Both of my daughters had shelves full of beloved books. We all bonded over the shared experience of reading picture books. Both Soleil and I loved cuddling up with Eliana to read her a good book. So I made a trip to the book store and bought one of our favorite picture books, Wild About Books, by Judy Sierra and illustrated by Marc Brown.
Being self-employed, I had lost all my income because of Katrina so money was tight. I’m not one to ask for charity but my daughters needed books! I began a letter writing campaign and wrote to our favorite authors. The Dot by Peter Reynolds, an amazing book about creativity, was a favorite book for all three of us. When I wrote to Peter Reynolds, he responded immediately with signed copies of The Dot and Ish.
In those days and months that followed the aftermath of Katrina, those books became our refuge. We were wild about books and, just like Vashti in The Dot, I urged my daughters to overcome life’s obstacles and make their marks upon the world.
Eventually, we rebuilt. Not only are we storm survivors, we are thrivers! Soleil is a senior at LSU now, finishing her degree in graphic design and illustration. She is preparing for a career as a children’s book author and illustrator, and already has four book credits. Eliana is 11 years old and has become a celebrity kid chef. She is now working on her second cookbook. In the six years since Katrina, I have 18 published books – 10 books for educators and 8 picture books.
I later met Marc Brown and told him our Katrina story. He is such a caring man that he teared up and hugged me as I cried. Peter Reynolds is now a friend and my girls rejoice every time they see one of his books. My daughters and I have definitely made our marks upon the world, and I firmly believe that the enduring message of our beloved picture books helped pave the way.
November is Picture Book Month! Read * Share * Celebrate!
Dianne de Las Casas is an award-winning author of 18 books, a professonal storyteller, and founder of the international literacy initiative, Picture Book Month. She tours worldwide presenting revved-up author visit/storytelling programs, lively educator/librarian training, fun workshops, and inspiring artist residencies. Her children’s books include The Cajun Cornbread Boy, Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach, Mama’s Bayou, The Gigantic Sweet Potato, There’s a Dragon in the Library, The House That Witchy Built, and Blue Frog: The Legend of Chocolate. www.storyconnection.net www.picturebookmonth.com Twitter – @storyconnection
*Note* The above blog post is a guest blog from our friend Dianne, an award-winning children’s book author. This content does not necessarily reflect the views of Better World Books (as our lawyers make sure we say). We love having guest bloggers and invite you to email [email protected] if you are interested in covering a book or topic on the BWB Blog. Thank you, Dianne! Happy Picture Book Month!
