Once I discovered how much fun the giving was, I tend to indulge myself, selfishly in some ways, but so far nobody has ever complained!

This year I gave friends and family books, in many cases my own book, as well as Steps Across the Water, by Adam Gopnik and illustrated by Bruce McCall, and, A Kingdom Far and Clear, by Mark Helprin with illustrations by Chris Van Allsburg.  Through the kindness of Peter Glassman of Books of Wonder, the amazing children’s book store in New York, these were signed and inscribed, making them special. I will never forget the thrill I felt when I along with my siblings recieved from my parents our own copies of Ludwig Bemelmans’ Parsley, signed to me.

It was knowing the author and illustrator had touched this copy and made it mine that was exciting. Books were always in our lives because both parents read extensively and read to us at bedtime, so we quickly learned  how vast and full the world was out there, and that books were the doorways to it all.

Part of the joy I find when I am doing readings is that kids today are still very keen on books, they love to be read to, and they jump at the chance to dig into their own imaginations to see what they can find.

So, Christmas is always full of books, among other things, and I try to do my share of spreading the word(s)!

The Steps Across the Water by Adam Gopnik and illustrated by Bruce McCall

Parsley

A Kingdom Clear and Far, by Mark Helprin and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg

On Nov 17 and 18 as part of the Miami Book Fair International, I went to 4 local area schools, to read some poems and talk about what poetry is. Then on the 19th, on to the fair for a big reading.  It was a joyful three days.

At Carlos J. Finlay Elementary in Miami, I read some of my poems and then answer good quesitons and discuss ideas on writing.

I am surrounded by a smart group of students!

At the Fair, I did a reading and discussion of my books and the world of poetry to about 200 school kids.

Meanwhile, please check out my Facebook page at facebook.com/robertlforbes to see updates and photo albums of travels and events these past months with the launch of LET’S HAVE A BITE!, my second book of rhymed poetry. Some great book fairs and schools and libraries along the way. More to come, so stay tuned.  And be sure to send me some of your poems for posting on my site!

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.

Many Happy Birthdays
You’ve had ‘tween now and then.
So here’s a gleeful cheer to you
I raise a cheerful glass to you –
For another’s come round again.

Good we made it out as things got sticky, students angry at retiring at 62 instead of 60. Hmmm. On to Milan for more biz, 20 Anniversary cocktail party for ForbesLife, where I will give copies of Bite! to everyone.