Title: The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story

Author: Jan & Mike Berenstain

ISBN: 978-0-310-72087-4

SRP: $4.99

Reviewed By: Melissa Staehli

                                               Rating:   🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

Mark 16 – is the Resurrection chapter.  Mark 16:6 says: “He has risen!”

In this book Brother and Sister bear are going to be learning another lesson from their Sunday school teacher about the true meaning of Easter. Missus Ursula wants them to understand that Easter is more than chocolate bunnies and marshmallow peeps. Brother and Sister get to see a play given by other cubs called The Easter Story.

The beginning of the play talks about a man named Jesus who traveled the countryside teaching about God and what God wanted from his people. The cubs then talk about the many miracles of Jesus and how Jesus was God’s son. They explain how some people didn’t believe in Jesus’ teaching and even doubted that Jesus was God’s son.   Many people gathered ’round to see Jesus coming to the Holy City riding on a donkey crying – “Hosanna!” ( a shout of praise or adoration) People began to wonder if this man called, Jesus, would become too powerful, so Jesus was brought before a cruel judge and the judge ruled that Jesus be put to death on a cross – “Crucifixion” (unjust punishment or suffering). The cubs learn next about what happened on the third day after Jesus died.  “Resurrection” (the act of rising from the dead). Jesus was ALIVE!  He has risen!  Jesus said to go and spread the good news about what has happened. Jesus was then taken up into heaven to sit at the right hand of his Father. “Ascend” (to go upward, to rise, mount).

This book covered everything regarding the true meaning of why we celebrate Easter. Appropriate for young children ages 4-7. Very tastefully done.  Also, there is a sheet of colorful stickers for your children to enjoy.

My opinion – In every aspect of life there needs to be balance.  So many people wonder if it’s ok to give their child an Easter basket?  Is it right or is it wrong?  We have a responsibility as parents to explain to our children the true meaning of why we celebrate this day called – Easter.  In our family we call it Resurrection Sunday.  Jesus is why we celebrate, not bunnies and peeps, or jelly beans.  I don’t think God minds that we give our children an Easter basket full of fun things, just as long as we acknowledge and understand that Jesus is why we celebrate!  So enjoy this wonderful holiday with your family and remember…He has risen!  He has indeed!

Here is what I like to put in Caleb’s Easter basket – books, bubbles, balls, cars, chalk, and some of his favorite goodies.  The look on his face when he receives his basket is…priceless! It makes a mommy’s heart smile ~

Blessings to you all,

Melissa Staehli ~

I Love You to the Moon