Product Description
Once upon a time, in Mrs. Sweeney’s first year drawing class at the Philadelphia Museum School of Industrial Art, a “lantern-jawed exotic” named Stan admired the drawing of a brown-haired, blue-eyed girl named Janice . . . and it was kismet! It also heralded the birth of one of the great collaborations in all of children’s literature: Stan and Jan Berenstain, creators of the Berenstain Bears.

This enormously readable account tells of the early years before they met, their courtship (briefly interrupted by World War II), married life, and their first fateful meeting with Theodor Seuss Geisel–the editor-in-chief and president of Beginner Books.

It was this fateful meeting that led to the publication of The Big Honey Hunt–the book that launched
their careers as children’s book artists and introduced to the world what would quickly become America’s first family of bears: the Berenstain Bears.Amazon.com Review
You'd think that Jan and Stan Berenstain's true calling was the whole bear thing (Bears in the Night, The Big Honey Hunt, etc.). But after spending even a couple minutes reading their absorbing and often hilarious autobiography, you'll wonder why they don't do more memoirs.

Taking turns with chapters like "Stan Meets Jan" and "Jan Meets Stan," the Berenstains share some of the most minute and telling details that contributed to their uniquely successful career and marriage (which long ago passed the 50-year mark). We hear about 5-year-old Stan's "cat period" (quickly eclipsed by his "zeppelin period," after spotting the Graf Zeppelin sailing over Philadelphia's "el"); a third-grade dance performance by shy "Janeece" as the Red-Breasted Robin (Jan's teacher never pronounced her name correctly); the couple's budding romance at art school and its interruption by the draft (followed by some funny WWII recollections from Stan); their struggling early success at the Saturday Evening Post and Collier's (where they became famous for their "moppet mob scenes"); and their momentous first meeting with Theodor ("Dr.") Seuss Geisel, which led to some surprising consternation--"Our modest dream of a doing a funny book about a family of bears who lived in a tree was turning into a waking nightmare."

Even though the Berenstains have kindly written to a preteen level, teens and grownups should still find Down a Sunny Dirt Road highly readable. And die-hard fans of the Bear family will especially enjoy the comprehensive bibliography--who ever knew about The Berenstain Bears and the Drug-Free Zone? (Ages 10 and older) --Paul Hughes ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

I loved it
I really enjoyed this book. It was very easy to read, and interesting. The drawings are also wonderful. I learned a lot about Stan & Jan but also about the times in which they grew up, WWII, Dr.Seuss and much more! I highly recommend this to any Berenstain Bears lover or teacher doing author studies in his/her classroom (which is what I used it for)!

Written for a teen or adult
I've very much enjoyed this book, but it was on the booklist for my 4th grader's memoir project and we ended up having to choose it just based on reviews here.It is definitely not written for a child or even to be read to a child.The book moves rather quickly through their depression-era childhood, mentions atrocities to Jews before WWII and Stan's experiences as an enlisted man in the war, before moving on to their careers in publishing.The book is fascinating and well-written, but the language and events are complex, requiring several stops on every page to provide background knowledge to my 4th grader.She reads well above grade level, but she doesn't know much about 20th century history.In the end, I just previewed the book and then paraphrased the events that were important.

A Behind-the-Scenes Look At Two Best-selling Children's Authors and Illustrators
As a parent, I remember curling up with my sons and reading the adventure of the Berenstain Bears. The illustrations and the stories were always well-crafted. But how did this couple which has sold millions of children's books begin on their journey to publication? You will learn about their early life and how they met and married. I found it fascinating about how they moved from illustration work into children's books.

In a true behind-the-scenes look, you will learn about their first meeting with Theodor Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss), who was the editor-in-chief of Random House's Beginner Books.

I recommend anyone interested in children's writing or children's book illustration would profit from reading this book. It is excellent.

I ranked it at four-stars for a reason: the book is a misfit in some ways. It appears like a children's book because it includes Berenstain illustrations combined with family photos and an oversized design. It doesn't easily fall into the autobiographical section of a bookstore nor does it fit into the children's book section.

Even with these cautions, I loved this book and learned a great deal from it and recommend it to others.

