A Quirky Christmas
Buy at Amazon or order from your favorite book store.
_ I’m not sure how Quirky became a character. I am not on the best of terms with my yard squirrels in that I resent their regularly stripping my bird feeders. However this is something amusingly quirky about their behavior. One day after taking 90 some photos of squirrels I decided to write a story featuring squirrels. Like most of my books this idea percolated for awhile and one day it came pouring out. After I type up a story, I let it sit a day or two and then reread and correct ad nauseum. Finally I pass it on to my editor who finds all my mistakes and sends it back to me to fix. Once that process is complete I find an illustrator.
Boy I wish I was smart enough to do it that way. I got an illustrator involved before I had my final draft of the story and that complicated matters. I learned from that lesson.
The motive for the story is It is easy to like people who are act and behave just like we do. It is harder to like people who behave differently and who we see as being selfish. A real friend is someone who accepts the way you are, who helps you when you are in need, who accepts that there are some days you may be grumpy and selfish. A real friend sees the good that lies within you.
In this story, Quirky shows the meaning of friendship. Quirky demonstrates kindness and understanding to someone who seems preoccupied with himself and his things. Quirky and his friends show that even squirrels understand the Christmas season is a wonderful time to show kindness to others.
Now a little background on Quirky, Quirky is a squirrel. His real name is Earl but Quirky always thought Earl the Squirrel sounded, well Quirky. Quirky’s nickname is due to both his unique appearance and his many personal characteristics that are un-squirrely. Quirky is a gray squirrel. Gray squirrels come in many colors. Shades of gray are the most common followed by shades of brown. Quirky is the normal gray and brown color of most squirrels but he also has a very distinct red tail. He got the red tail from his grandfather who was a red squirrel.
Squirrels in general are mischievous and not overly social with anyone outside of the squirrel family. Quirky is certainly mischievous but he has never met a stranger. Quirky tries to make friends with everyone. Even animals that look at squirrels as food!
As an example, one of Quirky’s best friends is Tiny, a 240 pound, telepathic dog. Tiny is a good friend to have when the world is full of cats, foxes, hawks and other predators who think that squirrels are tasty.
Quirky’s friend Art is tasteful but certainly not tasty. Mittens, the cat, says that he heard that the fox that made Stubby, well stubby, thought Stubby’s tail was quite tasty.
Quirky does his best to make the world he lives in a better place by being friendly and helping other.
This story focuses on how Quirky and his friends help Reggie the Squirrel discover the meaning of friendship, sharing and the beauty of Christmas.
On Sale at Amazon and available for order at any bookstore.
ISBN-13: 978-1456474379
ISBN-10: 1456474375 ASIN: B00A86209K
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Love thy neighbor (or in this case, squirrel) as thyself~, September 24, 2011 By Janie
Bill Bentrim has once again put a grin on my face & a sigh of relief in my heart with "A Quirky Christmas: A Tale of Christmas Spirit". A sigh of relief because this sweet tale reminds us that unconditional kindness and respect for each other still harbor in our hearts. For Reggie, it just took a bit longer to find that light.
This selection has a timeless message with a whimsical twist... squirrels! Jan Button's illustrations are captivating. I actually felt as if I could reach out and touch a soft, feathery tail~ ...well, except for Stubby's, that is! Children of all ages will be drawn to the interactions of the characters, as well as, the lovely artwork.
"A Quirky Christmas: A Tale of Christmas Spirit" will be a favorite read for my grand-daughter Annabelle and me for years to come! Thanks again, Mr. Bentrim~
Janie Nagy
(Former 5th grade student of William Bentrim)
5.0 out of 5 stars Make a Christmas memory, September 7, 2011 By Katie Bridges
What could be cuter than having a bunch of adorable squirrels remind us that kindness can melt the stoniest heart and make friends out of the unlikeliest of fellows? In this charming Christmas tale, we are taken into a neighborhood of squirrels and allowed a glimpse of the world through their eyes. Humans are not referred to as people. They are giants. Collecting nuts is not a pastime. It's a calling. There is much to be learned from this friendly group of squirrels, especially when one of them refuses to be friendly.
The level of suspense is perfectly aimed at the interests of young children. They will want to know what happens next when the squirrels awaken one snowy day to a strange sound. Something unusual is happening in the neighborhood. What could it be?
With a delicate mix of colors, a warm ending, and a sprinkling of humor that is sure to elicit giggles, Bentrim brings us a Christmas story that touches the heart. Nicely done.
