Why do I consider myself
an author? I realized I was an author when a 7 year old girl, came up
to me and said, "Mr. Bentrim I loved your book." That
affirmation cemented my desire to write even more. Come back and
see what is coming next. There will be much more to come.
By Greg Smith "Final Price--Available on Amazon.com"
Author William Bentrim is forging a reputation for having the courage
to tackle difficult questions facing kids today and applying a gentle,
yet unflinching approach to seeking solutions.
Following his book "Daddy Goes on a Trip" about parent-child
separation due to military deployment, Bentrim's latest work takes on
domestic violence.
Bradley and Bonnie Bear return home from a visit with friends to find
their mother with a black eye. She tells them the truth about what
happened and answers all their questions and fears with reassuring but
no-nonsense rhetoric about the situation. Her honesty and strength
under duress gives the kids a reason to hope.
Bentrim does a good job highlighting typical concerns kids have when
dropped into such confusing and frightening circumstances.
In a world awash in information overload, Bentrim provides a simple
but candid framework for children to understand and acknowledge
domestic violence as well as ways they can get help to cope with it.
This is not an easy subject to put into a children's book form and
William Bentrim does an admirable job of opening the door in a
non-threatening way. This is accomplished through use of
anthropomorphic characters, simple yet engaging illustrations and the
tone of the writing. The book seems best suited for younger children
rather than teens, and the front and back messages are targeted to
adults. This suggests it will be most helpful in a setting where there
is adult support available or involved. This book could help a child
in domestic abuse situation feel like they're not alone or the only
one experiencing such a thing.
William Bentrim's book Mommy's Black eye is a masterpiece.
Domestic Violence happens more then we like to know about it.
Excellent book to introduce to children who have been caught in
situations like this. I wish they had this book when I was a
child. "Two thumbs up"
As an elementary school counselor, it is difficult to find material to
present serious issues such as domestic violence in a way that is both
educational and supportive. Bentrim provides just that. The clearly
written story and pictures in Mommy's Black Eye helps to introduce the
sensitive topic while providing opportunities for further exploration.
One thing that I truly appreciate is the additional resources provided
in the back of the book. Knowing that there is support for this type
of problem and knowing that you are not the only once experiencing the
pain of domestic violence is both comforting and a step towards
recovery.
Mommy's Black Eye is a book that we wish would never need to be
written. Unfortunately there is a need, and one that continues to
grow. The author, William G Bentrim, is a former teacher and guidance
counselor. In his calm and understanding approach, he explores this
topic for children in a household where abuse has happened. Using a
mama bear with a black eye and answering questions asked by the
children, the author leads the conversation so that the children will
not feel any blame or fear. There is also additional information for
the parent on coping and additional resources. This is an amazing
children's book that should be in every library.
William Bentrim's book Mommy's Black eye: Children Dealing with
Domestic Violence handles an issue that most people don't or can't
seem to talk about. The author does it with sensitivity and clarity
for both adults and their children who may be caught in this
situation. This would be a great book for women's shelters to keep on
hand as they counsel and help individuals both younger and older.
Kelly Jameson (Author of SHARDS OF SUMMER and DEAD ON)
