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Bunky and the Walms: The Christmas Story
Bunky and the Walms: The Christmas Story is a novel about the power of friendship, courage, loyalty, and nobility! What will happen if one slightly grumpy and complaining Bunky suddenly has to become a brave Christmas Hero, repair Santa Claus' sleigh, and deliver gifts all over the world? And what will happen if the literary world about which Bunky is dreaming while writing his novel enters his reality? Decidedly, this year's Christmas will be Bunky's greatest adventure, yet on this adventure he will not be alone: there will be his best friends, cousin Rodney and a little Wolf Plum, as well as the entire family of Walms, the Elves, the Reindeer, and even Santa Claus himself! From the magical Walmland, through the charming Faroe Islands, and to the very heart of the fantasy world of Bunkyland, Bunky's quest to save Christmas will take him on a memorable journey through different places, but also a journey into his own heart!
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2021
1 person is currently reading
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 9, 2022
Bunky and the Walms is an intriguing and lighthearted Christmas tale of Little Bunky Hippo and his other little comrades who undertake a wonderful adventure to the North Pole and meet amazing creatures. Little Bunky dauntingly faces his life challenges. Despite his inherent restless nature, he manages to overcome his weaknesses and deserves a sought-after title of Christmas, and becomes a helper of Santa Clause.
The author beautifully crafts a fictional story where characters take a real touch and make this tale worth reading. The story entails the themes of friendship, love, and adventure in its magical setting. It also teaches moral lessons about Christmas values. The book is equally appealing for both adults and kids who can enjoy this beautiful on the special Christmas Eve.
The author beautifully crafts a fictional story where characters take a real touch and make this tale worth reading. The story entails the themes of friendship, love, and adventure in its magical setting. It also teaches moral lessons about Christmas values. The book is equally appealing for both adults and kids who can enjoy this beautiful on the special Christmas Eve.
December 24, 2023
It is a nice and playful Christmas story. It put you in the sense of Christmas, family and friends.
Read
April 10, 2022With an exciting plot full of adventures, a cast of lovable characters, and eye-catching illustrations, Bunky and the Walms by Aleksandra Tryniecka is perfect for a young audience. This engaging book offers profound lessons on the true meaning of Christmas. Get ready for an unforgettable journey to an extraordinary world full of love, magic, and beauty.
August 2, 2022
'The Chimerical War: Destiny of India' is written by Digisha. It is a must-read for all Indians. The book invokes the spirit of patriotism and makes us realize the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters. The novel depicts the most probable future of India if all Indians had stood united with S Bose and helped him succeed in his pursuit of freeing his motherland without dividing her into fragments.
December 17, 2024
Reveling in the Quirk: Why Bunky and the Walms Is the Unconventional Christmas Story We Didn't Know We Needed
Aleksandra Tryniecka’s Bunky and the Walms is a gleaming snow globe of holiday cheer, but what sets it apart is the unconventional way it manipulates the tropes of a Christmas tale. Sure, the book offers the requisite whimsical adventures, glowing hearths, and the timeless trope of "lessons learned," but beneath its warm facade lies a layered critique of society, tradition, and even the concept of storytelling itself.
What Does a Hippo Have to Do With It?
You might ask why Bunky, a hippo, is cast as the protagonist of a Christmas tale. But pause for a moment and think: Why not? Hippos, often symbolized as guardians of water in African folklore, carry an innate contrast—weighty and seemingly ungainly, yet deeply connected to life-sustaining elements. Is Bunky a subtle metaphor for modern humanity? Are we, like him, weighed down by expectations but yearning for fluidity and joy? The hippo becomes an unexpected yet apt vessel for Tryniecka's exploration of inner growth.
The Geography of Imagination
Walmland, described as a magical place "west of the Faroe Islands and east of Baffin Bay," seems fantastical, but its coordinates cleverly evoke the map of colonial exploration and myth-making. Much like Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland or J.R.R. Tolkien’s Shire, Walmland is an invented world that reflects our own. Could it represent the timeless, borderless yearning for innocence and simplicity?
Consider this: In 2022, researchers found that storytelling traditions are 20,000 years old. Stories like this, set in fantastical geographies, are a continuation of our deep-seated need to process reality through fiction.
The Narrative’s Rebellious Streak
Tryniecka’s style is intentionally verbose and florid, almost Victorian in its pacing. While contemporary stories zip along, her sentences linger like the scent of mulled wine. Why? Perhaps it’s a gentle resistance to a culture of fast consumption. By forcing the reader to slow down, she echoes Oscar Wilde’s assertion: “To do nothing at all is the most difficult thing in the world, the most difficult and the most intellectual.”
This deliberate pace is reflected in Bunky’s own whimsies. His "Mouses" versus "Mice" debate, his obsession with poetry, and his dreamy asides all mirror a society caught between precision and imagination. Are we too quick to correct and not quick enough to wonder?
