When Mike Berenstain, son of Stan and Jan Berenstain, brought the Berenstain Bears into the Christian market under the Living Lights brand, I didn’t pay much attention to them because my kids were too old. My kids loved the Berenstain Bears books, which incorporated many good, moral themes, but the Living Lights brand never made it to our bookshelves.

Now that I have grandchildren, I have taken an interest in this series and love the books! Mike’s stories and characters in the Living Lights series have stayed true to the original Berenstain Bear books. The same humor and similar storylines are there, but he weaves in more than a moral message. Mike (who is a Christian) incorporates and applies biblical lessons to whatever dilemma the Bears are facing. From loving your neighbor and being kind to your siblings, to going to church and obeying your parents, the stories in the Living Lights series teach children how Christian principles apply to everyday life.

What I also love about the books is that Mike doesn’t wrap up every story with a perfect ending. The endings are satisfying to the reader and the problem is resolved, but there are no unrealistic happily-ever-after endings that are unrelatable.

Mike Berenstain and Brother and Sister made an appearance at Baker Book House in Grand Rapids, MI last week. Since I happen to be there for the summer, I had the joy of introducing three of my grandkids to Mike and his lovable Bears. And there’s no way we could leave the store without looking at the stacks of Berenstain Bears books that were on display. We now have three new books from the Living Lights series begging to be read!

Here’s to Bears who love Jesus!

Crystal