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Summary: Excellent Way to Open The Discussion...
Review: ...about the danger of strangers. I have read this book to all three of my children, and they have definitely learned the value of caution. A nice feature is that the book shows, in a non-scary, friendly way, how scary the subject of strangers can be to children, but how talking it over can help allay those fears. The book also shows how a child's excitement over a stranger showing a common interest or offering goodies to the child can override the child's basic caution. I highly recommend this book for the collection of anyone who wishes to keep their child(ren) safe.
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Summary: Mainstream values in a tidy package
Review: The titles of the Berenstein Bears books areself-explanatory -------Review of Format------- The BerensteinBears books are a very nice length for bed-time stories. They average about 7 minutes for an adult to read out loud. Depending on the child, two to four Berenstein Bears books are sufficient to "settle" them for the night. They are written on a second grade level, although your child is likely to memorize them long before then. But that is OK, they will be able to read hard words that much sooner because they will have learned by association. -------Review of Content------- Parenting is a tough job. We seek to raise helpless, ego-centric infants into mature, capable, caring adults. The early elementary years are one of the most stressful times for families. It is scary for children because they are beginning to grasp how complicated the world really is. It is stressful for parents because we find it increasingly difficult to answer their questions in a way that satisfies both the parent and the child. The Berenstein Bear books deal with many of those tough parenting issues; issues like dealing with strangers, picking up messes, junk food, teasing, etc. The Berenstein Bears books encapsulate mainstream North American cultural values in a tidy, easy-to-read package. It is pretty hard to be critical of The Berenstein Bears unless you feel sorely used by those mainstream values. Potential criticisms are: -The Berenstein's are an ultra-traditional nuclear family -Poppa Bear is a dope -Some people object to "talking animals" books Responses: -The issues are complex. Keeping the family dynamics simple allows the author to focus on the issues. Also, the traditional, nuclear family is still the mainstream, North American ideal, even if it is not always the reality. -Simple personalities have been a standard literary tool for over two thousand years. It simplifies the bookkeeping. The reader (or listener) can explore four different ways of dealing with an issue. -I am one of the people who does not like "talking animals" but I make an exception for the Berenstein bears. The Berenstein Bears are people masquerading as animals, not animals masquerading as people.
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Summary: great book for preschoolers
Review: Book was informative, had step by step "rules" for the cubs to follow, and had a story line for the reader. The analogy of the "apple" looking fine on the outside but could be a rotten one on the inside,as well as the implications from the newspaper headlines was too advanced and confusing for my 3 year old. These comparisons would work best with 5+ age group. I would recommend this book but for slightly older children.
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Summary: Never too early to be aware.
Review: Does your child know about the dangers of strangers? This book can help them (along with your help) learn that not all people are safe to be around. Teach your child not to heavily associate with people they are not familiar with. For you do not want them to make a poor decision while walking home from the bus stop, to the neighbors house, etc...
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Summary: Addresses an Important and difficult topic.
Review: I have 2 children - a girl (2) who loves everyone and a boy (4) who is scared of everyone. How do I teach her to be cautious without having to loose her charm? How do I teach him to be friendly without being cautious, too? This book addresses it all. Sister Bear has one personality, Brother has the other. In the end, brother is tempted by a stranger and Sister steps in. It addresses stranger danger better than any other source I have seen. I really feel this is a must-have book for every parent and child.
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Summary: Good Basics
Review: I have always found the Berenstain Bears a bit too "backwards" in their approach to life (very traditional male and female roles), but the point gets across. It did not seem to "spook" my three year old daughter at all, and she was captivated for a month or two by it. She rarely reads it now, but I feel the point has been made and I reinforce it every now and then when I can.
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Summary: One of the least paranoia inducing "stranger books"
Review: I have gotten rid of most "don't talk to strangers" books because they are mostly fear inducing. I want my children to use common sense, and this version emphasises that. Sister (gotta love the names :-) ) fears everyone when first told that not all strangers are trustworthy. Mama comes to the rescue with some much needed common sense and moderation. The book concludes with a plausible example of Brother maybe trusting a stranger too much. A good starting point for working with young, very trusting children, on appropriate interpersonal interactions, and may help prevent the child from fearing even the grocery store clerk.
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Summary: Strangers
Review: I love all of the books in this series because I think it teachs good lessons to children. This one explains how it is not good to talk to strangers. Although I do not agree with that lesson, some times kids have to talk to strangers, for example if they were to get lost. But it is still a good book.
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Summary: Best Childrens' Series Ever!
Review: I really enjoyed this book. I had so much fun collecting them while growing up. On the back of each book, there are pictures of more Berenstain Bear books. The key was to get all of them. The biggest factor though, is that they all express values and morals that are important for all children. This book in particular is a contemporary topic of interest in our society today. The book deals with important issues on their levels. It is wonderfully written so that children can understand. I think that this book is suitable from two two years of age to eight years young. I was always told at both home and school to be aware of my surroundings, but I was so young. I never fully understood the dangers they spoke of. Anyways, when I read this book fifteen years ago, it really hit home. It was like that with each and every book of the series. Especially, the one about being scared of the dark. If any parent has a child that is dealing with any Berenstain Bear topics, try sitting down and reading the book with them. If not, read it regardless. They are classics.
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Summary: Dont talk to Strangers
Review: I thought this book was very helpful for kids, to teach them that its not wise to talk to strangers. I know because when I was little I used to talk to strangers, then my mom and me sat down and talked about strangers that I meet and greet, and how I should not do that because I do not know the people that I am talking to. Anyone who does not know not to talk to strangers should read this book.
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