This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
Have you ever wondered how the very first elves came to live at the North Pole? North: A Magical Friendship Story by J.R. Buchta brings that idea to life in a way that is both magical and heartfelt. It starts with the North Wind, the North Star, and the Northern Lights, three old friends who decide it’s time to welcome some new friends to their world. But first, they must determine what makes a good friend. They settle on kindness, helpfulness, and loyalty, along with a few other great qualities. Using a bit of magic with a lot of heart, they create some new pals: the very first elves. The illustrations are soft, cozy, and full of warmth, adding to the story’s gentle charm. It’s the kind of book that feels like a quiet winter night, complete with a warm blanket and a few snuggles.
As an educator—and someone who adored magical stories growing up—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. I could easily see this being used in a classroom to talk about friendship and kindness, especially around the holidays, but it would also be a great story to enjoy anytime. It’s a heartfelt read with just the right mix of meaning and, of course, magic.
