Berenstain Bears Mother's Day Blessing

Mother's Day Blessings by Mike Berenstain the latest book from the Berenstain Bears Living Lights Series. This series incorporates faith and values into the story line of each book. The Berenstain Bears Mother's Day Blessing is about the Bear family's tour through Bear Country as they celebrate Mama Bear and learn about why mothers are so special to all of us.  On the very first page the author shows a picture of Mama Bear with a passage from Proverbs 31... "She is worth far more than rubies.  Her children arise and call her blessed. Honor her for all that her hands have done."

What I Like: I enjoy how this series weaves the scriptures and values into each story. The series was designed to "help children learn how God wants them to live every day."

I also liked that the book showed mothers in a variety of different roles.  There were moms that stayed home with their children, moms that worked, moms that owned a business and a mom that worked in ministry as a Pastor's Wife.
 
What I Dislike: I wish that the book was a little longer.  I feel that the conclusion of the book was a bit rushed. 

 
Overall Rating: Very Good.
 
Age Appeal: 4-8 years old.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2016; ISBN:0310748690; Paperback, 32 pages, $3.99

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The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible for LIttle Ones

For Berenstain Bears lovers everywhere comes a storybook Bible for toddlers. The thick-covered The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible for Little Ones, by Jan and Mike Berenstain, is a sturdy board book that highlights eight stories from the Bible: Creation, Noah’s Ark, David and Goliath, Daniel in the Lion’s Den, The Birth of Jesus, The Good Samaritan, Palm Sunday, and the Resurrection. In true bear fashion, all the characters are portrayed as bears, including Jesus.

What I Like: I love the Berenstain Bears, so of course this book appeals to me. Seeing Biblical characters in bear-form is interesting.

 What I Dislike: For me, there is a disconnect between the format and the text. The text is geared for preschoolers through age 8, but boardbooks are typically intended for the toddler age group. In addition, some of the stories had major gaps; however, parents willing to expand on the story can easily fill in the missing details.

 Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: ages 4-8

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2015; ISBN: 978-0310749417; Boardbook or Kindle, 30 pgs., $9.99

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The Berestain Bears' Harvest Festival

The leaves are changing into bright colors, the apples are ripe, and it’s time for the Bear family to enjoy the fall harvest. In Michael Berestain's book The Berestain Bears' Harvest Festival, the whole bear family walks to a neighbor’s house to enjoy a hayride, pumpkin picking, pumpkin pie, and a shared meal. On the way and throughout the story, they take small moments to count their many blessings.

Lovers of the Berestain Bears series will enjoy the comforting images of fall and the friendly family banter highlighted in the book.  Rather than having a story with a problem and solution, it’s more of a celebration of fall activities complete with a prayer of thanks from Preacher Brown.  At the end of the book, the author makes the story more interactive by including three questions to discuss and two activities to try out.

What I Like: The Berestain Bears were always a favorite of mine (and of my children). This book makes a nice addition to the collection and gives parents the opportunity to talk about the fall season in a fun way!

What I Dislike: The story was sweet, but slow moving. It lacked the kind of problem-to-solve with a moral lesson that distinguished many of the earlier books in the series.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 4-8 years old.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2015; ISBN: 978-0310748656; Paperback, 24 pgs., $3.99

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The Berenstain Bears: God Bless Our Country

If you're looking for a book to introduce the idea of what the Fourth of July is about, The Bernstein Bears: God Bless Our Country may be a good choice. Written by Mike Berenstain, son of Stan and Jan Berenstain (who created the original Berenstain Bear books), this slim title covers the minimum children should know about Independence Day.

The book begins with the Bear family preparing for the Fourth. As Papa tries on his old army uniform (which he'll soon be wearing in a parade), Mama mentions that he wants to look his best for "the big birthday party." This catches the cubs' interest. How can a country have a birthday?

Papa explains that our nation was born when "the settlers who came here decided they didn't like being ruled by a king who lived in a faraway land." They made a decision to become a new country and wrote this on a piece of paper; the King didn't like it. A war broke out - but the settlers won.

