The Berenstain Bears and the Golden Rule (Berenstain Bears/Living Lights) [Paperback]

Mike Berenstain (Author), Stan Berenstain (Creator), Jan Berenstain (Creator)

Book Description

Release date: September 23, 2008 | Age Range: 4 - 8 years | Series: Berenstain Bears/Living Lights (Book 2)

The Berenstain Bear series helps children learn how God wants them to live every day. When the Bear family practices going to church, praying, and being kind, plus remembering how much God loves them, their lives are much more joyful. Should Sister Bear ignore the new girl at school just because her friends do? The Berenstain Bears and the Golden Rule shows children how choosing to be kind may not always be the easy choice. But it is always the right one.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'A classic in children's literature for nearly half a century, The Berenstain Bears are back with four all-new books that teach children how God wants them to live. These picture books focus on doing the right thing, saying prayers and going to Sunday school-all through the silly antics and delightful humor of the bear family.' -- Focus on the Family Clubhouse Jr <br><br> (Focus on the Family Clubhouse Jr)

'Fans of the series will feel right at home with the familiar story structure and cheery illustrations.' -- Kirkus Reviews <br><br> (Kirkus Reviews)

'Preschoolers will love exploring classic Bear Country with the familiar Berenstain Bears in their newly released faith-based series' -- Children's Ministry <br><br> (Children's Ministry)

'Michael's enthusiasm about his work is contagious. He is not only committed to creating sound, edifying instructional literature for young children, but he is energized by his continuing opportunity to challenge children and their parents to think seriously about significant life issues and practices such as giving thanks, loving near-and-far neighbors, applying the rules of good sportsmanship and nurturing relationships with each other and with God.' -- Homecoming <br><br> (Homecoming)

'Kids ages 4 to 7 will love these.' -- Homelife <br><br> (Homelife)

'The Berenstain Bears and The Golden Rule does a wonderful job of presenting a very basic rule of good behavior to young children in terms they are able to understand... The Berenstain authors have certainly continued the beautifully written and enjoyable books children have grown to love for many, many years.... For those previously acquainted with these wonderful stories, a faith-based series is a welcome edition. If you are finding Berenstain books for the first time, you will be pleased to begin with Godly rules of character as you get acquainted with the Bear family in their beautiful tree house in Bear Country.' -- -The Old Schoolhouse Magazine <br><br> (-The Old Schoolhouse Magazine)

About the Author

Stan and Jan Berenstain introduced the first Berenstain Bear books in 1962.

Stan and Jan Berenstain introduced the first Berenstain Bear books in 1962. SPANISH BIO: Jan Berenstain, quien escribio e ilustro junto con su esposo Stan los libros de los Osos Berenstain que han encantado a los ninos preescolares y a sus padres durante cincuenta anos, fallecio en 2012 a la edad de 88 anos. Vivio durante largo tiempo en Solesbury, al sureste de Pennsylvania. El primer libro de los Osos Berenstain, 'The Big Honey Hunt', fue publicado en 1962. A lo largo de los anos se han publicado mas de 300 titulos en 23 idiomas ---los mas recientes, el arabe y el islandes---, que se han convertido en una especie de rito de iniciacion para generaciones de jovenes lectores.

Mike Berenstain grew up watching his parents, Stan and Jan, working together to write and draw these lovable bears. Eventually he started drawing and writing about them too. SPANISH BIO: Stan y Jan Berenstain lanzaron al mercado los primeros libros Berenstain en 1962. Mike Berenstain crecio observando a sus padres mientras trabajaban juntos para escribir acerca de estos adorables osos, y dibujarlos. Finalmente, comenzo tambien el a dibujarlos y a escribir acerca de ellos. Aunque Stan fallecio en 2005 y Jan en 2012, Mike sigue creando las encantadoras aventuras de sus Osos desde su estudio de Pennsylvania, en una zona que se parece mucho al soleado camino de tierra del Pais de los Osos.

Product Details

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Zonderkidz (September 23, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310712475
• ISBN-13: 978-0310712473
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 0.1 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #22,875 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #75 in Books > Children's Books > Literature & Fiction > Religious Fiction > Christian

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Golden Rule January 12, 2009

By Scott Holmes

Format:Paperback

The kids and I enjoy these classic stories. They combine timeless principles and morals with fun kids' stories, which is always great. The only thing that I am slightly disappointed about in these stories is that they paint Dad as "dummy" and almost on a peer level with the children at times. The stories would be even better without that.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Living Lights Series is a Breath of Fresh Air for Christians! April 20, 2012

By The Warrant W4

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I have read many of the naysayers and the positive comments about the new Living Lights series by the Berenstains. I have researched their series and grew up on their early books and treasured every positive message. I turned to these books for positive character advice and values when I couldn't ask my parents. I wish that the Berenstains had begun the Living Lights series for Christians when I was young. I researched the beginning of what made the family decide to write about Christian values. Stan DID discuss this concept with Mike and Jan before he died and began the groundwork for this series.

Jan wrote these Living Lights books while Mike illustrated them, so they are INDEED reflective of the entire family. If you are offended by the Living Lights series, please look at all the books that have recently come out for publication by the Berenstain Family. Right now, Mike has 6 Living Lights books with titles set for pre-sale and release in 2012 on Amazon published by Zonderkidz. He has 9 books set for pre-sale and release in 2012 published by Harper that are called "First Time Books" or "I Can Read."

Jan may have been involved in writing some of these books that haven't been published yet since she recently died, but it doesn't matter who wrote them. The point is the family HAS tread on their ministry lightly and decided around 2005 not to hide their light of Jesus or their faith under a bushel anymore. They are NOT trying to force their christianity on anyone. They are offering Christians some decent Christian children's stories for Christians to choose to buy for their children.

Almost every single Living Lights book they have written has an almost parallel "First Time Book." So parents can choose which version they want.... For instance, there is the Living Lights "Easter Story" (2012) and the First Time Books "Real Easter Egg" (2002). There is "Too Much T.V." published in 1984 and "Discover God's Creation" published in 2010 that are basically the same story but instead of calling the outdoors "Mother Nature," they call it "God's Creation." Same message, turn off the t.v. and go outside. The "Jobs Around Town" (2011) even states in the inside of the book that it is a reprint of "On the Job" from 1987. The only difference is instead of just saying "talents" they say "God-given talents."

Stan and Jan Berenstain wrote a book called "The Bear Essentials: Everything Today's Hard-Pressed Parent Needs to Know About Bringing Up Happy, Healthy Kids" that was published before Stan died in 2005. The introduction to the book says their reason for writing a guide to parents is because they received thousands of emails and letters a year from parents asking them to give them "further advice on issues we have addressed in our First Time Books Series" pg. 8.

I hoarded these books as a child because my parents were neglectful and didn't have a clue about the challenges that go on in public schools. In many ways, I feel that the Berenstains were my parents. You might want to be careful about assuming you know what your child needs. Children don't tell their parents anything. Give them choice and options. Anyone that can speak about a children's book that mentions God or Jesus with such hatred on a review of a book makes me wonder what kind of "real character" their children are getting from their parents or any book the parents bring into their house. I have been a school teacher for 11 years and know that most of the parents of my students had absolutely no idea what their children were really involved in. If they don't talk to you, they will find out their information from somewhere.

Regardless, Mike is giving you choice, more than anyone else that would try to cram their views down our throats. I had to wait 30 years for the Berenstains to have the courage to speak up, yet they did when very few people do. As a christian, I should have a right as a citizen and human being to have books IN PRINT that I can choose for my child that are christian and do not talk about the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus and make believe stuff that they will one day realize you LIED to them, so how can they believe anything?? If you do not like Christian books, don't buy them. The Berenstains have written and published over 300 books and they are ALL in print and available on Amazon. No one cares when christians get offended by the lack of tolerance for our religion. But it's time some parents grow up and stop acting betrayed by the Berenstains.