Of Socks and Stars
Decorating a Christmas tree with socks instead of baubles is an absurdist flourish that Samuel Beckett might have appreciated. It’s both comic and poignant—a rejection of convention and an embrace of individuality. Bunky’s act of defiance feels like a playful nod to the absurdities of modern consumerism. After all, why buy when you can create? Why conform when you can innovate?
Consider the data: The global Christmas decoration market was worth $5.36 billion in 2021. Tryniecka subtly critiques this by celebrating the homemade over the mass-produced.
A Christmas Story with Existential Undertones
One might be tempted to dismiss Bunky and the Walms as mere fluff, but look closer, and you’ll find a meditation on authenticity and belonging. Bunky’s letter to Santa, where he wrestles with whether his good intentions outweigh his moments of naughtiness, feels reminiscent of Sartre’s existential struggle: "Man is condemned to be free; because once thrown into the world, he is responsible for everything he does."
Bunky isn’t merely asking for skating boots—he’s seeking validation that his efforts to "be good" matter. How often do we, especially during the holiday season, find ourselves in this same existential quandary?
A Hero’s Journey? Not Quite
Unlike traditional heroes, Bunky is wonderfully, frustratingly ordinary. He doesn’t slay dragons; he writes letters, shovels snow, and debates philosophical points with himself. Yet, isn’t that the point? Tryniecka suggests that heroism is found not in grand acts but in small, earnest attempts to make the world brighter—whether through a decorated tree or a kind word to a neighbor.
Conclusion: Beyond the Tinsel
In Bunky and the Walms, Tryniecka has given us more than a Christmas story; she’s gifted us a mirror. By cloaking profound truths in whimsical prose and a fantastical setting, she invites readers to find joy in the ordinary, courage in the absurd, and magic in the mundane.
So, as the snow falls and the lights twinkle this season, perhaps it’s time we all asked ourselves: What would Bunky do?
Aleksandra Tryniecka’s Bunky and the Walms is a gleaming snow globe of holiday cheer, but what sets it apart is the unconventional way it manipulates the tropes of a Christmas tale. Sure, the book offers the requisite whimsical adventures, glowing hearths, and the timeless trope of "lessons learned," but beneath its warm facade lies a layered critique of society, tradition, and even the concept of storytelling itself.
What Does a Hippo Have to Do With It?
You might ask why Bunky, a hippo, is cast as the protagonist of a Christmas tale. But pause for a moment and think: Why not? Hippos, often symbolized as guardians of water in African folklore, carry an innate contrast—weighty and seemingly ungainly, yet deeply connected to life-sustaining elements. Is Bunky a subtle metaphor for modern humanity? Are we, like him, weighed down by expectations but yearning for fluidity and joy? The hippo becomes an unexpected yet apt vessel for Tryniecka's exploration of inner growth.
The Geography of Imagination
Walmland, described as a magical place "west of the Faroe Islands and east of Baffin Bay," seems fantastical, but its coordinates cleverly evoke the map of colonial exploration and myth-making. Much like Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland or J.R.R. Tolkien’s Shire, Walmland is an invented world that reflects our own. Could it represent the timeless, borderless yearning for innocence and simplicity?
Consider this: In 2022, researchers found that storytelling traditions are 20,000 years old. Stories like this, set in fantastical geographies, are a continuation of our deep-seated need to process reality through fiction.
The Narrative’s Rebellious Streak
Tryniecka’s style is intentionally verbose and florid, almost Victorian in its pacing. While contemporary stories zip along, her sentences linger like the scent of mulled wine. Why? Perhaps it’s a gentle resistance to a culture of fast consumption. By forcing the reader to slow down, she echoes Oscar Wilde’s assertion: “To do nothing at all is the most difficult thing in the world, the most difficult and the most intellectual.”
This deliberate pace is reflected in Bunky’s own whimsies. His "Mouses" versus "Mice" debate, his obsession with poetry, and his dreamy asides all mirror a society caught between precision and imagination. Are we too quick to correct and not quick enough to wonder?
Of Socks and Stars
Decorating a Christmas tree with socks instead of baubles is an absurdist flourish that Samuel Beckett might have appreciated. It’s both comic and poignant—a rejection of convention and an embrace of individuality. Bunky’s act of defiance feels like a playful nod to the absurdities of modern consumerism. After all, why buy when you can create? Why conform when you can innovate?
Consider the data: The global Christmas decoration market was worth $5.36 billion in 2021. Tryniecka subtly critiques this by celebrating the homemade over the mass-produced.
A Christmas Story with Existential Undertones
One might be tempted to dismiss Bunky and the Walms as mere fluff, but look closer, and you’ll find a meditation on authenticity and belonging. Bunky’s letter to Santa, where he wrestles with whether his good intentions outweigh his moments of naughtiness, feels reminiscent of Sartre’s existential struggle: "Man is condemned to be free; because once thrown into the world, he is responsible for everything he does."