"And thanks be to God!" Papa says. "We believe it was God's will that our new country came to be. And it gave folks from all over the world a place to go where they could be truly free." Mama adds that it was like the Bible says, "He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey."

The family attends the Fourth of July parade. Papa marches in his uniform. The flags and bunting Mama made fly in the air. The cubs win second place for their patriotically-dressed bikes. "Happy Fourth of July!" the mayor says. "God bless our country!" Papa says. "Amen!" say the cubs and Mama.

The book ends with three questions for discussion and two ideas for related activities. In addition, the book comes with a page of stickers, based on the patriotic pages in the book.

What I Like: My kids are always excited to read a new Berenstain bear book. I also appreciate that this book teaches young children the basics of what In Independence Day is about.

What I Dislike: I wish the author explained the reasons for the Revolution a better - but I admit that by not doing so, he leaves parents free to discuss the matter further, as the age of their child dictates.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: About 4 - 8.

Publishing Info: Zonderkidz, 2015; ISBN 978-0310734857; paperback, 24 pgs., $4.99

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The Berenstain Bears and the Biggest Brag

In The Berenstain Bears and the Biggest Brag, Brother and Sister bear always seem to one-up each other. If Brother brags he got an A on his math paper, Sister brags she got an A+. If Sister brags she scored a goal in soccer, Brother brags he scored the winning goal. Mama and Papa are pretty tired of it, but reminding the cubs that it's not a loving thing for siblings to do ("You know what the Bible says about love - 'It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud'") doesn't seem to help.

One day Brother and Sister are relaxing, looking at the clouds in the sky. Pretty soon, they start mentioning the shapes they see in them. And, true to form, they begin trying to outdo each other. Their cloud claims grow pretty outrageous, as they claim to see complicated designs such as knights fighting fire breathing dragons with castles and princesses nearby. Pretty soon, their voices are raised, and all they can think about it making the greatest claim.

Then Grizzle Gramps happens by. He says he sees two heads in the clouds. Brother and Sister struggle to see them until Gramps finally says, "Right there...They look like the faces of two of the biggest, bragging-est fools I ever saw." Now the cubs feel foolish and Gramps reminds them, "Remember what the Bible says...'Where there is strife, there is pride.'"

As the siblings walk away, one says, "I bet I win at checkers!" And the other replies, "No, I'm going to win!" But they check themselves, remembering Gramps' wise words.

The book ends with suggested activities and discussion questions.

What I Like: Berenstain Bears books are often a great way to introduce a topic with young children, and this book is no exception. I love that several quotes from the Bible are used. I even like the fact that there's no pat ending; we can see the subs will still struggle with this sin. But we also see that now they want to change their ways.

What I Dislike: Nothing, particularly, although I don't think this is the strongest Berenstain Bear book I've read.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: About 4 - 8.

Publishing Info: Zonderkidz, 2014; ISBN 978-0310734796; paperback, 24 pgs., $3.99

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The Berenstain Bears' Country Cookbook

Do your kids love the Berenstain Bears? Do you want to get them into the kitchen? Teach them how to cook? Help them become a little more independent? Then The Berenstain Bears' Country Cookbook may be just what you're looking for.

Mike Berenstain's latest addition to the legacy his parents built is a welcomed one. The bright, colorful cookbook is packed with all the Berenstain Bear characters children love, has 40 kid-friendly recipes with colorful photos, has an interesting section on honey, and offers brief, less-than-a-page vignettes of the Bear family in each section. (For example, the cookbook begins with an illustration of the Bear family, and Mama Bear telling Brother and Sister how important breakfast is. She encourages them to come into the kitchen with her and help make the meal...then the section on breakfast recipes begins.)

In the "Breakfast" section, there are recipes for scones shaped like bear heads, biscuits shaped like bunny heads, berry crepes, and "tasty toboggans" (French toast with two pieces of bacon, placed on the plate to look like a sled). In the lunch section, there are lettuce wraps, mini pizzas made with French bread, and shepherd's pie. In the "Main Dishes" section, there are recipes for corn on the cob, enchiladas, quesadillas, and kebobs. For "Desserts & Snacks," there are applesauce, banana pops, blueberry pie, and race car cookies. Some recipes are very simple (fruit salad, spinach salad, banana and peanut butter sandwiches), while others are for older children - or children who have more help from an adult (green noodle lasagna, grilled chicken with carrots).

