The Berenstain Bears' Christmas Tree

October 1, 2009
PreS-Gr 1-This update modifies the original book (Random, 1980) and adds a slightly more religious message. It is Christmas Eve and the Berenstain Bears need a tree. Of course, Papa makes a mess of things and learns that Christmas is a time to be thinking of others/to show love and respect to your sisters and brothers/And to treat them all/with kindness and concern. The added references to Sunday school, Jesus, a Nativity scene, and God will not be noticed unless readers are doing a close textual analysis. The rhymes are slightly more awkward than usual, but the kids who love the Bears familys solid traditional values wont be too bothered by any changes. If your old copies are worn out, this will be a popular addition."Anne Connor, Los Angeles Public Library"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2010
With Mike Berenstain. Hapless Papa Bear takes Brother and Sister on an interminable search for the perfect Christmas tree, but they realize every tree is home to some woodland animal. The heavily moralistic tale is told in clunky rhyme ("The cubs set up / the Nativity scene, / and even made paper chains of yellow and green") and illustrated with the Berenstains' familiar bright cartoons.

(Copyright 2010 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)