Jan Berenstain (1923–2012)

Reading this really made me realize how anxiety inducing the whole Santa concept can be. Being judged as naughty or nice? Being told you're being too greedy and selfish by family members? Trying to process all the contradictions and impossibilities of the Santa mythos?

I shudder to think of the children raised under the next level reign of terror of the Elf on the Shelf.

Seven little bears sneak out of their house one night in this prepositional adventure, hot in pursuit of the "Whoooing" noise they hear. Out the window, down the tree, over the wall, under the bridge, around the lake, between the rocks, through the woods and up Spook's Hill they go, until they get such a scare that they turn right around and make for home...

Although I have many happy memories of reading both the Berenstain Bears books and Dr. Seuss' Beginning Books for Beginning Readers show more collection as a girl, I never happened upon Bears in the Night until very recently. I feel sure that this spooky adventure, with its element of rebellious fun - sneaking out at night! - would have made quite an impression on me back then. Reading it now as an adult, I appreciate the way in which it is constructed - the language is very simple, uses a great deal of repetition, and centers prepositions at every stage - and that the linguistic lesson it is teaching is communicated in such an entertaining way. Recommended to fans of the Berenstain Bears, to beginning readers who enjoy spooky stories, and to teachers looking for fun titles featuring prepositions. show less

As a mom dealing with daily sibling squabbles, this Berenstain Bears story hit the nail on the head when it comes to the endless cycle of "he started it" and "it wasn't my fault." Brother and Sister Bear's finger-pointing over a broken lamp mirrors the exact scenarios that play out in my own living room, making it the perfect teaching tool for personal responsibility. The way Mama and Papa Bear handle the situation provides us parents with practical strategies for helping our kids own up to show more their mistakes, while the cubs' journey to understanding accountability resonates deeply with young readers. We've started using "remember the blame game book" as a gentle reminder in our house when the pointing fingers start flying, and it's amazing how quickly this story's message helps my kids pause and reflect on their own actions. show less

As a mom constantly reminding my kids about "please" and "thank you," this Berenstain Bears book has become our family's perfect conversation starter about manners. When Mama Bear gets fed up with her family's rude behavior and introduces the "Politeness Plan," my children giggle at the Bears' bad habits while simultaneously recognizing their own slip-ups. The charming illustrations of Papa Bear burping and the cubs forgetting their table manners make it easy for kids to see why good manners show more matter, without feeling like they're being lectured. This has become our most-reached-for book whenever we need a gentle reminder about being polite, and the improvement chart idea from the story even inspired us to create our own family manners challenge. show less