You may ask why this is considered a "Christian" book. I wondered, too. Turns out, at the back of the book there is a little mealtime prayer, and on the very last page, there is a Bible quote.

What I Like: This cookbook has lots of visual appeal, especially for children. It's colorful, bright, and all the food looks delish. I also like the variety of recipes offered. Not all are uber healthy. There's a nice blend of healthy recipes (oatmeal, tuna sandwiches) and recipes that are a little less so (sausage and tater tot wraps, mac and cheese). In other words, something to please everybody. My kids can't wait to take it into the kitchen!

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: About 4 and up. (Obviously, adult supervision is needed!)

Publishing Info: Zonderkidz, 2015; ISBN 978-0310747208; hardback, 96 pgs., $12.99

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The Berenstain Bears Thanksgiving Blessings

Although you may already be familiar with Jan and Mike Berenstain's 2009 book The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks, the ever-popular Berenstain Bears now have a new Thanksgiving book to offer: The Berenstain Bears: Thanksgiving Blessings. Written and illustrated by Stan and Jan Berenstain's son, Mike Berenstain, this is one of the better Berenstain Bear books I've seen in quite a few years.

The story begins with the Bear family taking a sleigh ride through an early snow in order to have Thanksgiving dinner and Grizzly Gramps' and Gran's house. They sing "Over the River and Through the Woods (to Grandmother's house we go)" and talk about just how thankful they are for Gran's Thanksgiving cooking. But Mama reminds everyone "there's more to Thanksgiving than just eating lots of yummy food." This leads to a conversation about some of the more important things we can all be thankful for, including "faith and freedom" (Papa gives a very brief accounting of the Pilgrims), "peace and plenty" (Papa talks about the farmers that grew this country, and about times of war and peace), "work and play" (both are important, Papa reminds), and "family and friends" ("these are the most wonderful blessings of all").

At last, they arrive at Gramp's and Gran's, where they eagerly get the food on the table and say a prayer of thanks.

The last page of the book offers three questions to discuss and two actions to go out and do. Also included is a sheet of stickers (small versions of illustrations in the book, not designed to stick in the book itself).
 
What I Like: While my children always love Berenstain Bear books, sometimes I find the writing in them clumsy or just plain annoying. However, this book is well written while still offering up the familiar Berenstain Bear characters. Both my children (ages 8 and 5) enjoyed this book, and it lead to an interesting conversation about blessings both "big" and "small." And for the price of just $4.99, I think this is a great addition to our holiday bookshelf!

What I Dislike: Nothing

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 4 - 8

Publishing Info: Zonderkidz; 2013; ISBN: 978-0310734871; softback, 24 pgs., $4.49

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Special Info: Check out our reviews of other Christian Berenstain Bear books.

The Berenstain Bears Follow God's Word

If there's anything my kids like more than a Berenstain Bear book, it's a collection of Berenstain bear stories all under one cover. Jan and Mike Berenstain's The Berenstain Bears Follow God's Word, then, is a treat, containing five books in one.

The first story in the collection is The Berenstain Bears God Loves You; Sister has hopes for a lead in the school musical, and Brother is sure he'll get on the school basketball team. But after doing their best during try-outs, they learn Sister is "just" the stage manager and brother is "just" the team manager. Depressed, both go home on a rainy day. But when the sun comes out, the Bear family heads outside to see a rainbow. Mama reminds: "The rainbow is a gift from God. It's a sign that the rain is past and the sun has come to warm the earth again. God puts the rainbow in the sky as a beautiful sign of his love for all the earth and all the creatures that he has made." Including the young bears. She also explains that while God wants us to behave well, he loves us even when we do wrong things. And Mama and Papa are proud of the cubs for taking on such responsible roles as stage manager and team manager.