Will reach entire families with its warm story
This autobiography of the romance between Stan and Jan Berenstain which led to not only a marriage of love but a marriage of businesses reveals how the two artists created the Berenstain Bears and other popular works for children. Packaged so as to appeal into the elementary grade levels, yet in depth enough for adult pursuit, this autobiography will reach entire families with its warm story of the creation of the Bears, with color and black and white drawings and sketches throughout.

A Lovable Journey down that Sunny Dirt Road
Down a Sunny Dirt Road would be a highly enjoyable addition to any book collection.It is the story of Stan and Jan Berenstain covering their childhood up to today.The book is broken up into chapters of about five pages each.The text is large and easy to read.Throughout the book, the chapter is broken up between Stan and Jan.Each of them tells their own point of view about events that only they were a part of as well as events they both experienced together.The book is lovingly put together and packed with pictures of Stan and Jan as well as illustrations that each of them made to illustrate the events that they are talking about in the chapter.The autobiography is all encompassing and contains many great extras like a list of all of the books that the couple has written or illustrated, a chronology of events, and all of the awards that they have won.The book is the tale of a great love story between two star-crossed lovers that luckily for us, ended up together.The couple lived the true rags to riches story and this idea runs throughout the book because it has influenced choices they have made.It is great to hear about their start in the cartoon industry as well as their creation of the lovable bears we have come to know as Mama, Papa, Sister, Brother, and now Honey.It was also very interesting to learn about how they based the bears on.One of the most enjoyable chapters of the book focuses on their meetings with beloved children�s author Dr. Seuss.The advice that Dr. Seuss gave them about their books was fun to read and the knowledge that he tried to make the bears like the books he wrote, but the Berenstain�s were reluctant to do so.The book also highlights the fact that Stan and Jan are real artists, not only cartoonists.Their other artwork is breathtakingly beautiful and is contained within the chapters about attending art school.The autobiography is well done and answers all of the pertinent questions that people would want to know like the authors� favorite books, where they get their ideas, and the correct pronunciation of their last name.Down a Sunny Dirt Road would most likely be more enjoyable to adults who grew up with the Berenstain bears or during the era that the Berenstains grew up.There are a lot of people, items, and events that are mentioned, especially in the early chapters, that children would not know or understand.The Berenstain�s do a good job of explaining these unknown terms, but there are just so many on the page that the children may not be able to comprehend the terms used.As far as autobiographies go, this is a great one.Down a Sunny Dirt Road is perfect for anyone wanting a great biography or a true fan that would like to travel down that sunny dirt road with those lovable Berenstain bears. ... Read more

Product Description
Illus. in full color. A bear explores a carton on a truck and gets carried away. By the time he has returned, the reader will be exposed to the concepts of "inside, outside, upside down." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (30)

Fun book!
It is just as fun as it was when I was a kid, but a sturdier, modern version.

MISLEADING
I ordered several of these board books thinking I was getting a great deal. SO disappointed when they came as TINY, ABRIDGED versions of the real stories. These should be labeled better! I shouldn't have to sort through 100 reviews to realized they're not what they appear to be. We bought 4, paying almost $20 plus shipping, but only got $9 back after paying return shipping costs. Biggest rip-off ever! If I had wanted books to put in my diaper bag- these would have been great. But as it is, I just feel swindled. Amazon- PLEASE clearly indicate that these are not the original Dr. Seuss books!

small book
attention to those ppl looking for a great deal.... please be mindful when ordering these that they are the very small board books... unfort i did not realize this when bought them.. very disapointed child on xmas.

I learned to read with this book and still have it memorized.
I learned how to read with this book and 25+ yrs later still have it memorized."Mama Mama I went to town!Inside, Outside, Upside Down!"My younger sibling learned how to read with it too.I'm holding on to it now to teach my own kids.

It is perfectly catchy and repetitive to be pleasant and memorable to kids. The pictures are simple and fun, helping a kid associate their playtime with the words.So I'm over the moon about this book!

We Love "Bear in a Box"
My little grandson calls "Inside Outside Upside Down" "bear in a box".I think this would make a great secondary title myself.This book is just a super beginning reader book.What more can I say?I love it!

