The Wonderful Once: A Christmas Story

by Buchta Jr, Erin O'Leary Brown (Illustrator)

Overview

"Most things in life happen over and over again.

Some things happen only once.

This is the story of a wonderful once."

A little boy goes on a fantastic Christmas adventure in this story of a kind gesture that results in a magical journey, full of stardust and snowflakes. It's an all-around feel-good story with a surprise ending and a powerful message. Brought to life by beautiful illustrations, this enchanting tale captures the spirit of Christmas and the magic of a single good deed that changed the world forever. It has all the makings of an annual read for families at Christmastime and a fresh look at some age-old traditions that will surely capture the interest of readers around the world.

Why Readers love The Wonderful Once: A Christmas Story:

A new family Christmas tradition for readers around the world

Teaches kids the values of giving and kindness that will last throughout the year

A feel good tale for readers of all ages (0-102)

Makes a great Christmas gift or stocking stuffer for children, parents, grandparents, and teachers

Screen-free family time during the cold winter months and holiday season

To learn more visit https: //www.TheWonderfulOnce.com/

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798986989501
Publisher:	Warbucks Inc.
Publication date:	10/06/2023
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	828,398
Product dimensions:	8.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.10(d)
Age Range:	3 - 8 Years

About the Author

John Buchta was born and raised in Philadelphia PA. As a youngster he expressed an interest in music and spent most of his early life in the performing arts as a singer-songwriter.After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania he entered the business world and made a career in marketing for various entrepreneurial ventures.His interest in writing took a turn towards children's books when his grandchildren were born and he recognized the power of their imaginations and their enjoyment of reading. His writing is inspired by memories of his childhood and the spirit of his father's character and penchant for a good story or poem.Today, he resides in Bucks County PA with his wife.

Erin O'Leary Brown is an illustrator based in upstate NY, specializing in children's illustration as well as botanical and nature themes. She works traditionally in watercolor, and often utilizes digital media to adjust the final illustrations. Over the years, Erin has worked in freelance illustration creating art for various books and children's magazines, as well as decorative designs, for clients such as Llewellyn Worldwide, Cricket Media and Scholastic. She received a BFA in Illustration from Syracuse University, and an MS in Education from Elmira College. In addition to working in the field of illustration, she has also spent some time teaching art. More of Erin's work can be seen on her website at eobrownart.com.

Editorial Reviews

11/06/2023

A young orphan learns the value of selfless giving in this warm holiday debut by Buchta. Lucas Astan is the youngest resident of a small town’s orphanage—a school that’s preparing for the most wonderful time of the year. After the first snowfall of the season, the town comes alive in anticipation of the annual winter festival, a cozy celebration full of sparkling lights, gifts, and homemade cheer. When it’s Lucas’s turn to choose a gift at the festival, he opts for the smallest package—and is delighted to discover a hand-carved sleigh. But the surprise arrival of a brand-new resident at the school gives the celebration new meaning.

Buchta pairs the merriness of the holiday season with a key lesson for readers on the importance of helping others. When Lucas realizes there aren’t enough gifts for the new resident to join in the fun, he thoughtfully gives up his own, and the intrinsic reward that comes from that act prompts him to think “that was it! The wonderful once. That was the moment that changed forever.” His compassion lands him a visit from the Spirit of Giving, who, upon hearing Lucas’s wish to “give every girl and boy in the world a toy,” swiftly rescues him from the orphanage and whisks him away to a curious place called the North Pole—full of stardust and snowflake magic, Elves, and toys as far as the eye can see. She also bestows a new name on Lucas: his own name jumbled up—“Santa Claus”—and readers will be delighted to see where the story takes him from there.

O’Leary Brown’s illustrations meld with the magic of the season, their warm hues and intricate details evoking vintage Christmas cards, and though the ending comes too soon, it leaves readers with a delicious anticipation and sense of “how the power of a single unselfish gesture changed the world forever.”

Takeaway: Creative spin on the origin of Santa Claus, with a valuable lesson on giving.

Comparable Titles: Tiffany D. Jackson’s Santa in the City, Maureen Fergus’s The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold.

Production grades Cover: A Design and typography: A Illustrations: A Editing: A Marketing copy: A

BookLife Reviews