A Throw Back Thursday Classic-- The Berenstain Bears Storybook Treasury

   

      Featuring six stories from the popular and beloved bear family created by the late authors Jan and Stan Berenstain, The Berenstain Bears Storybook Treasury is the perfect collection for reading aloud while snuggled up with your little one.  Follow along as Mama, Papa, Brother, Sister and Honey Bear adopt a new puppy; learn about the importance of responsibilities; wish upon a beautiful star; take a trip; explore the seashore and what happens when you stay at home from school when you're sick.
     The first story in the collection, The Berenstain Bears' New Pup, gently touches on all of the 'puppy' raising issues.  Little Lady leaves a puddle in one corner, and a 'present' in another, and how the family works together to train Little Lady.  A perfect short story to read most especially if your family is planning on adopting a dog.
     The Berenstain Bears and the Wishing Star provides your budding reading with a very clear lesson on wishing.  When Sister Bear wishes for a teddy bear, she is delighted to see that her wish comes true.  However, when she starts to become greedy with her wishes, Brother Bear gently reminds her of the magic of wishing stars and the dangers of being selfish.
     The Berenstain Bears and the Trouble with Chores gives a wonderful lesson on what happens when people don't want to do their chores around the house (sounds like a familiar song here in Momma's household!).  In the beginning, Brother and Sister Bear try to find ways to get out of doing their chores, and so does Papa Bear (he doesn't want to mow the lawn because a mama spider just finished making a web on his lawnmower, and he's afraid!), and together, the trio make up all kinds of excuses to Mama Bear.  Mama Bear then decides that instead of listening to all of the bickering and excuse making, it would be just easier if she did them all herself.  However, Mama Bear cleverly turns the tables on Papa and her cubs, and decides to give in and starts attending her quilting and gardening clubs again, and very quickly, the tree house falls into a total state of disarray.  This charming tale clearly provides a spotlight on how important it is to follow through with our responsibilities not only for ourselves, but for our family.
     All of the tales found in this delightful collection have engaging story lines, with each page containing vivid, full-color illustrations.  Each of the stories contain simple sentences that your beginning and/or intermediate readers will be able to read aloud.  Most importantly, yet again, I find myself appreciating the sweet, simple lessons that children receive with each Berenstain Bears tale.

The Berenstain Bears Storybook Treasury
Written & Illustrated by Jan and Stan Berenstain
Publisher:  HarperCollins Childrens (2012)
Website:  www.harpercollins.com
For ages 4 to 8
Retails for: $10.79 (Hardcover)
ISBN:   9780062120144