Next up, is The Berenstain Bears and the Golden Rule. You can read Christine's review of this story here.

The Berenstain Bears Kindness Counts is next. In this story, Brother allows a younger cub to help him fly his prized model airplane, remembering how he felt when he was younger and Papa did the same. When the model plane crashes, Brother continues his kindness; he lets the cub know it wasn't his fault. He even lets the cub help him repair the plane. When the two go to the park to fly the plane again, Brother spots some older boys launching rockets. He asks if he can help and is at first turned down. But when they hear about how Brother let a younger cub help him, they decide he can participate in the rocket launch.

The Berenstain Bears Go to Sunday School comes next. The Bear family has been absent from church for a while because the cubs have been busy with soccer and ballet. But Mama decides it's time to start going again. They rise early - to no one's delight - and go to the little chapel. The family sings hymns together, then the children head off to Sunday School. Here, they recount the story of Noah's ark, and learn some funny things about their parents' childhoods. In the end, everyone enjoys the morning, and the cubs head off to soccer and ballet as usual.

The final story in the book is The Berenstain Bears Say Their Prayers. The cubs say their prayers every night before bed, asking God to bless those around them. But one day Brother and Sister head off to a baseball game, where they see Cousin Fred pray silently before a difficult play. Things go well for Fred and so Brother decides to pray that God will help him make a hit. Brother fails. He tells Fred, "I even tried praying like you did...But it didn't work for me." Fred confesses he only asked that God would help him stay calm and not get too scared. "Prayers are always answered," he says. "Sometimes, we just don't get the answer we expect." That night, when Sister teases Brother about his ball playing, Brother prays God will "help me out with my little sister." To his surprise, he finds he's not angry with her any more.

The book ends with questions and a few activities related to the stories.

What I Like: I read Berenstain bear books to my kids because they love them and they usually have a good moral they can apply to their lives. This collection of stories was no exception.
 

What I Dislike: It's strange to me that God Loves Us doesn't mention the biblical meaning of the rainbow. Kindness Counts is completely secular, although it has a good message. When I read this book to my children, I have to skip Go to Sunday School completely because my children go to "big church" with us; I also didn't like that the Bear family only dedicates the morning to God, going about their usual business the rest of the day instead of actually taking a day of rest. Finally, I wish the emphasis in Say Their Prayers was a little more on how to pray throughout the day.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: preschool to first grade

Publishing Info: Zonderkidz; 2011; ISBN: 978-0310725916 ; hardback, 160 pgs., $10.99.
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The Berenstain Bears Get Ready for Christmas

Arranging the nativity scene is a highlight of the Berenstain Bears' Christmas in Jan and Mike Berenstain's new book The Berenstain Bears Get Ready for Christmas.

This is a simple little book showing the Bear family decorating for the holiday. In a box, they find baby Jesus in the manager - but they have to search throughout the house to find other elements of the nativity scene, each found under a lift-the-flap. For example, the "three wise bears" are behind the mantle clock, an angel is behind a vase of flowers, and the sheep are inside a cupboard door.

The book ends:

"Now the Bear family sets up their manager scene.
'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace!' says the whole Bear family."

What I Like: I really like the simplicity of this book; it does a good job of introducing or re-familiarizing young children with the basic elements of the Christmas story. And naturally, my 3 year old loved the lift-the-flaps. I'm also sure he'll be much more excited about our own nativity scene this year, due to this book.

What I Dislike: All lift-the-flap books are fragile, but this one has thinner flaps and pages than some others. Still, they seem strong - and so far my son hasn't ripped any of the flaps.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 2 to kindergarten.

Publishing Info: Zonderkidz; 2011; ISBN: 978-0310720829; paperback, 12 pgs., $6.99.

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Special Info: Read our other reviews of Berenstain Bear books.

The Berenstain Bears Reap the Harvest

Brother and Sister Bear are trying to decide what to do with their summer in Stan, Jan, and Mike Berenstain's The Berenstain Bears Reap the Harvest. Sister suggests they should get a job because "Papa says according to Proverbs, 'All hard work brings a profit."