5.0 out of 5 stars A Story to be read over and over, August 29, 2011 By Lory S. Kaufman "lorylory" (Kingston, Ontario, Canada)
This is the type of book that you can read to your child or grandchild over and over again. It's a sweet story that shows how to respond to friends who have an attitude. It also shows how to teach from example and not be judgemental while doing it. Wow, I can't believe I got that from Mr. Bentrim's story, because he never says that. He shows it all through the actions of his charming characters.
I very much like the illustrations too. Jan Button's artwork gives the small reader something to point at and delve into, including the cat-shortened tail of one of the characters.
Very well done.
5.0 out of 5 stars A Quirky Christmas, August 7, 2011 By L. Brandau
A Quirky Christmas is a sweet story about what it means to be a true friend. The story revolves around Quirkey and his friends and their relationship with Reggie. Reggie is one of those squirrels that is selfish and difficult. The story shows the proper attitude toward those who are difficult and how important it is to show a good attitude when someone is in need. This is an important message for children to learn and one that is a good reminder for their parents.
I am not sure what the age range is, but it is a fine read-to book for small children and older children can read it for themselves. You will enjoy meeting Quirky and all of his friends
Greg Smith "Thomas & Mercer Author" (Delaware, United States)
Coming off one of the biggest heat waves in recent memory, it was a pleasure to read an early copy of William Bentrim's latest work, "A Quirky Christmas" complete with snowy illustrations.
This children's story centers on the activities of a Quirky, a unique gray squirrel (with a red tail, from his grandmother's side.)
Quirky and his friends prepare for the winter and are spurned by Reggie, an arrogant peer who refuses to share his good fortune with the others.
When his tree is cut down for a Christmas tree, he's forced to turn to the squirrels he deems beneath him yet Quirky and his friends extend their paws in friendship and see the homeless squirrel through the winter.
Reggie warms to their hospitality and come spring will turn a new leaf of his own.
-Greg Smith, Author
Final Price, A Noble Cause
5.0 out of 5 stars A good message wrapped up in warm fuzzies for holidays!, July 29, 2011 By Lisa A. Maddock "Author of A Tale of Two Guinnea Pigs
Three things; 1. I love a story for kids with a good message and this story has one. 2. I am a big fan of animal stories, of course, and have a special place in my heart (and at my bird feeders) for squirrels. What's not to like about Quirky and his furry pals? 3. A Christmas story, warm fuzzies, sharing... I liked the book, loved the illustrations. Check it out for the special little ones in your life!
4.0 out of 5 stars A Quirky Christmas Review, July 28, 2011 By PandemoniumPizza
A Quirky Christmas is a neat little story about four squirrels and how three of them are friends but the fourth one is a bit mean to the others. I enjoyed the story of A Quirky Christmas. It was a nice simple story line that young children could follow quite easily. It's a really nice and sweet story too. There is also a hidden message about sharing within the story. The story teaches that even though someone is mean or rude it is a good idea to be nice and share with them when they need it.
I love the illustrations. They're really pretty and I spent quite a few seconds looking over each illustration. The illustrations just add that extra element to the book that makes it all the more enjoyable.
Overall, A Quirky Christmas is a really neat picture book about squirrels and sharing. It's well worth a read.
4.0 out of 5 stars Delightful tale of quirkiness and kindness., July 28, 2011 By Sarah Butland "Thanks for reading, Sarah Butland"
Quirky Christmas is now available at an online store near you (aren't they all) very soon but I had the honour of reading an advanced copy of this delightful tale perfect for a coming Christmas.
The characters are delightful as we meet the squirrel named Earl who goes by Quirky because of his unique appearance and many personal characteristics. Quirky is a nickname very suitable for this crazy creature who proves he's not just quirky, he's caring. We also meet his friends, Stubby and Art who are also kind of strange in their own ways but all equally wonderful. We also meet Reggie - the typical bully in the neighbourhood who refuses to share.
A very effective story written in a heart-warming way which teaches readers how to overcome obstacles and make friends despite first impressions.
The illustrations are drawn and simple but effective and eye-catching. Make sure Quirky Christmas is something your children unwrap soon so that you can treasure literacy, a good story and heart warming tale for years to come.
Thank you for reading,
Sarah Butland
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect page turner for the young reader., July 28, 2011 By annie frame (uk)
Well deserving 5 stars for William G. Bentrim! A Quirky Christmas is a must for all parents shopping basket. The story offers a beautiful connection for the young reader to embrace....a connection with the animal kingdom. The tale has everything and more, fabulous furry friends with various personalities and illustrations too! Each page gives food for thought to a young mind and lets them know it's good to be kind with a warm heart. This is a book that a child will want to read again and again without a doubt.
