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The Value of Giving
“The Wonderful Once: A Christmas Story” is a heartwarming Santa Claus origin story that follows young orphan Lucas, who, after a selfless act of kindness, is taken on a magical journey to the North Pole. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My father was a great storyteller. When I was a boy, he entertained me and my friends by reciting poems and spinning yarns. I am sure that I inherited the ability to write songs and tell stories from him.
The inspiration for The Wonderful Once: A Christmas Story came from a childhood event that taught me the value of sharing.
I applied the lesson that I learned from that event and expanded it to form the basis of the story. I placed the characters in situations that would exhibit the value of giving away something that one holds dear, in an entertaining way for children.
Since Christmastime is a time of giving, it seemed like the perfect setting for the story. The trappings of the holiday and the general spirit of the season allowed for the plot to be conveyed through some traditional experiences and a twist in the plot that added a new wrinkle to a well-established tale.
The illustrations by Erin O’Leary Brown play a significant role in bringing your story to life. Can you share more about the collaboration process between you two?
When I first approached Erin with the project, she was busy working on other tasks and was unable to get involved with the story. Happily, after a few weeks, her schedule loosened up and we were able to exchange ideas about the book. After I sent her the manuscript, she thought that we had a good match of skills and could effectively bring the book to life. From the outset, she and I agreed on ninety-nine percent of everything we thought about the manner in which the story should be illustrated. Her initial list of illustrations matched mine to a tee. Her sketches were spot on and really captured the magic and beauty of the story. We shared an identical vision of how the book should look. Working with her was a joy.
What do you hope young readers take away from Lucas’ journey and transformation in The Wonderful Once: A Christmas Story?
The most important takeaway from the story is the value of giving and how it can be transformative in one’s life.
It’s always better to be kind to others. Kindness is the most powerful magic known and will always reward the bestower as much, if not more, than the recipient.
Lucas learns these lessons from an unselfish act that he performs to make another person happy.
The initial joy of his good deed is far surpassed by the magical journey that leads him to his destiny.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
At the moment, I am working on two books.
One is a story about elves and the other is a novelty book about Grandfathers.
I would expect that one or both books will be available in 2024.
I am also working on the background music for the audiobook that will be released after the initial launch.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Facebook JR Buchta | Website
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 pique the interest of readers.
The Wonderful Once
Young Lucas is one of several children whose home is an orphanage situated in a quiet valley with farms on all sides. Lucas and the other children are fortunate to have a loving home there until they are adopted and find families of their own. Christmas, a time that can be especially difficult for children like Lucas, turns into an opportunity for him to offer kindness to a new girl who is alone and afraid. When he offers her the precious wooden sleigh he has just unwrapped, Lucas opens the door to an experience that will change not only his life, but the lives of children all over the world.
The Wonderful Once: A Christmas Story, written by J.R. Buchta and illustrated by Erin O’Leary Brown, is a Santa Claus origin story based on kindness, generosity, and a giving spirit. This beautifully illustrated children’s book brings to life the story of how Santa Claus came to be and features a storyline that takes shape in an orphanage. Lucas, the book’s main character, is visited by the Spirit of Giving following his selfless act, and is whisked away on a journey that ends with an exciting new life at the North Pole.
Buchta’s book teaches readers how rewarding it is to recognize when someone else is in need and to reach out with a giving heart. Lucas is both loving and generous. He is a wonderful example for young readers. Lessons like the one contained within Buchta’s book are greatly needed in children’s literature. Even though this is billed as a Christmas story, the lessons within are timeless and without season.
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 as it offers a new take on the story of Santa Claus–an instant favorite.
LITERARY TITAN 