Fortunately for the cubs, it just so happens Farmer Ben is looking for help - although he's not entirely sure the Bears are old enough to be really useful. Brother and Sister convince him they can do lots of things: Collect eggs, feed the chickens, sweep the barn, slop the hogs, call the cows, and make sure the bull pen is locked tight. But when they ask how much they will be paid, Farmer Ben surprises them. He tells them corn is his cash crop - the crop he sells for money. "I'll tell you what," the farmer says, "If you do a good job, I'll pay you the money I get for all the corn that grows in that corner of the field." He explains he won't know how much money that will be until autumn; it all depends on how much sunshine and rain there is, and whether they can keep pests away. "That's the way it is with farming," he says. "Same way it is with faith...our true reward comes later on - in God's good time."

The young cubs agree and work hard for the farmer all summer. And, lo, the corn crop is one of Farmer Ben's best ever. The cubs are pleased with their summer's pay and put all their earnings into the bank. "We want to keep it at least as long as it took to earn it," they say.

What I Like: My kids like Berenstain Bear books. This one seems to have a less obvious moral than most of the Berenstain books (a weakness, in my opinion), but it does a better job integrating a Bible-based theme into the story than many of the newer books in the series. My kids enjoyed it.

What I Dislike: Nothing, really.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 4 to 8, but my 2 year old enjoyed it, too.

Publishing Info: Zonderkidz; 2011; ISBN: 978-0310722779; hardback, 40 pgs., $6.99.

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Special Info: Read our reviews of other Berenstain Bear books.

The Berenstain Bears Think of Those in Need

The Berenstain Bears have the same problem as many Americans: They have too much stuff. Finally, in Stan & Jan Berenstain's The Berenstain Bears Think of Those in Need, Mama lays down the law: The family is going to de-clutter. She points out there are too many Fast Wheels on the stairs and dolls with no heads. When Brother and Sister point out their parents have a lot of stuff, too, Papa has to admit he has quite a collection of fishing poles and Mama acknowledges her cookbook collection is out of control, also.

The family decides to give away what they don't need to those who could really use them, "especially with Christmas coming on." After gathering together the items they don't need, they visit the Old Bears' Home to donate games and puzzles. And even though Brother and Sister feel a little awkward at first, the Bear family sits down and keeps the old bears company for a while, too. Next, they take toys to the Young Cubs Hospital. Their final stop is a store that sells used things to raise money for the needy. There are bears in uniforms playing instruments outside, along with a big pot for donating money.

As the bear family heads home (past the many Christmas store displays) they feel content - and just a little bit less like they need a bunch of new stuff.

What I Like: My kids respond well to the Berenstain Bear books, and this one really does encourage them to give away toys and other items they no longer need to children who could use them. Although Christmas is mentioned, we don't think of this as a Christmas book; the message is good any time of year.

What I Dislike: Nothing, although unlike other recent Berenstain Bear books, there is no overt Christian message here, aside from the Bear family's willingness to give and the two mentions of Christmas.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 4 to 8, although slightly younger kids often enjoy the Berenstain Bear books, too.

Publishing Info: Random House, 1999; ISBN: 978-0679889571; paperback, 32 pgs., $3.99.

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Special Info: Read our reviews of other Berenstain Bear books.

The Berenstain Bears' Kitten Rescue

Brother and Sister bear are both Scouts, and in The Berenstain Bears' Kitten Rescue, a Level 1 "I Can Read" book, their troop is keeping an eye out for the chance to do a good deed. When they discover a kitten up a tree, they try to climb to it. As Fred says, "The Bible says 'Whoever is kind to the needy honors God.'"

When climbing doesn't work, they get Father Bear to bring a ladder. When the kitten only climbs higher up the tree, they call some firemen. When that doesn't work, they call a rescue helicopter. When the "copter" scares the kitten further, Mother Bear happens by. She's just been to the store, and she has cat food for the Bears' pet cat.

When the kitten smells the cat food, it comes down from the tree and her owner happens by, thrilled her kitten is safe. "I give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!" she says. That evening, the Bear family enjoys watching a news report about the Scout's good deed.