Bunky isn’t merely asking for skating boots—he’s seeking validation that his efforts to "be good" matter. How often do we, especially during the holiday season, find ourselves in this same existential quandary?
A Hero’s Journey? Not Quite
Unlike traditional heroes, Bunky is wonderfully, frustratingly ordinary. He doesn’t slay dragons; he writes letters, shovels snow, and debates philosophical points with himself. Yet, isn’t that the point? Tryniecka suggests that heroism is found not in grand acts but in small, earnest attempts to make the world brighter—whether through a decorated tree or a kind word to a neighbor.
Conclusion: Beyond the Tinsel
In Bunky and the Walms, Tryniecka has given us more than a Christmas story; she’s gifted us a mirror. By cloaking profound truths in whimsical prose and a fantastical setting, she invites readers to find joy in the ordinary, courage in the absurd, and magic in the mundane.
So, as the snow falls and the lights twinkle this season, perhaps it’s time we all asked ourselves: What would Bunky do?
December 6, 2022
I imagine if I ever wrote a Christmas book, I’d have a list of must-haves and the brilliant thing about Bunky and the Walms: The Christmas Story is that it has them all! Mr and Mrs Claus, tick; Rudolf, tick; Elves, tick; and of course, there needs to be the quest to save Christmas! This family book is aimed at 4–13-year-olds but I’m much older and I have to say, I enjoyed the ride!
Here's an extract:
‘It was snowing outside still, with elegant snowflakes subtly swirling around in a happy pre-Christmas dance. Mrs. Walm sat in a rocking chair in order to prepare a list of ingredients for her famous Christmas chocolate cake, and Mr. Walm began arranging Christmas lights and wreaths around the living room.'
This adventure stars Bunky the Hippo, a wannabe writer who is a little grumpy initially, along with his cousin Rodney and a wolf named Plum. They set out on a quest to save Santa Claus’s sleigh and deliver all the gifts to save Christmas, but will they do it? You’ll have to read to find out!
The story is charming and weaves in messages about friendship, truth and Christmas values. The language is accessible, and I liked how Aleksandra broke the fourth wall to address the audience directly in her ‘Dear Reader’ messages. It’s fun and I can imagine families enjoying the adventure in Walmland, the North Pole and all around the world on Christmas Eve.
I read this for my blog Tweetables.com and received no payment for my honest review.
Here's an extract:
‘It was snowing outside still, with elegant snowflakes subtly swirling around in a happy pre-Christmas dance. Mrs. Walm sat in a rocking chair in order to prepare a list of ingredients for her famous Christmas chocolate cake, and Mr. Walm began arranging Christmas lights and wreaths around the living room.'
This adventure stars Bunky the Hippo, a wannabe writer who is a little grumpy initially, along with his cousin Rodney and a wolf named Plum. They set out on a quest to save Santa Claus’s sleigh and deliver all the gifts to save Christmas, but will they do it? You’ll have to read to find out!
The story is charming and weaves in messages about friendship, truth and Christmas values. The language is accessible, and I liked how Aleksandra broke the fourth wall to address the audience directly in her ‘Dear Reader’ messages. It’s fun and I can imagine families enjoying the adventure in Walmland, the North Pole and all around the world on Christmas Eve.
I read this for my blog Tweetables.com and received no payment for my honest review.
April 1, 2024
Aleksandra's World
Aleksandra Tryniecka, the multi-talented pleasant person pulled me to her world, when we first interacted on X (Twitter) I thought she was pulling me to Bunky's world, then I discovered that Bunky is only a part of Aleksandra's world. She has a very big and loving heart just like Bunky and she's still a child in her heart. Bunky's Christmas story ends when you finish reading the last page of the book, but Bunky's daily stories, events, surprises, picnics and adventures are endless and The Bunkies videos truly spread great joy. I'm really so happy that I had the chance to know Aleksandra and become her friend. Aleksandra is creative and so active, she's an academic teacher, authoress, poetess, photographer, she illustrates, enjoys gardening and a lot more. Aleksandra wrote a lovely collection of poems, I hope her next book will be a poetry book.
Thank you my dearest bunkyful friend Aleksandra for writing this magical Christmas successful story "Bunky and the Walms".
Azza El Wakeel
Aleksandra Tryniecka, the multi-talented pleasant person pulled me to her world, when we first interacted on X (Twitter) I thought she was pulling me to Bunky's world, then I discovered that Bunky is only a part of Aleksandra's world. She has a very big and loving heart just like Bunky and she's still a child in her heart. Bunky's Christmas story ends when you finish reading the last page of the book, but Bunky's daily stories, events, surprises, picnics and adventures are endless and The Bunkies videos truly spread great joy. I'm really so happy that I had the chance to know Aleksandra and become her friend. Aleksandra is creative and so active, she's an academic teacher, authoress, poetess, photographer, she illustrates, enjoys gardening and a lot more. Aleksandra wrote a lovely collection of poems, I hope her next book will be a poetry book.
