Aleksandra Tryniecka’s “Bunky and the Walms” won five (5) BREW Book Awards recently. This is the second BREW review in a series. Every day can be Christmas with this award-winning book.
Review
Christmas is the season of magic and joy. We all look forward to it with a hopeful heart. It is the season of giving and receiving kindness.
In Aleksandra Tryniecka’s “Bunky and the Walms: The Christmas Story,” Bunky Hippo of Walmland was incredibly excited for Christmas. It all started on an auspicious note when Aunt and Uncle Walm got him a beautiful present. Christmas heralded the arrival of his cousin, Rodney. Moreover, Bunky had tried his best to be nice throughout the year so that his place was assured on Santa’s nice list. Though he had become grumpy at times, he gave his all to overcome his surliness and be kind. He was hoping with all his might that Santa would bring him the skating boots of his dreams. However, things didn’t go as planned. There had been a mixup.
What could go wrong? Was Santa in trouble? Would Bunky be able to save Christmas? Would Christmas bring magic and joy to the inhabitants of Walmland?
Tryniecka draws dynamic and relatable characters. Bunky Hippo’s creative bent of mind makes him a unique character. He is bent on calling the mice in his living room “Mouses”. His kindness towards them is admirable. He does not want to grow up fast like most other children. His aunt and uncle make allowances for his unique nature. Bunky is a writer as well. He writes a novel and dreams of meeting the Bunky Princess in real life. Only Rodney knows his secret. Rodney is a delightful character. Anyone would be fortunate to have him as a cousin and friend. I like how Bunky and Rodney meet Plum. This meeting shows the importance of kindness.
The author depicts a Santa Claus who is very much human. Mr. and Mrs. Claus are just like any other loving couple. They bicker yet are deeply in love. The similarities between Mr. and Mrs. Claus and Mr. and Mrs. Walm are uncanny. It was a treat to see a Santa Claus with whom we can relate. However, Santa is not without magic. Also, I like the way Tryniecka painted a domestic picture of the North Pole. The elves, Merino and Shetland, and the reindeer led by Rudolf made me want to be a part of Santa’s entourage.
Aunt and Uncle Walm, Uncle Bill and Aunt Barbara, Sir Williams, Mr. Meow, Mr. Elk, Mrs. Amalia, and Rosalia are all realistic characters. I especially liked Mrs. Amalia. Though she was there for only a short portion of the book, her presence made an impact. Also, I adored the way the author depicted a picture of everlasting love among all the couples. Mr. Walm was a dependable husband who was always there for his wife. Aunt Barbara always trusted Uncle Bill. Mrs. Claus took care of all of Santa’s needs.
Aleksandra Tryniecka is a brilliant author. She uses words to create images in the reader’s mind. Her writing style is lyrical and imaginative. I loved reading the descriptions of the Milky Way and the North Pole. Walmland is indeed a magical place.
“Bunky and the Walms: The Christmas Story” is truly infused with the spirit of Christmas. Aleksandra Tryniecka creates an enthralling world where anything is possible only if one believes. She shows that we can make the impossible possible only if we believe with a true heart. Manifesting is really a possibility in her book. She underscores the importance of remaining a child at heart to truly enjoy life. Uncle Bill personifies the value of maintaining childlike innocence. Tyniecka portrays that whatever happens, happens for the best. We should all accept things with a happy heart even if things do not go our way. Myriad lessons like these are peppered throughout the book. However, Tyniecka ensures that this does not make the book preachy by making sure that the values are interspersed with the flow of the plot in a fun manner.
The best part of the book is the omniscient voice of the author. This truly sets the book apart. Tyniecka pops in between the story and informs important tidbits to the reader. She also cautions the reader about doing things that can be deemed dangerous. Tyniecka includes footnotes giving the meaning of words that can be a tad difficult. This is a great way to improve one’s vocabulary. The author is also a wonderful illustrator. The drawings included in the book are adorable. They add a humorous element to the book.
All this makes “Bunky and the Walms: The Christmas Story” a perfect read for children. Adults who are still a child at heart would love the book as well. The book is a treat for anyone who adores Christmas. I will be happy to award it 5 out of 5 stars.
KSP, 25 March 2022
Book Details
- Title: Bunky and the Walms: The Christmas Story
- Author: Aleksandra Tryniecka
- Genre: Fiction (Children’s Christmas Book)
- Topics: Christmas, the quest of the main character, magic, loyalty, nobility, courage, goodness, dreams, writing, literary world
- Publication Date: 8 October 2021 by Resource Publications
- ISBN-10 : 1666718653
- ISBN-13 : 978-1666718652
- Minimum Audience Age: 2
Book Themes
(Note: 0=none, 1=a few, 2=considerable, 3=pronounced, 4=excessive)
- Sexual themes: 0
- Religious themes: 0
- Violence, self-harm, etc.: 0
- Crude language, expletives, swearing, etc.: 0
- Other adult themes: 0
Rating
- Content: 5 stars
- Writing Style: 5 stars
- Appeal to Target Audience: 5 stars
- Uniqueness: 5 stars
- Editing: 5 stars
- Other factors: 5 stars
- Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
Know more about the book via https://thechrysalisbrewproject.com/2021/12/11/featured-book-bunky-and-the-walms-the-christmas-story-by-aleksandra-tryniecka/.
View “Bunky and the Walms” on Amazon.com
View “Bunky and the Walms” on Amazon.com.au
Through your review, I can see in my mind the author taking the reader by the hand and guiding them across unfamiliar words, and cautioning them against dangerous things. It is, in my opinion, one of the best assets of this book. And I didn’t know she was the illustrator too! So much talent!
Thank you for your enthusiastic review!