Book Review: The Berenstain Bears and the Biggest Brag

I have been really pleased and excited about the rejuvenated classic of "The Berenstain Bears" to branch beyond character traits of their illustrious past, but to include the Biblical principles and Christ-like traits where they were all originate from.  It has given great storytelling an even greater purpose.

One of the latest additions to the series is The Berenstain Bears and the Biggest Brag.  Brother and Sister are successful, talented, and and high achieving bear cubs.  However, they have let their strengths get to their head and it has now become a competition and story topping event that Ma and Pa are fed up with.  The arrogant bears finally reach a tipping point when trying to story top each other with coming up with the most interesting cloud formations when Grizzly Gramps sets them both straight with a verse and reminder that pride is not something we want in our lives.

Overall my family of three girls ages 2, 5, and 8 really enjoyed this book.  I love how the cubs' final argument was over something that was relatively benign but also simple that any child could connect to.  The story presents well the fact of how silly bragging can be to help discourage it.  Rather than being hurtful, bragging and pride was presented in a sweet way for children under the age of 10.  The illustrations are also fantastic and reminiscent of the classics.  There is also a great family discussion guide on the back cover.

My only criticism of the book is that I don't believe enough resolution really comes to brother and sister.  It would be nice to have a more well rounded ending where they cheer each other on and manage to rejoice in each other's successes.

This is a great little book to have in your library or to use in a Character trait study for kids ages 4-8 (It would be seen as too silly and not deep enough into the issue for the older kids)

*I received a copy of this book for free in return for my honest review.