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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.
Memories of his childhood and the spirit of his father’s character and penchant for a good story or poem inspire his writing.
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
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.
