Christmas picture books have a special way of capturing the wonder, warmth, and anticipation of the holiday season. The Gift Shop Bear by author and illustrator Phyllis Harris combines beautiful illustrations, a memorable stuffed bear character, and a heartwarming Christmas story that celebrates friendship, family, and the magic of Christmas. In this review, I’ll share what makes The Gift Shop Bear stand out, who it’s best suited for, and why it may deserve a place among your family’s favorite holiday read-alouds.
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Editor’s Note (2026): This review was originally published in 2021 when The Gift Shop Bear was first released. References to giveaways, publication timing, and preorder availability have been updated or removed. The review itself reflects my genuine impressions of the book and its illustrations.
Meet Author and Illustrator 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 Is The Gift Shop Bear About?
What a sweet family Christmas story The Gift Shop Bear is!
Readers who enjoy heartwarming picture books may also appreciate Taste Your Words by Bonnie Clark, another children’s book that uses storytelling to teach meaningful life lessons.
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.
Why The Gift Shop Bear Works as a 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.
Beautiful Illustrations Bring the Story to Life
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 X @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 is ready for the upcoming holiday season.
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!
Families looking for additional book recommendations may also enjoy my guides to Magic Tree House Books in Order, Dragon Masters Books in Order, and Warrior Cats Books in Order, three popular series that help children develop a lifelong love of reading.
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.
What Makes The Gift Shop Bear Memorable?
Many Christmas picture books feature holiday decorations, gifts, and seasonal excitement. What helps The Gift Shop Bear stand out is how those familiar elements are woven into a story filled with warmth, wonder, and emotional connection.
One of the book’s most unique features is its gift shop setting. The small-town shop feels cozy and magical, creating the perfect backdrop for a Christmas story. Surrounded by decorations, ornaments, and holiday shoppers, readers immediately feel immersed in the atmosphere of the season.
The story also benefits from being told through the perspective of the bear. Seeing events unfold through his eyes creates curiosity and emotional investment as readers experience the excitement, uncertainty, and wonder alongside him. This perspective helps younger readers connect with the story in a natural way.
Another strength is the emotional payoff. Midway through the book, there are moments when readers may wonder whether the story is headed toward disappointment or loss. Instead, Phyllis Harris delivers a satisfying conclusion that captures the joy, hope, and comfort many families associate with Christmas.
The holiday atmosphere is present throughout every page. From decorated trees and festive displays to the sense of anticipation surrounding Christmas Eve, the book successfully captures the feelings that make seasonal stories memorable year after year.
Finally, the illustrations elevate the entire experience. Harris’s artwork is warm, detailed, and expressive, helping bring both the characters and the Christmas setting to life. The illustrations complement the story beautifully and contribute significantly to the book’s charm.
Together, these elements create a Christmas picture book that feels both comforting and timeless—a story families can enjoy as part of their holiday reading traditions.
Who Should Read The Gift Shop Bear?
This book is an excellent choice for:
- Families looking for new Christmas read-alouds
- Children who enjoy stories about toys and stuffed animals
- Parents building a Christmas picture book collection
- Classrooms celebrating the holiday season
- Grandparents searching for meaningful Christmas gifts
The story works especially well for children who enjoy gentle, comforting stories filled with warmth and emotional connection rather than fast-paced adventure.
Because the story emphasizes friendship, kindness, family, and belonging, it fits naturally alongside many classic Christmas books families revisit year after year.
Final Thoughts
The Gift Shop Bear succeeds because it captures something many Christmas stories strive for but rarely achieve: genuine warmth.
Rather than relying solely on holiday traditions or seasonal excitement, the story creates an emotional connection between readers and its characters while maintaining the wonder that makes Christmas stories special.
For families looking to add a modern Christmas picture book to their holiday traditions, The Gift Shop Bear is an easy recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Gift Shop Bear about?
The story follows a stuffed bear living in a gift shop during the Christmas season and explores themes of friendship, belonging, and holiday wonder.
Who wrote The Gift Shop Bear?
The Gift Shop Bear was written and illustrated by Phyllis Harris.
Is The Gift Shop Bear a good Christmas read-aloud?
Yes. The story’s warm tone, emotional themes, and beautiful illustrations make it well suited for family read-aloud sessions during the holiday season.
What age is The Gift Shop Bear for?
Most children ages 4-8 will likely enjoy the story, though younger and older readers may also appreciate the illustrations and holiday themes.
