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Friday, November 1, 2024

Celebrate DECK THE EVERYTHING DAY with... THE WONDERFUL ONCE: A CHRISTMAS STORY by J.R. Buchta, Illustrated by Erin O'Leary Brown - REVIEW!



Hello again!
Today is DECK THE EVERYTHING DAY, which seems rather appropriate because stores seem to flip from Halloween to Christmas in a hurry despite it ACTUALLY being November, and while it conjures up sugar plum dreams, and cookie baking marathons, our story today focuses on something MORE.  It's a storybook that came to my attention via Emily at Warbucks, and, in my humble opinion, makes a great transition story between the holidays currently cycling through.  Remember Thanksgiving?  Yeah, at this point, mostly the grocery stores celebrate it, but this book gives us those wonderful feelings of thanks, and sharing, while taking us that last step towards the season of giving.  Ladies and gents, grab a cozy chair and blanket as we settle in for today's book of choice...


by
J.R. Buchta
Illustrations by
Erin O'Leary Brown
9798986989501
Warbucks

About the book...
A little boy goes on a fantastic Christmas adventure in this story of a kind gesture that results in a magical journey.

It’s an all-around feel-good story with a surprise ending and a powerful message.




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This is a story about the spirit of the season, and how much more it brings to us when we share with others.  This is a story that reminds us to count our blessings for there are always those that are worse off than we, and cherish the moments of happiness we experience to their fullest, and, whenever possible, with others.  This is a story that shows the far reaching effects of kindness, and the good it does for one's heart and soul.  The magic of the tale is brought to life through the actions of one small child, and how through following his heart, he was able to spread joy to another when all looked lost.  He brought a smile to the face of someone who felt alone, a moment of lightness when all seemed dark, and in doing so, his own heart shone brighter and more vibrant for it.  He was then given the chance to continue doing that in an even bigger way...but that's part of the tale I'll have to let you experience on your own.  😉

In the end, it was a surprising tale that will give young readers another way to see the merriment of the season, and just what it means to give for the sake of giving without expecting something in return.  It reminds us that the true joy of the holidays isn't the number of gifts under the tree, but the love we surround ourselves with, and hold within our hearts.  A great addition to your holiday reading selections, and perhaps a new tradition for your family reading time.




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About the author...


John Buchta was born and raised in Philadelphia PA.
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.
Memories of his childhood and the spirit of his father’s character and penchant for a good story or poem inspire his writing.


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About the illustrator...


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 ink and watercolor, and often utilizes digital media to make adjustments and minor changes or additions to the final illustrations. Her style combines delicate line and rich layers of color with careful details and a sense of whimsy with the goal of sharing engaging stories as well as beautiful images. More of her work can be seen on her website at eobrownart.com.



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Special thanks to Emily at Warbucks for the chance to bring this title to you and the copy for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, illustrator, or publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now wherever books are sold.

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!




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