Sharon Higgins ... Read more

Product Description
Illus. in full color. The Bears' adventures take them in, out, around, and about. "A good job of combining words and pictures into a slapstick but cohesive story."--School Library Journal. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (31)

A Classic for the early reader
Definition of a classic:it never grows old.The bears will be an early read for the toddler.A simple vocabulary with enough action to keep the reader on task this chapter in the Berenstain bear sagas that has stood the test of time.A beginner's book ,for sure, but it will lead to many more bear stories.

Great book
I bought this for the kids at Christmas and they love the book they ask me to read it every night Plus now they play the Bear's in the night.

What a delight
From the moment my son ripped off the gift wrapping I knew it would be a bedtime must read. He had seen it at his grandma's house and already knew the story off by heart. Now he has his own copy (grandma's is 40 years old!) and just loves it.

Great for Toddler AND older Preschoolers
This book is a classic, and great for many ages. Although recommended ages are 4-6, because there are only a few words on each page, and there is a repetition and rhythm to the story, it works well for younger children as well - I would recommend ages 1-6.

I started reading this to my daughter at 14 months and it is a favorite and much requested book. She recognizes the simple words (Out the window! Down the tree!) and loves to anticipate the 'surprise' at the end.

Our older cousin came for a visit and he too loves the book - at 5 he is just starting to read. He thought this was a great story. It is good for an early reader because the words are simple, repeat often, and the story is short enough for children patient enough to read longer stories themselves.And the 'suspense' is a hit at any age.

Can't say enough great things about this book - it is a must for every library

A great way to introduce Prepositions to younglings
This book is wonderfully illustrated, easy to read and memorize, and your kids will love it!

Bears in the Night is a brilliant story.
... Read more

Product Description
Illus. in full color. "In a delightful tale told in rhyme, the Bears cope with weightlessness, meteor showers, and moon dust. A winner for beginning readers."--School Library Journal. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

My birth child loved it!!!
My 4 yr old birth child loved it!!!It was a hit!!!By request, his Mom reads it to him at bedtime.

The Berenstain Bears on the Moon (Bright and Early Books)

Fun book
Another one of the Berenstain Bears Early Readers.

It's a lot of fun to read, and the rhymes work well. Very bouncy. I do have to suspend the disbelief of even the kidlets a little - they know full well that two children and a dog cannot go to the moon alone! - but that's all right.

The Berenstain Bears on the Moon
This book is so cute and so much fun! We borrowed this book from our local library and then I just had to own it. My kids didn't want to return it to the library. The story line is so cute and it rhymes too which gives it a fun rhythmic sound as you read it aloud. Great book!

Send Your Child's Imagination to the Moon!
Although Amazon advertises this book for ages 4-8, my wife and I started reading this and other Stan and Jan Berenstain books to our children from 18 months and up. Always a delight, our kids would laugh at the silliness while learning a lesson about life. We started a great habit of reading two or three books before bed, and the kids loved them. Soon, they would memorize many of the phrases, beginning a lifelong passion for reading.

Every kid should experience reading books by the Berenstains while growing up. The characters are well developed, the rhyming phrases help kids become enthusiastic about reading, and the messages about life make them think.Bears On The Moon got my son and daughter asking questions about space and interested in the great beyond.Combine this with other fun Berenstain Bear books and your kids will sit enthralled as you turn the pages. Highly recommended.

The Bears go sci-fi!
"The Berenstain Bears on the Moon," by Stan and Jan Berenstain, is one of the best in the authors' excellent series of children's books. In this installment, Brother and Sister Bear, accompanied by their excitable pet dog, take a rocket trip to the moon and back.

Although the book's primary purpose is entertainment and literacy education, the Berenstains do get some of the science right. The portray the gravity-free environment of the space ship's interior during the voyage, and they also show that the gravity on the lunar surface is much less than that on Earth.

The book is illustrated in the typically appealing Berenstain Bears style. Particularly fun is the orange, green, and purple-colored rocket ship used by the intrepid space travelers. And the rhymes are equally fun. Example: "Two little bears / and one little pup. / They are off to the moon, / going up, up, up!" This irresistible adventure tale is definitely a high point in a beloved book series. ... Read more

Product Description
Illus. in full color. "Out shopping, the Bears look at frilly and silly hats, bumpy and lumpy ones. Offers slapstick humor and simple concepts of sizes and shape."--School Library Journal. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (26)

Old book Still great
A wonderful way to teach adjectives as well as the ultimate lesson that whatever is new and shiny may not be better than what we already have.

