It’s rare to experience a brand new Christmas book from a talented author / illustrator with a unique story premise! But that’s exactly what’s been created with Phyllis Harris’ sweet family Christmas story, The Gift Shop Bear. Get a sneak peak from my advanced copy and see why it belongs on your Christmas shelf! Find a secret at the bottom of this post for your chance to WIN a SIGNED copy straight from the author / illustrator’s desk!
I was provided an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review. When you buy through my links, I may earn money from my affiliate partners. Learn more.
The Gift Shop Bear Author, Phyllis Harris
Phyllis Harris has created art for more than 30 picture books! Her online store of art has received interest from thousands of customers and art collectors from all over the world. Who knew starting a career for a newspaper and then Hallmark would turn into something so magical…
Speaking of magical, take a jolly stroll with me to a small town gift shop in The Gift Shop Bear!
What a sweet family Christmas story The Gift Shop Bear is!
I’m more of a traditionalist when it comes to Christmas, so I have pretty high expectations on what elements should be in a Christmas book.
If it doesn’t put me in the Christmas mood or make me want to dance around the Christmas tree, the book isn’t for me.
A Beautiful Christmas Story
Phyllis created such a wonderful, sweet, and beautiful story that has all my favorite Christmas elements in it!
She’s got the magical wonder of a toy gift shop on Christmas Eve, beautifully decorated Christmas trees, seasonal decor, a loving family, and of course presents!
Hearing bear’s thoughts as he experiences life in a gift shop helps highlight Annie’s care for him. While bear doesn’t understand what’s going on, Annie remains a faithful friend.
I promise not to give away any secrets, but I will say this…
I got a little concerned halfway through that what I expected to be a happy story was turning into a sad one instead.
There are so many books these days with sad or quasi-neutral endings.
I didn’t want it to go that way!
Thankfully, I had nothing to fear.
Phyllis brings the story home with a perfect ending that lets you and your children feel the magic, emotion, and joy of the season.
It’s certainly a feel good story that has many elements for kids to find relatable.
Author Phyllis Harris Illustrates too!
And the illustrations…just wow!
As you can see, Phyllis is a talented illustrator.
I love how she gives sneak peak videos of her drawing on Twitter @PhyllisHarris. Really helps to see her hard work on every page and who doesn’t enjoy seeing snow falling in the background while finishing a story like this?!
The Gift Shop Bear goes on sale October 26, 2021 to be ready for the upcoming holiday season.
Don’t wait though. Get it on the first printing while supplies last! With so few new Christmas books coming out at this level of quality, you will NOT regret it!
Consider this your head start on Christmas shopping so you can have a fun new story to read as you begin unpacking your Christmas decorations!
Publisher WorthyKids, an Imprint of Hachette Book Group (HBG)
WorthyKids is a book publishing imprint of Hachette Book Group focusing on books for kids that combine faith, creativity, and culture.
They focus on books that promote faith-based living and have great titles like Once Upon a Christmas by Dawn Young and Kenneth Anderson, On Christmas Day also by Phyllis Harris, and Taste Your Words by Bonnie Clark and Todd Bright.
If you enjoyed this sneak peak into Phyllis Harris’ new Christmas picture book, The Gift Shop Bear, would you consider doing 3 simple things?
- Leave a comment below and let us know what you think!
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Oh yeah, I almost forgot! I bet you’d like a chance to WIN a SIGNED copy straight from the author / illustrator’s desk! Find me on social media and read the tweet on how to win! And if you are the winner….Merry Christmas!
*Copy Winner already selected*
