The Berenstain Bears' Christmas Tree »

Mike Berenstain grew up watching his parents, Stan and Jan, working together to write and draw these lovable bears. Eventually he started drawing and writing about them too.

Mike Berenstain grew up watching his parents, Stan and Jan, working together to write and draw these lovable bears. Eventually he started drawing and writing about them too. Mike is married to Andrea and they have three children. They live in Pennsylvania, in an area that looks a lot like Bear Country.

While searching for the perfect Christmas tree for the Bear Family's Tree House, the Bear Family learns a lesson in kindness and respect of others and their belongings.

School Library Journal

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 family’s solid traditional values won’t 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