Rhymes and colors make this appealing to youngsters from a very early age. Highly recommended.

Great children's book
Our son loved this book..at age 3 he had it memorized and would "read" it to us. Kinda cute in a Dr. Seuss way.

Not the *best* early reader, but still a good book
This is one of the earlier Berenstain Bear books, and it shows. Despite the cover, the bears on the *inside* of this book are less stylized and cutesy than the bears in the newer books, and the story is an early reader instead of a longer read-aloud.

It's a cute little story about a cub suffering from "grass is greener" syndrome, but unable to decide which hat to get. Eventually he decides his old one is perfect - you saw that coming!

There are only a few words per page, with a basic vocabulary, so this one is perfect little-little ones learning to talk. I do find that many of the words in this book are too uncommon, too long, or follow too odd spelling rules for this book to really function as an early reader. But it's so funny that I don't think that really matters.

Great Book!!
My sons who are 2 and 3 years old Love this books. They memorize the whole book and will read it to me. I brought this book twice already, but i don't mind it at all because it's a must have in this house.

Great book for a little one!
My daughter got this book for her first Christmas. I put it on the shelf & forgot about it until she was about 1 when she discovered it for herself. In the almost full year since then, a day has not gone by when this book has not been read -- generally, numerous times (& I'm not sick of it yet). Thankfully I've been able to memorize it -- if she's in the car and cranky, simply reciting the book will calm her down. Such is the power of this great book. She's managed to tear pages but we just tape it together and read it again the next day. Highly recommended for anyone wanting a fun, simple book for their little one. ... Read more

Product Description
Is there such a thing as too much birthday? Poor Sister is overwhelmed by her big, noisy sixth-birthday party. Her sympathetic parents help her realize the true importance of having a birthday in this humorous exercise in moderation for cubs--and parents. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

our son's favorite
We have at least 15 Berenstain Bears books, and this is one of our 5 year old son's favorites.It shows how much fun birthday parties can be, but also that we can get too carried away by them.There is one part where the cubs play "spin the bottle" which does seem odd, but Sister only ends up kissing Brother on the cheek...this part doesn't seem to be a problem for our son.

our favorite
This is our favorite Berenstain Bears book, a must for every child who has ever "wanted it all" for their special day.Sister turns six, and what starts out as a simple birthday celebration plan becomes an elaborate festival complete with too many goodies, ponies and merry-go-round, thanks to Papa.This is a bit much for Sister, who has only just turned six, after all!Parent everywhere will smile at the birthday meltdown and subsequent scenes, and children of all ages will relate to sister's ups and downs on her big day.

A Good Lesson for Party Planning
This is a wonderful book that presents a terrific lesson about not getting too carried away with birthday parties--a big problem these days!
The fuss and commotion and the pressure of an over-the-top party are too much for Sister Bear and she winds up just getting upset about the whole thing. I've seen this happen with real life birthday parties. And it's nice to see an innocent old-fashioned childhood still being depicted in our modern overly sophisticated world. This is another classic in the Berenstain Bears line of books.

Overwhelmed
Sister Bear is going to turn 6 years old. She is very excited about all the Birthday games, toys, prizes, candy, pony rides, and even a merry-go-round! She and Brother Bear and Papa Bear get everything ready.

The other cubs arrive and they play games and have lots of fun. However, Sister Bear gets overwhelmed by all the excitement and breaks down into tears. She is upset because she got first out on On the Way to Jerusalem game and was humiliated at the Spin the Bottle game.

One cub asks her if she is going to open her presents and that breaks her concentration and she opens gifts. Her tears dry and she finds out much she has grown and improved the past year.

Too Much Birthday
Why would little kids play "spin the bottle" kissing game at a kid party?Th rest of the book is good except for that part.We now have our own edited version.The Arthur birthday book also plays "spin the bottle".This might have been thought of as an innocent game way back whenbut it is not in today's society.Maybe they will edit this book for future publications... ... Read more

Product Description
HE BEAR SHE BEAR, what's the difference? Not much say the Berenstains, as they present young bears and children with a marvellous variety of role models for all 'whether we are he or she'. Bright and Early books help even the youngest child get ready to read. Simple stories and basic concepts are humorously presented in rhythm and rhyme. Pictures that fully explain the text help even babies make the important connection between word and meaning. It's never too early to find out that 'Learning to read is fun'. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

I wish Berenstain Bears had more board books!
I loved Berenstain Bears books as a kid, so I wanted to find some BB board books for my 18-month-old twin boys. This was the only board book I found. It's cute and simple and my boys like it; I just wish more of the Berenstain Bears books were made in board book form!

You'll memorize this quickly!
A female and male bear explore a variety of things they can be besides being parents.Delightfully rhyming the book affirms abilities of girls and boys. This was a favorite of my children.

(This review was previously published in "Daughters of Sarah" Nov/Dec 1986.)

Book for tofflers
I have always been a fan of the Berenstain Bear Books through my own children.My 18-month old granddaughter doesn't sit long enough to listen to most books.However, this shortened, board book is just the right length for her.It does not have as many pages as the regular book of the same name.The words on each page are minimal.She even "reads" along with me. It is of a size that she can easily hold in her own hands.I also don't need to worry about her tearing the pages.

Nice Berenstain Bears book
A great rhyming Berenstain Bears book for young readers, it teaches the difference between he and she and it also teaches about equality of sexes, how both girls and boys can do practically anything regardless of their sex except for being a dad or a mom:

"Dad's a he/mom's a she/those are things/that we could be/just because we're he and she./But there are other things to be...."

It also teaches kids that they can do anything they want: "be a doctor/make folks well/teach kids how to add and spell..." and can be a first approach to professions.

All in all, a great buy. My 3 y.o. son enjoys this book very much, and it's not very long so it's a good option for when you don't feel like reading a longer story...

Just Great!
My kid has totally fallen in love with this book. The illustrations are great and he looks at every little detail. He is only 17 months old, so I doubt if he understands the concept, but he likes to read this book. He points to the He Bear and says papa and the She Bear and says Mama! There is enough to keep him engaged for 15 mins. I would love it if it were a board book. ... Read more

Product Description
"The room shared by Brother and Sister is a mess because the cubs argue over who should neaten up instead of working together. Sure to make toddlers smile while they absorb an implied lesson."--Publishers Weekly. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

One of the best in the series!
This one helped my kids (age 6 and 4) understand why we need to clean up our rooms....the only drawback is that they remind me of it when my OWN bedroom and closets need a straightening...LOL...but I guess that's a good thing, too.

Kids Book
My 6 yr old daughter and I love reading this book together
It's another great Berenstain Bear Book

nostalgic
This was one of my favorite books when I was a kid, so I was very excited to find it brand-new as a present for my young cousin. I think she will enjoy this tremendously (and it's not a hand-me-down...It's her very own! It's not every day that you can pass along a happy memory with a younger generation without also sending the wear and tear of the old items).

Good book for a toddler
I liked the message of the book and my 4 year old son loves all the Berenstain bears books and dvds.

A good book/cd package
This a nice product--the book is a classic and the CD is a great companion to it--highly recommended! ... Read more

Product Description
Illus. in full color. Brother and Sister meet Firebear Bob, Police Officer Marguerite, and others as they try to discover "What will I be when I grow up?". ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great first "Jobs" book
This is a great book for preschoolers!There are boy bears and girl bears doing all kinds of jobs--a gender-neutral representation of professions.The words rhyme and could be a good read for beginning readers--this is one of the Berenstains' easier books with no more than two stanzas on each page.And it is interesting for the kids to read and look at.

A GREAT look at the world through our favorite bears eyes!
My son loved seeing the world around him through his favorite bears eyes. I had to read this one over and over to him! ... Read more

Product Description
Illus. in black-and-white. Brother and Sister think old people are boring

until Grizzly Gran dons her pink tights and decides to perform her

roller-skating, one-bear-band act in the big PTA fundraiser for Bear Country

School! Will she embarrass the cubs or will they learn that you're never too

old to have a good time?




... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Berenstain Bears are the best
I always buy this kind of book for my grandson as he
loves to read and I find Amazon and their wish
list program the greatest. Thank you Amazon for
an amazing adventure in your wish list program.
I am a sold customer.

Love this Bear family
I grew up reading the Berenstain Bears.Now I read them all to my sons.

I love it!
I have over 15 of these books and i love it!If you are thinking about geting this book......GET IT!!! ... Read more

Product Description
Baby Sister and Baby Brother
are taking turns with one another.
Then Baby Too-Tall comes along.
Baby Too-Tall's big and strong!

In this simple rhyming story, the Baby Bears learn that
taking turns makes playtime more fun. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Berenstains cares for babies to
I am happy to find Berenstain Baby Bear books- I would like many more.My children grew up with the Berenstain Bear books; they enjoyed them and learned many things.The ones they had were for pre-school and older.My Every Day Book (Berenstain Baby Bears) ... Read more

Product Description
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and Sister Bear has big plans to get the attention of Herbie Cubbison, the cutest cub in class. And she’s going to let that no-good nuisance, Billy Grizzwold, know exactly how she feels about him and his never-ending pranks. But when Sister receives an extra-special valentine, she might just have to rethink her planned Valentine’s Day massacre. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

I am surprised that there .......
I am surprised there was not even one review for this book. I remember reading this book to my children years ago. They always loved the Berenstain Bears books! Every time we went to the library it seemed they were getting one of these books.

Highly recommended!

Peggy Headings
(Author of "The Adventures of the Muffin Family") ... Read more

Product Description
Brainstorm! The cubs just got their greatest idea yet: a super-duper dog show, to be held at the Beartown church fair. Dogs will do tricks. Dr. Hairball, the vet, will judge. The Arfo Dog Biscuit Company will give out prizes to each and every dog. It can’t miss. Or can it? What happens when Too-Tall and the gang decide to crash the dog show? Get out your umbrellas, ladies and gentlemen. Because it might just start raining . . . cats and dogs! ... Read more

Product Description
Mother’s Day is coming, and Mama Bear knows that Papa and the cubs are going to surprise her. She also knows that Mother’s Day in the tree house is going to be one big, messy success that she’ll have to clean up. But maybe, just maybe, Papa and the cubs have cooked up a really big surprise for Mama this year! Featuring greeting card gatefold. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A Great Present for Mom
This book is a very funny and realistic picture of well-meaning dads and kids trying to make Mother's Day a nice experience for mom. They do their best and touch Mama Bear's heart with their good intentions. But they do have their problems--don't we all? To err is human. This book may not conform to strict, politically correct, academic feminist standards but it's very real and down-to-earth and, best of all, it's funny.

Seriously Dated
Modern moms and dads may take offense at this book's basic premise:Papa Bear is so useless in the kitchen that he burns toast and makes an awful mess while making Mama Bear breakfast. And Mama Bear is full of gratitude because Papa Bear and the cubs clean up the kitchen after they make a mess. I'd rather send kids a message that they can always help in the kitchen, not just once a year on Mother's Day.

For an alternate Mother's Day gift, check out Because You Are My Baby - Mom gets to be a mountaineer, a rock star and an astronaut! ... Read more

Product Description

Sister Bear and her new friend, Miranda, make a lot of bad decisions—riding down Dead Bear's Hill, eating Ben's apples, running through Mizz McGrizz's tulips. When Mama Bear finds out about these things, she wants Sister to stop playing with their new neighbor. But is it really all Miranda's fault?

Customer Reviews (4)

not bad
really fun! Kids love it and save my time to teach them shouldn't do this or that. Highly recomment.

The Berenstain Bears and the Bad Influence
This short story is not only a good lesson for children, it is also an excellent lesson for adults.

Not one of their best....
I actually never thought I'd stumble across a so-so Berenstain Bears book but this one is it.It isn't really about a bad influence the way you'd think.Someone nice getting around someone not so nice, going down the wrong path, etc.This is portrayed as both bears being responsible for doing bad things and not really teaching what cubs needs to look out for in choosing their friends. This one failed and I actually sent it back to amazon, something I never do.Pass on this one, it's just not up to their normal standards.

both kids' fault
I like that the book shows how actions can be misunderstood and that it isn't always just one kid's fault. excitement of something new can mess you up if you're not grounded in principle. ... Read more

Product Description
March
The Berenstain Bears and
Once again, the Berenstains have focused on a subject of great concern for parents and kids alike: guns.

When Ferdy the nerd gets paired with Too-Tall the jock in an assignment to study inventions, the one subject they can agree on is guns. While Ferdy's interest is strictly intellectual, Too-Tall's is, unfortunately, basically bang-bang. Things come to a head at Bear Country School when Too-Tall brings in a monster squirt gun that looks an awful lot like the real thing. The whole class learns a valuable lesson: in the wrong hands, guns can be bad business--whether they are real or not. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Just more propaganda
More drivel from the left. So many of the Berenstain Bears books offer true lessons for little ones. My kids love them. Unfortunately the authors have decided to use their bully pulpit to push there own antigun agenda. I will educate my kids to the "dangers" of guns and other inanimate objects...I neither need nor appreciate your input Mr. Berenstain. While you are certainly free to write whatever you want...so am I free to spend my money (or not to spend it) on whatever I feel is inappropriate for my family. Save your more and send a donation to the NRA.

Berenstain Bears and No Guns Allowed
I wanted to replace a damaged library book, and hadn't been able to locate a copy.This book is good, the condition was excellent, and I had it in my hands in just a few days.Good service!

More liberal trash
Just another hand wringing, the-sky-is-falling piece of literary debris.It is really unfortunate that the authors found it necessary to prostitute their children's book characters to the gun-grabbers.Save your money, buy some ammo instead.

Berenstain Bears and No Guns Allowed
I like this book because you see Ferdy's unexpected side coming alive, the water gun Too-Tall has is a funny part, and Ferdy's gun invention is another favorite part.This was probably my 3rd favorite book.I still have to say it is good even if it's my 3rd favorite.

Mighty Neighborly!
The Berenstains should be praised for this work which teaches lessons to little ones that unfortunately are needed today.As a fellow author from Pennsylvania, I do think it's mighty neighborly of them to do this book that reaches kids on their level.It's got the right lessons kids today should hear early on in life.Believe me, I've covered school shootings stories in my TV career.It's never too early to preach anti-violence to kids.This book is a very helpful tool indeed. ... Read more

Product Description
When Papa learns the cubs are going out for soccer, he's confounded.

Whoever heard of a game where you can't even pick up the ball? Yes, Papa's an

old-fashioned bat-and-ball-and-mitt sort of bear...until the cubs drag him

kicking and screaming into the new generation and teach him the singular

pleasures of that black-and-white ball. With their usual perceptive insights,

the Berenstains also deal with issues like team - work, practice, and boys and

girls playing together.




... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Outdated attitude
Wow, it was more of a history lesson for me than a moral lesson for my son. I had no idea soccer was so obscure to some people (decades ago). The basics are this: Papa doesn't think soccer is a real sport, like baseball and basketball. Mama and the cubs are really good at it, and he's eventually won over, even though he is really bad at playing.

I've never ever met anyone who thought soccer was obscure; I had to ask my grandma to find out that my grandfather may have had this attitude...in the sixties. Sooooo, I'll always love the BB family, but keep on looking for a soccer book to excite my young ones about the sport.

Perfect condition!
The book was shipped out the day after I purchased it.It took a few days to arrive and was in perfect condition.I will definitely buy from this seller again!

This is a fun book to read.
I think it is a really good book.It is my favorite book.I want to Congratulate the author for such a geart book.This book tought me not to be selfish. ... Read more

Product Description
Illus. in full color. Papa Bear demonstrates his seaside safety rules--with disastrous results. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

One of the older Bears books :)
Waaaaaay back before they started their moralizing series of paperbacks, the Berenstain Bears starred in a series of early readers. These are MUCH funnier than the paperbacks, let me tell you!

In this one, Papa Bear resolves to teach Small Bear how to be Safe at the Beach, and loads him up with tip after tip... each one illustrated in graphic detail when Papa Bear forgets to follow his own advice and ends up needing to be saved by his son. LOL!

This sort of humor is a big hit with my nieces, and funny books, of course, encourage children to read. I'd definitely check it out.

Love this classic Berenstain book!
This was one of my favorite books as a child, and I bought this to share with my own children to encourage their love of reading.The pictures are captivating and the story has fun and excitement to keep their interest up.My 3 and 5 year old love this book as much as I did and still do!

My 3 year old daughter LOVES this book!
This is such a great book. My daughter has loved it since she was 2 1/2. It is so funny and entertaining. I think it is the best in the Beginner Books Berenstain Bears collection (we have them all).

Hurray, hurray...
I remember reading this book as a child over and over.At the age of a young reader, I clearly understood the humor and irony.To this day, as I depart on every vacation, the first words of this book ring in my head, "Hurray, hurray.We're on our way.Our summer vacation starts today."Classic...how can you beat that?

Do as I say, not as I do
This book is a humorous account of the Bears on vacation.When the Bears arrive at their vacation house, Papa Bear points out all of the dangers and things to avoid.But he promptly ignores his own advice, with fearful consequences.The book has some tension, but it's not too scary.Some children may pick up on the message that when a parent advises against doing something, there is usually a good reason and that those who ignore the advice may get hurt.The text is presented in rhyme, and there are about 550 words. ... Read more

Product Description
When Sister Bear asks her mother about God, Mama tries to explain. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Essential.
This is not necessarily a Christian book, don't expect that- but also realize that the Bears are americans, which, are still typically a version of Christian. (though, this book seems more Quaker, than anything)

It is a children's book intended to lead kids into thought on personal spiritual formation. It is to get them thinking.

This is not a book of answers, that is left to the reader to come up with.

Kids get thrown too many answers all the time with out forming enough questions. Churches are typically not good at teaching children (or adults for that matter) to think. Thus the need for such a book as this.

The Berenstain Bears attempt to answer The Big Question
In The Berenstain Bears and the Big Question, Mama and Papa Bear attempt to answer the "big question." When Sister Bear asks, "What's God?" Papa Bear launches into a long, boring lecture about the universe; Mama tries to answer the question by showing Sister that God made everything, like clouds and trees and worms. But, when Sister continues to ask, "What about earthquakes, floods, fires, and tornadoes?" Mama is at a loss on how to respond.

So, she takes her family to the chapel in the woods where they attend a Sunday morning service (although, according to the storyline, they are not accustomed to doing so). The minister, instead of delivering a sermon that particular morning, allows members of the congregation to speak. Farmer Ben says, "I feel thankful to God for giving us such a beautiful land in which to live." Grizzly Gran then says, "I feel thankful to God for two wonderful cubs." Mama Bear takes a turn by saying, ". . . I'm glad we came this morning. It helps me think things through."

The story ends after the service, on the walk home, when Sister Bear asks, "Did God make questions?" Papa answers by saying, "Yes, sister, mostly questions."

The illustrations in the book are bright, colorful, whimsical pictures of the Berenstain Bear family and friends. Most illustrations cover a single page, but there are a few double-page spreads, as well as two pages that contain several small cameo-like illustrations on each page.

What I Like: This is not the usual type of Berenstain Bear book. They tend to stick to subjects that deal with family and personal values, like being honest, taking turns, and saying you're sorry. So, I was glad to see them write a book with a Christian perspective.

What I Dislike: But, having said that, I must also say I was disappointed with the way they tackled the subject. No one in the book really answers the question, "What's God?" When Mama is at a loss to explain things to Sister, she takes her to church, but she doesn't even ask the minister for help. Then, at the end of the story, where Papa says God made mostly questions, the implication is, of course, that we have plenty of questions about things but no answers. There is no mention of any Biblical reference for answers to any of Sister's questions.

Overall Rating: Okay.

Christine M. Irvin - Christian Children's Book Review - 3 stars

They Didn't Really Answer the Big Question.
I am Christian and was greatly looking forward to getting this book for my daughter. When it arrived and I read it I was severely disapointed because it never answered the big question. The closest that it got was that God made everything. That was it. So, if your wanting to get this book to actually help answer that question for your children I wouldn't recomend it because it doesn't answer it.

A Helpful Story
This book deals with the subject of religion in a way that is thoughtful and constructive. It is not overly aggressive or obnoxious in preaching religion but it does provide a useful context for discussing religious issues with kids. Its title is "The Big Question"--the book is about questions and how we deal with them. I think it is a nice addition to the Berenstain Bears library and it's interesting to see the authors trying to deal with more complex subjects like this--not an easy task. I think they handled it very well.

A great book!!! Don't believe these fools.
I'm tired of people complaining about how the world is not open to their views. Those people are completely closed to the Christian view. This book is great and it does not shove anything down your throught. I enjoyed it and can't wait to share it.

THANK YOU STAN BERENSTAIN for being open minded. ... Read more