Mr. Biddle and the Squirrel's Tale

by Anne Mason, Jim Zuckerman (Photographer)

Jonathan Squirrel’s nut has been stolen! Join Mr. Biddle and his woodland friends as he recounts the tale of Forest of Leeds greatest heist. With the help of Jonathan Squirrel and Nigel Owl in finding the perpetrator — Nigel, of course, making sure to show off his best feathered side, Mr. Biddle uncovers the culprit. However a certain revelation turns the pursuit on its head. Transformed from a quest of apprehension for a petty thief, Mr. Biddle’s story becomes one of compassion and mentorship for a fellow woodland creature, changing more than one life that day.

With each scene illustrated by the illustrious photographer, Jim Zuckerman, whose accolades include everything from publications for the National Geographic Society and Life Magazine, the world of Mr. Biddle and the Squirrel’s Tale brilliantly shines through as the fairytale-like English woods of old.

43 pages, Paperback

Published October 5, 2017

About the author

As an explorer, entrepreneur, humanitarian, and author, Anne Mason’s life reads like an extraordinary adventure book. Her journey began as a young girl traveling and studying throughout Europe, especially England, where she developed her love of teddy bears. In the following years, she took to exploring new heights, literally, as she scaled the frigid ascent to Mt. Everest’s Base Camp (17,600 ft). From there she appeared as a principal actor in the 2009 adventure documentary film, Journey to Everest, wherein the American team narrowly escaped an icy fate after they were bumped from a flight at Lukla airport that would later crash in the mountains.

Back in the States, while recovering from a serious illness that suspended her traveling adventures, she took to exploring the confines of her own imagination. It was through this inward self-discovery that Anne first combined her passion for the teddy bear and her love of children to create the world of the delightfully wonderful “Mr. Biddle.” Through a single teddy bear and his forest friends, Anne began her recovery and built up a world that would allow others to experience the profound importance of friendship, adventure, learning and gratitude
that she had learned throughout her own travels.

Anne invites you to join Mr. Biddle in the Forest of Leeds to explore the bits and bobs that compose all of us, and to experience the story you’ll be retelling for years to come.

Reviews

[ella ☆ any pronouns · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recieved a PDF copy of this through the group MAKING CONNECTIONS for Read & Review. If you would like to recieve a PDF for yourself to Read & Review, you can do so by clicking here.


The first thing my eyes were drawn to when I started this were the pictures. Usually, pictures books tend to have illustrations, but Mason had a photographer do the photographs for this book, and they were nonetheless stunning. They are extremely eye-catching, that's for sure!

This is more of an advanced picture book, but it is still something that parents could read to their children, and something children and parents alike to read together, relate to, and love together. The tale of Mr. Biddle and the Squirrel is something that is easily lovable by anyone.

Bottom line is that while this an advanced picture book, it is something that anyone of any age can read, related to, and love as that's just what the tale of Mr. Biddle and the Squirrel is. Alongside the eye-catching and amazing photography, it makes for a great little picture book.

[Michael Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have known Anne for over 40 years. I knew her as a caring person for all especially for kids. Now she has taken that care and passion and put it into a book. Mr Biddle is charming and the story has a wonderful message for all kids and adults to live by. Love it!

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

After his breakfast Mr. Biddle (Bear) was headed to the Twickenham library.
Nigel Owl is there waiting on him.
Later, it was off fishing with Alexander Tortoise.
Mr. Biddle told Alexander the tale of 2 squirrels: Johnathan & Basel.
A hickory nut had been stolen.
Help Mr. Biddle figure out who took it.

My egg donor Mum was from Leeds, never knew her.

& a big shout out to Jim Zuckerman!

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.

A very awesome book cover, awesome colored pictures, great font & writing style. A very well written children’s mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great children’s mystery movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Indigo River Publishing; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons (Washburn)

[Helen Laycock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young children are inevitably drawn to the images in picture books and will be delighted by the visual experience provided by Mr Biddle and the Squirrel’s Tale. I can imagine that any little one, enthralled by the idea of a fictitious environment where animals have adventures, will love poring over the beautifully-detailed map at the opening, and will, no doubt, return to it at various interludes to pinpoint the references in the story.
The subsequent photographic images bring a sense of realism to the characters. Mr Biddle reminds me a little of PB Bear, a favourite of my children when they were young. The characterisation comes across well, both that of Mr Biddle as well as his fellow animal friends. He is wise and articulate, with a quirky, sophisticated and gentlemanly manner of speech which enables him to hold court as he tells his tale.
I imagine that this could be the first of a series; it sounds as though Mr Biddle enjoys the role of raconteur and still has lots more tales to tell!