Annie Frame. Author of Imprint and TQR.
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Adorable, July 27, 2011 By Guinea Girl
This was a very, very sweet book with a great lesson: be kind to others even if they aren't kind to you. That is how to be a true friend. The illustrations were adorable! It's a wonderful book that will warm your heart for the holidays!
Boy I wish I was smart enough to do it that way. I got an illustrator involved before I had my final draft of the story and that complicated matters. I learned from that lesson.
The motive for the story is It is easy to like people who are act and behave just like we do. It is harder to like people who behave differently and who we see as being selfish. A real friend is someone who accepts the way you are, who helps you when you are in need, who accepts that there are some days you may be grumpy and selfish. A real friend sees the good that lies within you.
In this story, Quirky shows the meaning of friendship. Quirky demonstrates kindness and understanding to someone who seems preoccupied with himself and his things. Quirky and his friends show that even squirrels understand the Christmas season is a wonderful time to show kindness to others.
Now a little background on Quirky, Quirky is a squirrel. His real name is Earl but Quirky always thought Earl the Squirrel sounded, well Quirky. Quirky’s nickname is due to both his unique appearance and his many personal characteristics that are un-squirrely. Quirky is a gray squirrel. Gray squirrels come in many colors. Shades of gray are the most common followed by shades of brown. Quirky is the normal gray and brown color of most squirrels but he also has a very distinct red tail. He got the red tail from his grandfather who was a red squirrel.
Squirrels in general are mischievous and not overly social with anyone outside of the squirrel family. Quirky is certainly mischievous but he has never met a stranger. Quirky tries to make friends with everyone. Even animals that look at squirrels as food!
As an example, one of Quirky’s best friends is Tiny, a 240 pound, telepathic dog. Tiny is a good friend to have when the world is full of cats, foxes, hawks and other predators who think that squirrels are tasty.
Quirky’s friend Art is tasteful but certainly not tasty. Mittens, the cat, says that he heard that the fox that made Stubby, well stubby, thought Stubby’s tail was quite tasty.
Quirky does his best to make the world he lives in a better place by being friendly and helping other.
This story focuses on how Quirky and his friends help Reggie the Squirrel discover the meaning of friendship, sharing and the beauty of Christmas.
On Sale at Amazon and available for order at any bookstore.
ISBN-13: 978-1456474379
ISBN-10: 1456474375 ASIN: B00A86209K
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Love thy neighbor (or in this case, squirrel) as thyself~, September 24, 2011 By Janie
Bill Bentrim has once again put a grin on my face & a sigh of relief in my heart with "A Quirky Christmas: A Tale of Christmas Spirit". A sigh of relief because this sweet tale reminds us that unconditional kindness and respect for each other still harbor in our hearts. For Reggie, it just took a bit longer to find that light.
This selection has a timeless message with a whimsical twist... squirrels! Jan Button's illustrations are captivating. I actually felt as if I could reach out and touch a soft, feathery tail~ ...well, except for Stubby's, that is! Children of all ages will be drawn to the interactions of the characters, as well as, the lovely artwork.
"A Quirky Christmas: A Tale of Christmas Spirit" will be a favorite read for my grand-daughter Annabelle and me for years to come! Thanks again, Mr. Bentrim~
Janie Nagy
(Former 5th grade student of William Bentrim)
5.0 out of 5 stars Make a Christmas memory, September 7, 2011 By Katie Bridges
What could be cuter than having a bunch of adorable squirrels remind us that kindness can melt the stoniest heart and make friends out of the unlikeliest of fellows? In this charming Christmas tale, we are taken into a neighborhood of squirrels and allowed a glimpse of the world through their eyes. Humans are not referred to as people. They are giants. Collecting nuts is not a pastime. It's a calling. There is much to be learned from this friendly group of squirrels, especially when one of them refuses to be friendly.
The level of suspense is perfectly aimed at the interests of young children. They will want to know what happens next when the squirrels awaken one snowy day to a strange sound. Something unusual is happening in the neighborhood. What could it be?
With a delicate mix of colors, a warm ending, and a sprinkling of humor that is sure to elicit giggles, Bentrim brings us a Christmas story that touches the heart. Nicely done.
5.0 out of 5 stars A Story to be read over and over, August 29, 2011 By Lory S. Kaufman "lorylory" (Kingston, Ontario, Canada)
This is the type of book that you can read to your child or grandchild over and over again. It's a sweet story that shows how to respond to friends who have an attitude. It also shows how to teach from example and not be judgemental while doing it. Wow, I can't believe I got that from Mr. Bentrim's story, because he never says that. He shows it all through the actions of his charming characters.
