You’d be hard-pressed to find a someone who grew up in the last forty years or so who doesn’t know the Berenstain Bears. The anthropomorphic bear family has helped generations of readers learn about telling the truth, not talking to strangers, starting school, and scores of other topics. So it’s both sad to lose co-creator Jan Berenstain, who passed away recently at the age of 88, and touching to see the reaction of those who grew up with her work.
One of my favorite stuffed animals growing up was a Sister Bear doll. I think part of this was because I found the series so comforting–the stories were thoughtful and cozy, and the art was upbeat and fun. I hope readers in many future generations get to enjoy the series as well.
These were some of my very favorites! I recently got to re-read a bunch of them because they were the only books my student wanted to read when I volunteered at a lunchtime reading program. They’re still good!
Aww, glad to hear they’re still a kids’ fav!
Reblogged this on WriteIsNeverWrong and commented:
It is sad to hear that Jan Berenstain has passed away. I grew up reading all of the Berenstain Bears books and when I got older, and my cousin was born, I passed them onto him. The Berenstain Bears were a HUGE part of my childhood. A lot of the memories I have are of me reading and rereading the books over and over with my mom, or in a fort that she would make me (with two dining room chairs, fitted sheets, loads of blankets, and lots and lots of books).
So sad. My kids are 9 and 7. Perfect ages to enjoy the series, and they get a real kick out of the stories. Can’t really surpass the important messages of those bears, and how non-threatening the messages were. Kids don’t feel like they’re being scolded or talked down to or made even more frightened.
Thanks for this post.
Oh no! I loved The Berenstain Bears when I was a child! The only library book I ever kept (inadvertently, but still) was one of those.
They are timeless. My grandson now wants me to read to him all his father’s favorites. They left behind a rich legacy. http://newgrandmas.com/9564/newmemories/books-games/how-many-berenstain-bears-books-do-you-have-book-thursday/