Bossier Parish Libraries; Benton, LA |
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“I have been nothing but impressed with Dianne’s professionalism.
She is efficient, dependable, and an absolute pleasure to work with.”
- Marion Hodges, former Program Manager;
Louisiana Children’s Museum; New Orleans, LA |
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“The students, as well as the teachers, enjoyed your stories.
Everyone was so impressed with your showmanship and your relationship to your
audience. Hope to see you again.”
- Gina Ello, Special Education Teacher;
Live Oak Manor Elementary; Waggaman, LA |
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“Your program was very professional and entertaining - just superb!”
- Martha Jordan, Children’s Services Coordinator;
Ouachita Parish Public Libraries; Monroe, LA |
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“I loved your show, it was fun! I especially loved Ananzie and
Brother Tertle. You are right, storys are magic.” [sic]
- Summer Reading Program participant;
Kentwood Library; Kentwood, LA |
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