Thank you my dearest bunkyful friend Aleksandra for writing this magical Christmas successful story "Bunky and the Walms".
Azza El Wakeel
May 13, 2023
What an adorable story this is! The characters are so lovable and entertaining. Meet Bunky the Hippo, who is a little grumpy to begin with and wants to be a writer - along with his cousin Rodney and a wolf named Plum. They all set out on an exciting mission to save Santa Claus's sleigh and deliver all the presents to save Christmas. So off we go to the magical North Pole and meet amazing creatures there. Little Bunky dauntingly faces his life challenges, overcoming his weaknesses and helping Santa Claus out.
Themes that can be explored further are friendship, teamwork, adventure , telling the truth and the magic and values that Christmas brings.
It is beautifully written and will bring much joy to many children and their families during the run up to the festive season. Will they save Christmas?
You are just going to have to read this to find out!
It will be truly worth it.
Themes that can be explored further are friendship, teamwork, adventure , telling the truth and the magic and values that Christmas brings.
It is beautifully written and will bring much joy to many children and their families during the run up to the festive season. Will they save Christmas?
You are just going to have to read this to find out!
It will be truly worth it.
November 5, 2022
The author has done a great job, created with realistic-feeling characters that make the story worthwhile to read. It is a charming and jovial Christmas story about Little Bunky Hippo and his other small companions who go on an astonishing voyage to help Santa Clause, in spite of his innate restlessness.
The mystical environment of the novel incorporates the themes of friendship, love, and adventure take you to another world to the readers. It also imparts moral teachings about the virtues of Christmas. Both adults and children will find the book to be appealing, so it is perfect for Christmas Eve. I'm gonna gift it to my fellows <3
The mystical environment of the novel incorporates the themes of friendship, love, and adventure take you to another world to the readers. It also imparts moral teachings about the virtues of Christmas. Both adults and children will find the book to be appealing, so it is perfect for Christmas Eve. I'm gonna gift it to my fellows <3
January 16, 2023
I absolutely ADORED this book!! A whimsical Christmas story filled with rich characters and magical imagery that will definitely keep readers turning the pages. Sweet, quirky, loveable, honest Bunky the Hippo is a treasure! I found myself relating to him personally, laughing out loud at his silly antics, and rooting for his success. This heartwarming tale offers readers insight into important life lessons in the face of adversity, which we all can appreciate. As a fellow children's book author and mother, Bunky and the Walms is the perfect addition to your holiday book collection!
January 12, 2023
This beautiful book will teach you how to navigate yourself in life. Thanks to Bunky and his adventures, you will experience frustration, sadness as well as joy and gentleness. It will warm your heart and it will encourage your soul to sing and dance. I loved how Aleksandra used her narrative talent to write a beautiful story that is fully engaging for the readers, putting them right in the centre of the storyline. Only the best books have the ability to achieve this.
February 26, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book so much. The prose was clear, but so eloquent and lovely, with a hint of childlike whimsy. I felt like a kid again reading it. Bunky is such a relatable, adorable character, and his love for the Princess is so touching and sweet. The artwork is beautiful. I'm looking forward to reading the next book and all by this author. I highly recommend this book for the young and young at heart.
May 21, 2022
This is a beautiful Christmas story. This book is not only about the beauty of Christmas but through Bunky life, we can learn many things. The author wrote this story beautifully.
This book can take you on a journey filled with Christmas warmth, laughter, and good deeds. Perfect as a gift to your loved ones.
I enjoyed this, especially the story with Santa Claus.
This book can take you on a journey filled with Christmas warmth, laughter, and good deeds. Perfect as a gift to your loved ones.
I enjoyed this, especially the story with Santa Claus.
November 27, 2024
An inspiring and beautiful book written by Aleksandra. Bunky and his friends are on a magical journey to the North Pole. It captivated me whilst I was reading every page. A wonderful story which will forever inspire you. A recommended read of all ages. 10/10 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
December 7, 2024
This book is a winner of the Noah’s Quest® and Friends Fave Book Award. Find out more details through the following link that will go live on or after 17 December 2024:
https://noahsquest.com/2024/12/17/bun...
https://noahsquest.com/2024/12/17/bun...
November 14, 2022
Loved this book. A great festive story:)
December 17, 2024
Love this book 🤍
December 19, 2024
Love this book
December 19, 2024
A delightful and heartwarming story about friendship and courage, perfect for the holiday season!
December 20, 2024
Want a book that give you holiday vibes? This is it
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews