The Berenstain Bears Just Grin and Bear It!: Wisdom from Bear Country

by Mike Berenstain, Mike Berenstain (Illustrator)

Overview

Since 1962, the Berenstain Bears family has charmed generations of readers with their wholesome stories and heartfelt lessons. Now the Bear family has some wisdom to share with kids of all ages! 

Each spread in this appealing 96-page paper-over-board book features a classic and often humorous scene from the beloved original storybooks. Fans young and old can travel back to Bear Country with Papa, Mama, Brother, Sister, and Honey and laugh and nod along at their words of wisdom, inspiration, and encouragement.

This book is sure to be the perfect gift for someone who just graduated or reached a life milestone—or for anyone simply looking for a little piece of sensible Bear family enlightenment.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062741332
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	04/03/2018
Series:	Berenstain Bears Series
Pages:	96
Product dimensions:	6.60(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Mike Berenstain lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where he continues to write and illustrate wonderful new adventures for Mama, Papa, Brother, Sister, and Honey Bear.

Mike Berenstain lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where he continues to write and illustrate wonderful new adventures for Mama, Papa, Brother, Sister, and Honey Bear.

Editorial Reviews

03/26/2018
The Berenstain Bears offer a guide to rolling with the punches, getting along with others, and living life to the fullest. Berenstain’s illustrations, which continue in the recognizable style of his parents’ books, accompany the affirming narrative. Some of the lines have a decidedly modern focus: “Resist the temptation to zone out with TV, video games, and the internet,” Berenstain suggests, as members of the family each appear glued to devices. Other bits of wisdom are more generic in nature. In one illustration, Mama Bear shovels manure and Papa Bear sharpens an ax: “Never underestimate the value of hard work.” On the following page, the two cozy up together on the front porch: “But take time to enjoy the sunset.” Berenstain warns that “the world is full of sharks... and wolves” (literally, the images suggest) while life also provides opportunities for new experiences and connections: “You may make new friends in the most unexpected places!” Readers who grew up reading the series will welcome the comforting familiarity of the images, and the words of advice offer a conventional groundwork for finding balance and living meaningfully. Ages 4–8. (Apr.)

Publishers Weekly

2018-03-04
Homespun advice, Berenstain Bears style.The art, drawn from many episodes in the long-running series of easy readers, is generally too generic to constitute a trip down Memory Lane for older fans, but despite frequent views of Mama Bear in her scandalously dated cap and housedress, it serves the accompanying pithy apothegms well enough. With occasional colloquial notes ("Don't stress and give yourself a fright!"), the narrative offers a path to success and happiness paved with simple pleasures such as feeding ducks, taking naps…and occasionally cutting loose: "Lose your inhibitions" (illustrated with Brother and Sister Bear running around in their underwear); "Let yourself be a bit naughty" (trying on lipstick and shaving cream); and "Maybe it's just time to par-tay" (the bears get down at what looks like a neighborhood block party). Elsewhere, such lines as "Beware procrastination," "Never underestimate the value of hard work," and "Get up and get going!" address readers uncomfortable with such seeming idleness. Still, despite a warning against too much TV (video games, internet) and a caution that the world is "full of sharks…and wolves," the tone is positive overall and there is no heavy moralizing to dull the shiny precepts.A feel-good digest of salutary sentiments, contradictory in spots but not overly earnest. (Picture book. 6-8, adult)

Kirkus Reviews