The Wonderful Once: A Christmas Story
What’s inside...
The Wonderful Once: A Christmas Story is an illustrated children’s book by JR Buchta that shares the heartwarming tale of the power of giving. Set in a special home for children without parents located in a lovely village, the children are well cared for and eagerly await their forever homes. During the annual Christmas Festival, each child picks a present from a stack. Lucas, the youngest, chooses a small gift he cherishes deeply. When a new young girl arrives at the home, Lucas performs an act of kindness that leads him on a magical adventure with the Spirit of Giving. Together they start a new tradition that impacts lives forever. With beautiful illustrations, this enchanting story captures the true spirit of Christmas and the everlasting impact of a single good deed, making it a perfect read for families during the holiday season.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the Christmas in the story wonderful?
How did the main characters' actions affect the others around them?
What would you have done if you were in the same situation as the protagonist?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in our town today?
What is the most important message you took away from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading techniques to bring the characters to life, adjusting your voice for different characters and emotions.
Pause at key moments to ask your child what they think might happen next, fostering their predictive skills.
After reading, relate the story's themes to personal experiences or family traditions, helping your child connect the story to their own life.
Encourage your child to draw a scene or a character from the book, which can lead to more discussion about the story's themes and messages.
Ask your child to imagine a different ending for the book and discuss how it changes the overall message or feel of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of generosity
Explanation: In 'The Wonderful Once: A Christmas Story', the characters demonstrate acts of kindness by sharing what little they have, despite their own needs.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to share their toys, snacks, or time with friends and family, understanding that their actions can bring joy to others.
Example Lesson: The value of gratitude
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters express gratitude for the small things they receive, which highlights the joy of being thankful.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to say 'thank you' and show appreciation for both big and small gestures from others, promoting a positive and appreciative attitude.
Example Lesson: The joy of giving
Explanation: The story revolves around the concept of giving without expecting anything in return, emphasizing the intrinsic reward of making others happy.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to participate in acts of giving, such as making gifts or doing kind deeds for others, fostering a sense of fulfillment and empathy.
Example Lesson: Building community spirit
Explanation: Characters in the book come together to celebrate Christmas, showcasing the strength and warmth of community togetherness.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to engage in community activities and understand the importance of supporting and connecting with those around them.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The characters face challenges but remain hopeful and optimistic, teaching resilience through adversity.
Real-World Application: Teaching children to remain positive and persistent in the face of difficulties, helping them develop coping strategies that are essential throughout life.