The Berenstain Bears' Easter Sunday by Mike Berenstain

The Bear Family, all of their friends and family, and even the nature all around them get dressed in their Easter best for an Easter Sunday celebration at the Chapel in the Woods. Join Mama, Papa, Brother, sisters and Honey as they go to services, have an Easter treasure hunt, and learn what Easter is all about.

This newest 8x8 title in The Berenstain Bears Living Lights collection follows the Bear family as they join their friends and family at the Chapel in the Woods for an Easter Sunday celebration.

My Review:
What a delight it was for me to read this colorful book about Easter! It opens with the Bear Family preparing to go to church on Easter Sunday morning. As they dress, the reason for choosing colorful clothing is given. Once in church, the organist plays while the bears join the congregation in singing a familiar Easter hymn. Preacher Brown delivers a sermon, which sums up the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

An innovative Easter treasure hunt is held after church; afterwards, it is compared to an egg hunt. The tradition of  bunnies and candy is nicely covered.

It's recommended for children Ages 4-8, but my children enjoyed sitting on my lap while I read to them at a much earlier age. The illustrative pages will be enjoyed by children of all ages.

Thank you to Booklook and Zonderkidz for my copy.

The Berenstain Bears God Made You Special by Mike Berenstain

Series: Berenstain Bears/Living Lights

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
Matthew 5:8

In this newest 8x8 softcover title in the Berenstain Bears Living Lights collection, the Bruins join the Bear family for a cookout and bring their cousin Tommy along. It isn’t long before the cubs start up a game of baseball and Sister soon notices that Tommy doesn’t play like the rest of the group. 

When Sister asks about Tommy, Mama takes the opportunity to talk to Sister about how God makes each of us unique in our own way. And that we all have special gifts and talents to share with the folks around us.

My Review:
I love that Mike Berenstain is following in Stan and Jan's footsteps by writing children's literature. The illustrations are colorful and "spot on." The storyline handles the complex issue of diversity in an easy-to-understand manner. The Bruins join the Berenstain family for an outdoor cookout. They bring along a special guest, Tommy, who seems to be like Brother and Sister except he acts young for his age.

During a game of baseball, Tommy loses interest and begins finding joy in the beauty around him. Sister speaks to Mama about Tommy's difference. Mama explains that we are all made special by God, and we can learn from others. This sets up the perfect platform for discussions with children.

Grammar is important, especially in children's books; after all, they're learning from what they hear and read. The book contains a glaring error that I hope will be corrected in future publications: "lead him to the backyard" should read "led him to the backyard."

The age group is 4 - 8 years old, and the back page is dedicated to "Activities and Questions from Brother and Sister Bear," a wonderful idea!

Thank you to BookLook and ZonderKidz for my copy.