Bob Forbes children's author
Allow me to introduce my new book, BEAST FRIENDS FOREVER! ANIMAL LOVERS IN RHYME, a collection of poems about some quirky, unexpected and lovable imaginary friends. Ronald Searle, who did the drawings for my first two book of poems, LET’S HAVE A BITE! A BANQUET OF BEASTLY RHYMES and BEASTLY FEASTS! A MISCHIEVOUS MENAGERIE IN RHYME, is back with me and at the top of his form, with dazzling details and colors. Plus, in each picture is a mouse to be found, a delightful way to get the youngsters (and the young in spirit) involved.
These are rhymed read-aloud poems, the sort my mom used to read to me and my siblings. This book is about imagination, language, and the joy and wonder of life. I hope you’ll agree it’s ideal for young readers who are ready for the fun and stimulation poetry can bring.
I’ll be traveling to a number of book fairs, and I am setting up book signings as well. I really enjoy going to read at libraries and schools, which I did a lot with my first book.
Kirkus Review likes LET’S HAVE A BITE! This is some of what they said about it:
Thirty-three poems about antic animals, matched with equally madcap illustrations. Bunny, emu, seal, crocodile, dingo, octopus and vole are among the other subjects. Searle’s accompanying pictures show most of the animals in action; impish details and busy backgrounds suggest Gahan Wilson or Quentin Blake… there are several excellent selections in this generous compendium. (Picture book. 4-8)
My favorite is plain tomato soup
Without the cream or cheesy goop.
It puts me in a happy daze,
But others grab me in their ways.
I can’t resist a smooth gazpacho
Sportingly spicy but not over-macho.
A winter-time thick, slow-cooked split-pea
With smoky ham-chunks comforts me.
A chef’s kiss is consommé,
Rich and clear – the proper way.
Billi-bi’s creamy reduction
Of mussels is sublime seduction.
Chicken soup invokes warm family,
So ladle fully when you serve me.
A fishy, broth-y bouillabaisse
I slurp in time to the Marseillaise.
An Asian galangal is fiery silk,
Infused with lemongrass and cocoanut milk.
New England clam chowder plus a spoon
Soon induces a snoozey swoon.
I love them all at the dinner bell,
But only one gets my soup Nobel,
For in the end, I’m still most keen
On plain tomato soup in my tureen.
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