[Alex Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today I read this sweet story to my daughter, who will turn three in April. Admittedly, the length probably makes it more suitable for older children, but she still loved the pictures and was able to follow along with the basic story. I would say kids from ages four to seven (rough estimate) would find it really entertaining and cute.

I think the quality of this is exceptional. The pictures are vibrant and fun and the font and text styles are gorgeous. The highlight of this book is actually the language, though. Mason paints an extremely vivid picture and it is wonderful.

I have been known to be picky with the books that I choose to read to my children. I'm particular about illustration styles and stories that are just too repetitive (looking at you, A Fly Went By), but I can't really find a fault in this one. I imagine that I will be reading this book to my daughters for a long time. It just feels like a classic.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Biddle is a wise, kind, and smartly-dressed bear that inhabits a delightfully vibrant and stuffed world as spawned from Mason's mind.

Charming and helpful, Mr. Biddle and the creatures of the Forest of Leeds first come to the aid of Jonathan Squirrel, whose nut has been stolen. However, the quest to apprehend a nut thief is turned on its head when it becomes clear that this 'thief' hadn't meant to steal anything at all.

Mason broaches topics like illiteracy and communal healing with ease, making difficult subjects approachable and digestible to young and adult readers alike.

[Christopher Chop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Biddle comes to life in this lighthearted forest adventure. His friends are also quite entertaining, and the photos are excellent!

How wonderful that the bear, owl, tortoise and squirrels all get along so well... their interactions shall inspire the most quizzical child. The interesting tales encourage youngsters to ask questions and learn the message of compassion.

We travel slowly on Mr. Biddle's train to see where his next entertaining adventure will take us!

Highly recommended.

[David Pugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an exceptional book for any parent or child. So refreshing to read such a clean and good book for children and their parents. On the same par as Winnie the Pooh that I loved as a child.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One fine day, a handsome teddy bear named Mr. Biddle woke from his lengthy slumber in Leeds Forest. As he was hungry, Mr. Biddle made his way down to a nearby stream, where he happened upon his best friend, Alexander Tortoise. After dropping a fishing line into the stream, Mr. Biddle told Alexander of two squirrels, Jonathan and Basil, and how they had become friends. As Jonathan tried to think of where he’d left his hickory nut, clearly marked with a giant J, Mr. Biddle had helped Jonathan look for it, only to find it had been taken by a squirrel named Basil, who had a rather interesting reason for taking the nut.

Anne Mason’s clever tale of two squirrels who strike up a friendship, in the most unlikeliest of circumstances, is not only charming, but also carries with it some very exciting, colorful illustrations. Whilst starting with a bear who has woken from its slumber, the story goes on to share something which had happened to the bear (and two of his friends) long ago. I was rather impressed by the clever delivery of the story, as it is written in such a way that the reader’s attention is fully captured. Each scene flows beautifully into the next, with creativity being a key element throughout. Mr. Biddle and the Squirrel’s Tale teaches that you should never jump to conclusions, but rather, ask questions which might bring an explanation to said misadventure. Each character played a key role in the story, which I not only thoroughly enjoyed, but recommend to all children aged between 3-7 years of age.

- Rosie Malezer for Readers’ Favorite

[EJ Levy · Rating 5 out of 5]

i am unable to edit my review. Apologies to the reader.

[Megan (ReadingRover) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cute children’s book not only has a nice message but is, also, beautifully illustrated with bright, bold, close up, photographs of Mr. Biddle and his forest friends. I think children will enjoy seeing the whimsical little bear interacting with real life woodland creatures. I didn’t love Mr Biddle and Jonathan’s reaction to Basil not knowing how to read or write but I was happy with their eagerness to help their new friend. It seemed as though they were shaming him a bit. Then again it’s 2am and I’m reviewing a children’s book about a stuffed miniature bear and his squirrel friends so maybe I’m literally reading too much into it. I’m interested to see what the next book will bring. I look forward to a bit more excitement along with more photos of Mr. Biddle and friends. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute story, but it had a distinctly amateur feel. The photos were clearly photoshopped. There were some pages with no photos at all and just plain black font- something definitely unappealing for child readers. I also found the prologue off-putting- the author sets up a dramatic prologue about Mr.Biddle's longing for adventures, but then the story isn't adventurous at all- Mr.Biddle goes fishing with a friend and tells a story.
Overall I would say that the concept is cute, and I could see how this book could develop into a cute series- but this one had some execution issues (the photoshopping, bad layout, and disjointed prologue).