In the meantime, thank you Mike for keeping the candle lit that your parents started 50 years ago. Read more ›

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Valuable! September 20, 2008

By Margaret Chind VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

It's been years since I have read any of the adventures with the Berenstain Bears, but it was definitely a strong part of my earliest childhood that I have spare memories of. The Berenstain Bears and the Golden Rule is a winner in my opinion and a shelf keeper for every family.

Sister Bear gets to learn more about that phrase she knows so well, but has never really considered. This classic is a wonderful learning tool for any child and I strongly recommend it. On the inside of the back cover is a reader's guide, which I do not remember as a child, but has great questions to further the learning and understanding of a reader.

What a wonderful experience spending time with the Berenstain Bears is, I cannot wait for more!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Golden rule misunderstandings March 21, 2011

By Cricket

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Do not pay any attention to Deboarah "hamish", the book is not "Christian proselytizing".

It quotes the Golden Rule as it is popularly known in our culture, and gives a nice, if a little wordy, story that has no religious content.

The other popular Golden Rule book, by Ilene Cooper and Gabi Swiatkowska, makes a number of false statements about the Golden Rule. For one thing, it is not known all over the world. Some cultures practice the rule "do it to them before they do it to you." In addition, the statement "treat people the way you would like to be treated" is not the same thing as "love your neighbor as your self", which requires empathy as opposed to a simple, possibly insincere, behavior. Finally, I do not believe what they have for Judaism is the best quote; the Torah also contains "love your neighbor as yourself."

10 of 14 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Mike Berenstain does not have the talent his father did January 15, 2011

By Leah K

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I appreciate that the Berenstain Bears books have taken a christian turn, but the stories and writing in the books that Mike collaborates on are just plain horrible. They are over-detailed and the point or moral is very weakly illustrated. I returned a few of his books. I'm afraid I've missed the window on others so we're stuck with them. A word of caution when buying Berenstain Bears books - look for Stan and Jan Berenstain as authors. If you see Mike's name on there, put it down and move on.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Do unto others... November 30, 2008

By Christine M. Irvin

Format:Paperback

The Berenstain Bears and the Golden Rule, created by Jan, Stan and Mike Berenstain, is one in a new series of books by this well-known team, each dealing with a Biblical theme or idea. Their previous titles were considered secular books, even though many of them dealt with moral issues.

In this book, Sister Bear is given a new locket, one engraved with the Golden Rule inside it. Even though she has heard the Golden Rule, and even seen it in print many times (as Mama Bear has a sampler of it hanging on the living room wall), she never really understood what it meant. But that changes when a new girl, Suzy MacGrizzie, comes to school, and Sister Bear finally invites her to join her circle of friends.

The Bible verse, "Do to others what you would have them do to you," (Matthew 7:12) is printed on the first inside page of the book. There is a section on the back cover with discussion questions and activities relating to the ideas in the book.

The illustrations are the usual, colorful cartoon-like drawings that have made this series of books so popular.

What I Like: I like the idea that the Berenstains are tackling issues that are considered Christian in nature. Although the stories are still fictional, the added depth in the subject matter is encouraging.

I also think they did a good job of introducing, and explaining, the idea of the Golden Rule. They did it in a manner that is very kid-friendly. It's one thing to be told what it means; it's another thing to actually have a chance to act out the meaning.

What I Dislike: Although the Bible verse is mentioned at the front of the book, there is no other reference to the Bible in the actual story.... When Sister Bears asks what the Golden Rule is, Mama Bear says, "The Golden Rule is one of the most important rules there is." I think Mama should have also said that the Golden Rule is a verse from the Bible.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 4-8.

Christine M. Irvin - Christian Children's Book Review Read more ›