I very much like the illustrations too. Jan Button's artwork gives the small reader something to point at and delve into, including the cat-shortened tail of one of the characters.
Very well done.
5.0 out of 5 stars A Quirky Christmas, August 7, 2011 By L. Brandau
A Quirky Christmas is a sweet story about what it means to be a true friend. The story revolves around Quirkey and his friends and their relationship with Reggie. Reggie is one of those squirrels that is selfish and difficult. The story shows the proper attitude toward those who are difficult and how important it is to show a good attitude when someone is in need. This is an important message for children to learn and one that is a good reminder for their parents.
I am not sure what the age range is, but it is a fine read-to book for small children and older children can read it for themselves. You will enjoy meeting Quirky and all of his friends
Greg Smith "Thomas & Mercer Author" (Delaware, United States)
Coming off one of the biggest heat waves in recent memory, it was a pleasure to read an early copy of William Bentrim's latest work, "A Quirky Christmas" complete with snowy illustrations.
This children's story centers on the activities of a Quirky, a unique gray squirrel (with a red tail, from his grandmother's side.)
Quirky and his friends prepare for the winter and are spurned by Reggie, an arrogant peer who refuses to share his good fortune with the others.
When his tree is cut down for a Christmas tree, he's forced to turn to the squirrels he deems beneath him yet Quirky and his friends extend their paws in friendship and see the homeless squirrel through the winter.
Reggie warms to their hospitality and come spring will turn a new leaf of his own.
-Greg Smith, Author
Final Price, A Noble Cause
5.0 out of 5 stars A good message wrapped up in warm fuzzies for holidays!, July 29, 2011 By Lisa A. Maddock "Author of A Tale of Two Guinnea Pigs
Three things; 1. I love a story for kids with a good message and this story has one. 2. I am a big fan of animal stories, of course, and have a special place in my heart (and at my bird feeders) for squirrels. What's not to like about Quirky and his furry pals? 3. A Christmas story, warm fuzzies, sharing... I liked the book, loved the illustrations. Check it out for the special little ones in your life!
4.0 out of 5 stars A Quirky Christmas Review, July 28, 2011 By PandemoniumPizza
A Quirky Christmas is a neat little story about four squirrels and how three of them are friends but the fourth one is a bit mean to the others. I enjoyed the story of A Quirky Christmas. It was a nice simple story line that young children could follow quite easily. It's a really nice and sweet story too. There is also a hidden message about sharing within the story. The story teaches that even though someone is mean or rude it is a good idea to be nice and share with them when they need it.
I love the illustrations. They're really pretty and I spent quite a few seconds looking over each illustration. The illustrations just add that extra element to the book that makes it all the more enjoyable.
Overall, A Quirky Christmas is a really neat picture book about squirrels and sharing. It's well worth a read.
4.0 out of 5 stars Delightful tale of quirkiness and kindness., July 28, 2011 By Sarah Butland "Thanks for reading, Sarah Butland"
Quirky Christmas is now available at an online store near you (aren't they all) very soon but I had the honour of reading an advanced copy of this delightful tale perfect for a coming Christmas.
The characters are delightful as we meet the squirrel named Earl who goes by Quirky because of his unique appearance and many personal characteristics. Quirky is a nickname very suitable for this crazy creature who proves he's not just quirky, he's caring. We also meet his friends, Stubby and Art who are also kind of strange in their own ways but all equally wonderful. We also meet Reggie - the typical bully in the neighbourhood who refuses to share.
A very effective story written in a heart-warming way which teaches readers how to overcome obstacles and make friends despite first impressions.
The illustrations are drawn and simple but effective and eye-catching. Make sure Quirky Christmas is something your children unwrap soon so that you can treasure literacy, a good story and heart warming tale for years to come.
Thank you for reading,
Sarah Butland
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect page turner for the young reader., July 28, 2011 By annie frame (uk)
Well deserving 5 stars for William G. Bentrim! A Quirky Christmas is a must for all parents shopping basket. The story offers a beautiful connection for the young reader to embrace....a connection with the animal kingdom. The tale has everything and more, fabulous furry friends with various personalities and illustrations too! Each page gives food for thought to a young mind and lets them know it's good to be kind with a warm heart. This is a book that a child will want to read again and again without a doubt.
Annie Frame. Author of Imprint and TQR.
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Adorable, July 27, 2011 By Guinea Girl
This was a very, very sweet book with a great lesson: be kind to others even if they aren't kind to you. That is how to be a true friend. The illustrations were adorable! It's a wonderful book that will warm your heart for the holidays!
This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned
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