Matt Forrest Esenwine posted: " I'd like to thank everyone for their kind words in response to last week's Poetry Friday post about my autism diagnosis. As I said, I'm not sure there's a whole lot I can do, necessarily, but I'm glad to know that at least there's a reason why I've alway" Radio, Rhythm & Rhyme
I'd like to thank everyone for their kind words in response to last week's Poetry Friday post about my autism diagnosis. As I said, I'm not sure there's a whole lot I can do, necessarily, but I'm glad to know that at least there's a reason why I've always felt like an oddball!
This week, I'm doing a 180-degree turn and focusing my attention on foster pets - specifically, rats.
We have 6 dogs and 4 cats here at the house - nearly all rescues - and we also have a couple of foster dogs. But it occurred to me the other day, what about all the other shelter animals, like birds and rabbits and turtles? Everyone talks about adopting dogs and cats, but there is a huge variety of pets awaiting adoption and I thought perhaps I should highlight one of them.
My ex-wife loved mice, but since they are very short-lived, she began having rats for pets - and they were truly cute, loveable little creatures. So I thought, why not a poem about one of them? .
"Maybe?"
I know what you're thinking. You probably doubt adopting a critter like me will work out.
You've heard all the stories, you've read all the books; a rat as a pet will get you strange looks.
But I'm just like you: I'm clean and I'm smart! I can be a good friend. I have a good heart.
I'll curl in your lap or up on your shoulder; or deep in your arms when the weather gets colder.
An apple, a bean, a piece of dry toast – those are the treats I treasure the most!
So give me a chance. Do you think that you might? I'd love to come play – and promise I won't bite.
For more poetry, visit Tracey Kiff-Judson's Tangles & Tails for today's complete Poetry Friday roundup and a "token" of her appreciation for the game of Monopoly!
I will once again be sharing my books with classrooms across the country on World Read Aloud Day - Wed., Feb. 7, 2024 - and I still have a few timeslots available! If you'd be interested in having me join your students, or know a teacher who might, please let me know by emailing me at matt(at)mattforrest.(dot)com. (Check out that huge graphic below to get an idea of what oen of my virtual visits is like!)
~~ SCHOOL VISITS still available! ~~
I'm booking author visits for the 2024 spring semester and still have a few dates available. If you think your school might be interested in having me visit, check out all the presentations I offer, then email me at Matt (at) MattForrest (dot) com!
I love chatting with elementary and middle school classes about writing: why poetry is fun to read and write, the importance of revision, and how imagination and creativity can lead to fantastic careers! My presentations are tailored to fit the needs of the classes and students' ages. One day I might be sharing details of how a picture book like Flashlight Night (Astra Young Readers, 2017) was created; the next, I'll be discussing dinosaur breath or crafting origami sea turtles!
If you or someone you know might be interested in having me visit your school, library,or other organization, please email me at matt(at)mattforrest(dot)com!
Ordering personalized signed copies online? Oh, yes, you can!
You can purchase personally-signed copies of Flashlight Night, (Astra Young Readers, 2017), Don't Ask a Dinosaur (Pow! Kids Books, 2018), and nearly EVERY book or anthology I've been part of!
Just click the cover of whichever book you want and send a comment to the good folks at MainStreet BookEnds in Warner, NH requesting my signature and to whom I should make it out. (alternatively, you can log onto my website and do the same thing) They'll contact me, I'll stop by and sign it, and then they'll ship it! (Plus, you'll be supporting your local bookseller – and won't that make you feel good?)
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