Publisher of Children's Books
Reviews The Wonderful Once
A young orphan learns the value of selfless giving in this warm holiday debut by Buchta.
[It’s] full of stardust and snowflake magic, Elves, and toys as far as the eye can see...
[The book] pairs the merriness of the holiday season with a key lesson for readers on the importance of helping others.
O’Leary Brown’s illustrations meld with the magic of the season, their warm hues and
intricate details evoking vintage Christmas cards...
The Wonderful Once is a captivating and feel-good tale for readers of all ages, reminding us all of the transformative power of selflessness and the magic of the Christmas spirit. ...Illustrated by Erin O'Leary Brown, the beauty and enchantment of the story comes alive.... making it an ideal choice for family read-aloud sessions during the holiday season.
Readers' Favorite
What to Expect: Christmas, magic, good deeds, family, kindness
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....The Wonderful Once is a lovely story, perfect for a shared tradition of Christmas reading.
“....A work that creatively updates the...origin story for a well-known holiday figure...”
I highly recommend The Wonderful Once: A Christmas Story to any parent or teacher looking to add new stories of kindness to their regular rotation. In addition, I can see Buchta’s tale becoming a family holiday favorite.
Overall, The Wonderful Once is a heartwarming tale of Giving and Magic. The collaborative work of Erin O’Leary Brown and the author brings forth a book that is not only a joy to read, but also a pleasure to behold. “The Wonderful Once” with its enchanting story and captivating illustrations is a treasure for families looking to create cherished holiday traditions through shared reading experiences.
This charming children's book managed to capture my heart completely! With every page turned, my admiration for it only increased. It is a definite essential for every child's library and embodies all the elements of a classic that will stand the test of time!
Buchta’s writing style is genuinely impressive, characterized by vivid descriptions that are exquisitely composed, ensuring a delightful reading experience that spans the entire book.
Reviews NORTH
NORTH: A Magical Friendship Story by J.R. Buchta is a delightful addition to the author’s repertoire, and as an ardent admirer of his work, I was eager to dive into this enchanting tale.
Serving as a prequel to the beloved Christmas classic ‘The Wonderful Once,’ this story is infused with the same whimsical charm and imaginative spirit that fans will have come to adore.
It’s a treasure trove of magic that families around the world will want to add to their holiday reading lists, ensuring that the wonder of storytelling is passed down through generations.
The North Wind, the North Star, and the Northern Lights are majestic and magical characters, but that doesn’t stop them from having problems any young reader can relate to, from loneliness to the frustrations of figuring out a difficult task. The beautiful paint and pencil artwork brings the magic of the North Pole to life, juxtaposing the warmth and color of the elves to the icy whites and blues of the Arctic. The old-style method of illustration complements the classic winter themesand characters, resulting in a story that feels timeless and familiar.
North: A Magical Friendship Story brought me right back to that childhood wonder. The idea of new friends being formed using puzzle pieces was such a clever and lovely detail that stood out to me, while also reminding readers how we all fit together in different ways. The illustrations by Erin O’Leary Brown glow with color and softness, and the whole book has a comforting, magical vibe. It’s a heartfelt read with just the right mix of meaning and, of course, magic.