What I Like: My 5 year old loves the Berenstain Bears, and she enjoyed this book. The illustrations by Jan and Mike Berenstain will not displease Berenstain fans.

What I Dislike: There is nothing wrong with this story, but it does seem as though the Christian content (which consists entirely of the two Bible quotes mentioned above) was added after the fact. It doesn't feel natural at all.
Overall Rating: Good.
Age Appeal: 4 - 8
Publishing Info: Zonderkidz, 2011; ISBN: 978-0310720973; paperback, 32 pgs., $3.99.

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Special Info: Read our other reviews of Berenstain Bear books.

The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving

The Bible reference for The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving, written and illustrated by Jan and Mike Berenstain, is, “It is more blessed to give than to receive [Acts: 20:35], and aptly so, as the story is about giving.

It’s Christmastime in Bear Country. A few days before the big day, brother and Sister are each given $10 to spend on Christmas presents for others. They buy just one gift each: Brother buys for Sister and visa versa. Neither gift costs $10 so each cub has money left over for their selves. Although they bought gifts for each other, they made sure they had money left over they could keep. That’s not what Christmas is about, but Mama and Papa don’t say anything to the cubs about it.

On Christmas Eve, Brother and Sister take part in their church’s Christmas play, dressed as one of the Wise Men’s camels, Sister as the front end, Brother in the rear. During the play, when the Wise Men give their presents to the Baby Jesus, Brother and Sister realize the reason for giving Christmas presents: The presents we give to each other on Christmas are to symbolize the gifts the Wise Men gave to Baby Jesus.

From that moment on, they have a change of heart in relation to gifts. On Christmas morning, instead of rushing to open their own gifts, they take pleasure in exchanging gifts with each other first. Later that day, on the way to church, they stop to donate their leftover money to a charitable organization.

The illustrations throughout the book are bright and colorful and a bit cartoon-like as are most books in the series.

What I Like: I enjoy reading any and all books in the Berenstain Bears series. It’s fun to see what the Bear family is up to in each episode and how we can relate the lessons they learn to our own lives.

What I Dislike: However, having said that, I must add that this book fell a bit short on the story end. Although it was good that the cubs discovered the joy of giving, I think it’s unrealistic to think they would both have the exact same thought at the exact same moment. And, it seems unlikely they would come to such a life-changing conclusion simply by performing a play they had rehearsed many times. I think a more realistic storyline would have had them helping at a local homeless shelter or food panty, or organizing a toy drive for needy families to illustrate that there are those in this world that have very little and those of us who have more should be willing, and happy, to give of what we have. That’s the joy of giving.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: 4-8.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2010; ISBN: 9780310712558; Paperback, $3.99.

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Special Info: This book is part of the publisher’s Living Lights series. Read our reviews of other books in the series. Read our reviews of other Berenstain Bear books. Visit the Berenstain Bears website.

The Berenstain Bears Do Their Best

In The Berenstain Bears Do Their Best, written by Stan and Jan Berenstain, and illustrated by Mike Berenstain, Brother and Sister Bear want to enter the local kite flying contest. Problem is, they don’t have a kite. Papa Bear tells them not to worry, he’ll make them one using the special talents God gave him.

Papa Bear then proceeds to construct a kite for the cubs with some paper and sticks, using glue to hold it together. He paints the kite red and adds a tail to make it fly. Then the trio head off for the contest.

When they get there, they see that theirs is the only homemade kite. All the others are fancy, store-bought ones. Everyone makes fun of the Bear’s kite, saying it will never fly. But, Papa has faith that it will, and it does. Not only does it fly, but when the winds blow hard and strong, all the other kites fall apart; the one Papa made holds together and wins the contest.

This Bible verse is given as a reference for the story: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plan will succeed.” [Proverbs 16:3]

The text is written in rhyme, which is a departure from the usual Berenstain Bear book. The illustrations are typical of other books in the series, though, with bright, cartoon-like pictures throughout.

