The Berenstain Bears and Too Much TV

The Berenstain Bears really love their television, and Mama Bear has had enough. Brother and Sister watch it as soon as they get home from school, and all weekend. Papa Bear watches it immediately after work. Mama Bear cancels television privileges for the entire family, including Papa Bear (to his surprise). At first, they are awkward. They've forgotten how to entertain themselves. Gradually, the family remembers. They sit at night and watch the stars come out, and they take nature hikes and ride their bikes. At the end of the week, when the TV ban is lifted, the cubs watch a bit, but are soon caught up in their other interests. Even Papa Bear, who watches the most, eventually gets bored and decides to head out for fishing.

The book is show more clearly didactic, but told in an entertaining style that carries its message without being preachy. At least, not too preachy. It walks that line of narrative and moral lesson that is often the core of the books in this series, with a heavier emphasis on the lesson side. The authors are clear in their point that they don't hate the television, but are promoting moderation, and being active in a balanced life. The Berenstain Bears are treasured characters, and children will likely receive the message more kindly from them than from their parents. Personally, I agree with the message of the book, and am happy to read it to my girls; also, to remind myself when I get too caught up. This is not my favorite Berenstain story, but a classic one, and a good read. show less

This book was published in 1984. Damn, has it really been 40 years? I read this as a kid in the 90's, and I remember my own parents complaining that I and my siblings watched too much TV (or played too much video games, ha!) and how things were different back in their day... blah blah blah.

This book, despite its age, certainly is as relevant as ever today, even if some might scoff at it.

I loved The Berenstain Bears as a child, and I'm thrilled that my children love them too. We've had Berenstain Bear books and movie/videos in our collection for years.... each of my 5 children have loved them, and has gone through a Berenstain Bears phase at some point..... my youngest, 7, is currently in this phase. These books are part of our bedtime reading every night.

I think this is a really good book for all elementary school kids. A lot of kids watch too much tv. Children need to learn that there are other things they can do to have fun. I like how the whole family does all of the activities together. They play on their bikes or watch the stars in the sky.

This book told a really good story about how watching too much tv can spilt up good relationships you have with people. When you watch too much tv it showed that you lose creativity to be outside and you lose the ability to be able to talk with those close by to you.

I read this book to my kids and now to their kids. The illustrations might be dated, but the message is valid, even applicable to all screen time. Not a concept when published in 1984.

Critique:
Genre: The Berenstain Bears are a family of bears with Mama Bear, Papa Bear, Sister Bear, and Brother Bear. They talk and act like humans so the story could never actually occur. However, the authors have the bears deal with issues that many families would deal with.
Plot: The plot of the story follows the typical plan where the problem of the bears watching too much TV is set up at the beginning. The climax of the story occurs when Mama Bear decides that the family cannot watch TV for an entire week. However, it is solved when they find many things to occupy their time and do instead of watching TV. The plot moves along smoothly and makes the story interesting.