The Wonderful Once: A Christmas Story by JR Buchta is a wonderful children’s story. A special home for children without parents is in a lovely, friendly village. Well looked after, the children are happily waiting for their forever homes. At the annual Christmas Festival, all the children chose a present from a waiting stack. Lucas, the youngest, picked a small gift he would treasure with all his heart. When a young girl is brought to the home, Lucas does an act of kindness that sets him off on a magical adventure. The Spirit of Giving visits him, and together, they start a new tradition that will last a lifetime. The Wonderful Once: A Christmas Story by JR Buchta is a lovely story with some amazing illustrations that bring it to life before your very eyes. It’s a well-written tale with an important message—kindness costs nothing, and the effects of one simple, selfless act are never-ending. This is a proper feel-good read that will warm your heart, and the ending is a real surprise. This is only a short story, but it will stay with you for a long time and packs a powerful punch. It’s something kids can read every year at Christmastime, and it will continue to wow them with each year that passes. The story teaches that selfless acts reap rewards; perhaps a few adults could learn the same lesson. Overall, a great read, well written and wonderfully illustrated—a must-have in kids’ libraries worldwide.

A blend of nostalgia and warmth fills the pages of this Christmas story, inviting readers to think about the real significance of Christmas gifts and giving. Lucas Astan may be an orphan, but he has a very happy life. In the village where he lives, orphans only stay orphans for a short time. They live in a special school and are cared for and loved by the whole village. One Christmas, at the special winter festival, Lucas receives a gift of a wonderful toy sleigh, but when a new girl comes to the orphanage too late to receive a gift of her own, he generously gives the sleigh to her instead of keeping it. The little girl’s happiness fills him with such joy that he wishes he could hold on to that feeling forever. Perhaps the Spirit of Giving will be able to help with that? Lucas is about to find out! Set in a world and time where nothing terrible seems to happen to anyone, this story offers readers nothing but joy as they learn to respond to that joy with gratitude and generosity. Softly colored, vintage-style illustrations sparkle with Christmas magic, and the surprise ending will surely delight young readers and offer some food for thought.