What I Like: This is a good story about using our talents, committing what we do to the Lord, and having faith we will prevail.

What I Dislike: Although I am a Berenstain Bear fan (as many of you know), this book doesn’t stand out as one of the best ones in the series as the storyline is weak. If the Bear cubs wanted to enter a kite-flying contest, they should have planned ahead to do so. I don’t think they should have waited until the day of the contest to have Papa make a kite for them. Also, Papa did all the work. He didn’t have the cubs help him at all even though they were the ones that were supposed to be entering the contest.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: 4-8.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2010; ISBN: 9780310719373; Hardcover, $6.99

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Special Info: This book is part of the publisher’s Living Lights series. Read our reviews of other books in the series. Read our reviews of other books by Stan and Jan Berenstain. Visit the Berenstain Bears website.

The Berenstain Bears Hurry to Help

When Scout Leader Papa Bear takes his troupe out to earn their Good Deed Merit Badges, in The Berenstain Bears Hurry to Help written and illustrated by Stan and Jan Berenstain, things of course don’t go smoothly.

Papa Bear and the troupe try to help several neighbors who really don’t need help. In the course of doing so, they create problems where there weren’t any to start with. After several attempts to be “helpful,” Papa Bear ends up getting hurt. The scout troupe has to find a way to get Papa Bear back to his home. After much exertion, they manage to do so. But, they are discouraged that their day ended in defeat as they weren’t able to help any of their neighbors.

Mama Bear then points out that they did indeed help someone, they helped Papa Bear who required their assistance in getting home. So, they earned their Good Deed Merit Badges after all.

The illustrations by Mike Berenstain, done in the usual Berenstain Bear-style, are colorful, expressive and cartoon-like.

This Bible verse is given as a reference for the story: “Each of you should look not only to your interests but also to the interests of others.” [Philippians 2:4]

What I Like: Several of the characters in this episode – Papa Bear, Mama Bear and Farmer Ben – quote Scripture as part of the text for the book.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 4-7.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2010; ISBN: 9780310719380; Hardcover: $6.99.

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Special Info: This book is part of the publisher’s Living Lights series. Read our reviews of other books in the series by Stan and Jan Berenstain. Visit the Berenstain Bears website.

The Berenstain Bears and the Gift of Courage

As a parent, the Berenstain Bear books do little for me - but my daughter loves them. Jan and Mike Berenstain know their audience well, and in The Gift of Courage. they focus on trusting God.

Too-Tall Grizzly is the school bully and likes to make fun of Sister Bear's love of animals. Sister doesn't know what to do or say when the bully teases her - which only makes her feel embarrassed and miserable. When Papa Bear reads her and Brother Bear the story of David and Goliath, Sister says she could never be as brave as David. Papa says, "I don't know about that...I think both of you can be quite brave when you need to be. And remember, God is watching over you just like David. That will give you courage."

The next day, Sister and Brother discover Too-Tall and his friends throwing rocks at a hornet's nest. Sister grabs his arm to keep him from throwing another rock. The bully's friends charge toward Sister, but Brother stands in their way. Because he doesn't seem afraid, the boys back off. In the meantime, Too-Tall swings Sister around in the air. When she finally breaks free, the rock sails from the bully's hand, breaking open the hornet's nest. The hornets chase after the bully and his friends, leaving Sister and Brother feeling brave - and cared for by God.

The last page of the book offers three discussion questions and two suggested activities.

What I Like: All the familiar Berenstain Bear characters are present - and they seem to rely on God more than they do in many other Berenstain books, including the newer ones published by Zonderkidz. The moral of not being afraid because God is looking out for us is also a welcomed one.

What I Dislike: I have mixed feelings about the way Sister handles this bully. Essentially, she fights him. However, this gives me an opporunity to have my daughter come up with creative ways she would have handled the situation in a better way.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: 4 - 8

Publishing Info: Zonderkidz, 2010; ISBN: 978-0310712565; paperback, $3.99

Buy Now at Amazon.com for $3.99
OR buy at ChristianBook.com for $2.99

Special Info: Check out our reviews of Berenstain Bear books.