God Shows The Way

TITLE:  The Berenstain Bears' God Shows The Way
AUTHOR: Stan and Jan Berenstain with Mike Berenstain
ILLUSTRATOR:  Stan and Jan Berenstain with Mike Berenstain
PUBLISHER:  Zonderkidz
COPYRIGHT:  2014

Book Description:
Now in a convenient 3 stories in one collection, young readers will learn from the Berenstain Bears just how important it is to serve and love one another. Written in level one of the I Can Read standards, this bind-up of stories from the Berenstain Bears Living Lights I Can Read series is sure to please young, emergent readers as well as parents and grandparents looking for good quality reading that will help practice early reading skills as well as teach lessons about serving and caring for others. Included in this collection are the following titles: Faith Gets Us Through Have No Fear, God Is Near Piggy Bank Blessings.

My thoughts:
I've always enjoyed the Berenstain Bears and the cute stories that always teach a lesson.  This book is three stories in one hardback book.  All three have a religious theme with a Bible verse at the beginning and another in the story. 

This book is appropriate for early readers, those who are beginning to read on their own.  These are written at a much simpler level than other books in the series. As you can see on the cover it is Level 1 reader.

While I liked the simplicity of the stories of these well-loved characters and the values taught through the stories, I always have an issue with books that include "scary" topics such as monsters, shadows, etc.  This is just a personal preference I've always had not to read books related to such topics to children.  I never would read these type of books to my son because he wasn't afraid of such things. I didn't want him to read these books and think he should be afraid of them!  Now if you had a child already scared of such things, this book would be fine. Both the first two stories talk of such things and your child could learn from how Sister Bear handled her fears.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” TITLE:

The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible

TITLE:  The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible
AUTHOR: Jan and Mike Berenstain
ILLUSTRATOR:
PUBLISHER:  Zonderkidz
COPYRIGHT:  2013

In this storybook Bible you will be able to share some favorite Bible stories told "Berenstain Bear style." Included are several Old Testament stories like creation, Noah's ark, and Daniel in the lions' den.  There are a few New Testament stories too like the birth of Jesus and some of the parables he taught.  I really liked the illustration and description used for the crucifixion.  Many times I will see children's storybook Bibles skip over this part and I liked how this one included that story.  The people characters were all bears (I will admit it was a little odd seeing the Bible characters as bears, but it does say at the beginning that the cubs imagined the characters as bears!).

This version also comes with a CD so you can listen to the stories together or a child can enjoy the book on her own.  It is read by Angela Park, and she has a good voice for this.

The bright colorful pictures will hold the interest of youngsters as they listen to these stories.  This would make a nice book to add to your home library to read before bed each night.

This book was sent to me by the publisher for my honest review.  Thank you.

The Berenstain Bears Thanksgiving Blessings

TITLE:  The Berenstain Bears Thanksgiving Blessings
AUTHOR:  Mike Berenstain
ILLUSTRATOR:
PUBLISHER:  Zonderkidz
COPYRIGHT:  2013

The Bear family learn a short history of Thanksgiving, and on the way to their grandparents' house they talk about the many things they should be thankful for besides food, like family & friends, peace & plenty, and work & play.

This is a wonderful Bear book to add to your collection.  It has questions at the end to use to talk about Thanksgiving as a family. There is also a sheet of fall stickers featuring scenes from the book.  Be sure to look for this one to give to a child you love this Thanksgiving!

This book was sent to me by the publisher for my review.

The Berenstain Bears Say Their Prayers

TITLE: The Berenstain Bears Say Their Prayers
AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: Stan and Jan Berenstain with Mike Berenstain
PUBLISHER: Zonderkids
COPYRIGHT: 2008

The story of this book is centered around Brother Bear's baseball game. He sees his cousin Fred praying in the game and Brother decides to try praying too. He learns a lesson though from Fred about answered prayers. This book is appropriate for primary and elementary aged children.

My son and I enjoyed this book. He particularly enjoyed the baseball game in the story.

The Berenstain Bears Go to Sunday School

TITLE: The Berenstain Bears Go to Sunday School
AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: Stan & Jan Berenstain with Mike Berenstain
PUBLISHER: Zonderkidz
COPYRIGHT: 2008

In this Berenstain Bear book, the Bear family participates in many activities on Sunday but do not attend church. Mama thinks they should all go to Sunday School as a family. Everyone is glad they went together because of what they learned and the fun time they had. This book is appropriate for primary and elementary aged children.

My son and I read this book together and enjoyed it.

The Berenstain Bears Love Their Neighbors

TITLE: The Berenstain Bears Love Their Neighbors
AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: Jan & Mike Berenstain
PUBLISHER: Zonderkidz
COPYRIGHT: 2009

As the Bear family is on the way to a festival, they have car trouble. The family learns a valuable lesson about being a good neighbor when they are helped in their time of need. Primary and elementary aged children will enjoy this story similar to the Good Samaritan story of the Bible.

My son and I have enjoyed reading this book.

The Berenstain Bears and the Golden Rule

TITLE: The Berenstain Bears and the Golden Rule
AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: Stan & Jan Berenstain with Mike Berenstain
PUBLISHER: Zonderkidz
COPYRIGHT: 2008

Sister Bear receives a new locket that has the Golden Rule engraved inside. Sister begins to understand the true meaning of the Golden Rule when a new bear arrives at school and is left out at recess and on the bus ride home. Primary and elementary aged children will enjoy this story and will be able to relate the story to make application in their own lives.

My son and I enjoyed the lesson taught in this book.

The Berenstain Bears God Loves You!

TITLE: The Berenstain Bears God Loves You!
AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: Stan and Jan Berenstain with Mike Berenstain
PUBLISHER: Zonderkidz
COPYRIGHT: 2008

Both Brother Bear and Sister Bear receive surprising news when they try out for the basketball team and a play at school. They learn a lesson about God's love through this experience of not being chosen. Primary and elementary aged children will enjoy this story and the lesson it teaches about God's love for each of us.

My son and I enjoyed reading this book.

The Berenstain Bears Play a Good Game

TITLE: The Berenstain Bears Play a Good Game
AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: Jan and Mike Berenstain
PUBLISHER: Zonderkidz
COPYRIGHT: 2009

Brother and Sister Bear are having fun playing soccer with Papa Bear as their coach until things on the field get a little ugly as they face a team of bullies. The team and the coaches learn some valuable lessons about playing fair and having good sportsmanship from their game. Primary aged children will enjoy this story and the familiar Berenstain Bear family.

My son and I enjoyed reading this book and appreciate the lessons it taught.