What do you think?
The Berenstain Bears
The Berenstain Bears Lend a Helping Hand
This edition is in English and Chinese.
When Mama concludes that there's too much "Me, me, me!" in Brother and Sister's behavior, she encourages them to help elderly Widow McGrizz deal with her full and messy attic. While the cubs are resistant at first, they soon find that there are rewards in giving a helping hand to those less fortunate.
When Mama concludes that there's too much "Me, me, me!" in Brother and Sister's behavior, she encourages them to help elderly Widow McGrizz deal with her full and messy attic. While the cubs are resistant at first, they soon find that there are rewards in giving a helping hand to those less fortunate.
15 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
About the author
Stan Berenstain
974 books716 followersStan and Jan Berenstain (often called The Berenstains) were American writers and illustrators best known for creating the children's book series the Berenstain Bears. Their son Mike Berenstain joined them as a creative team in the late 1980s.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 2, 2014
I like these books and so does my son. They are slight heavy handed with the Lesson, but I think this lesson of helping others because they need it and we can is a good one.
July 12, 2022
There's nothing like being voluntold you're going to help clean out a creepy old person's attic as a means of creating a kinder attitude.
Um. Mama Bear? Are you sure you know what you're doing?
When the cubs are acting a little too me-centric, Mama Bear decides a little volunteer work would be a good thing. Honestly? I kind of agree. Encouraging your kids to volunteer is a great way to build up compassion and empathy in your child.
By the end of the story, what I liked best though was that the outcome wasn't exactly what Mama had been going for. The cubs genuinely have found something to like about their neighbor. And while they might still be a bit greedy (the rewards they coveted are certainly worth the big bucks) the good deed they did pales next to this new relationship. Good for you, cubs!
Um. Mama Bear? Are you sure you know what you're doing?
When the cubs are acting a little too me-centric, Mama Bear decides a little volunteer work would be a good thing. Honestly? I kind of agree. Encouraging your kids to volunteer is a great way to build up compassion and empathy in your child.
By the end of the story, what I liked best though was that the outcome wasn't exactly what Mama had been going for. The cubs genuinely have found something to like about their neighbor. And while they might still be a bit greedy (the rewards they coveted are certainly worth the big bucks) the good deed they did pales next to this new relationship. Good for you, cubs!
November 8, 2017
11/7/17 Read with Naomi and Julia.
August 28, 2013
I think even as a child I could tell how didactic this series was. However, the earlier books still seemed to have a more interesting story. This one is not as obviously religious as the newer ones, but a bit more easy to swallow. And it does teach a little about service, but it is quite text heavy that I think children in a group setting might get bored. Plus, at times it felt this was aimed more at a parent teaching their child than at the child.
September 14, 2026
"The Berenstain Bears Lend a Helping Hand" by Stan and Jan Berenstain
This children's book (ages 3-7) focuses on social-emotional development, specifically empathy and prosocial behavior. The story about the cubs gives children an example of helping others and how others' needs are equally important as their own.
Summary: Brother and Sister Bear don't want to give up their Saturday, but Mama encourages them to help Miz McGrizz clean out her attic. The 2 siblings reluctantly go to their neighbor's house and, in the process, learn that being helpful is meaningful and rewarding.
As children grow, they develop empathy and learn to recognize others' needs, and they typically need adults to model and encourage this behavior. This book shows children moving from a "me first" attitude toward thinking about someone else, and also demonstrates that helping can create positive relationships and feelings of accomplishment. The Berenstain Bears educational guide specifically identifies caring as a major theme and suggests using the story to have children brainstorm ways they can help a neighbor or community.
Pros:
- Simple and understandable for young children
- Gives children a clear example of being helpful
- Shows that helping can be enjoyable
- Provides an opportunity to talk about empathy and caring
- Can lead to real-life activities where children help others
Cons:
- The lesson can feel obvious or "preachy"
- Brother and Sister Bear are "voluntold" to help Miz McGrizz rather than independently deciding to help
- Some children may need more discussion to understand why helping others is important rather than just learning that they are supposed to help
Recommendation: I would recommend this book to parents, caregivers, and early childhood teachers because it provides an age-appropriate way to introduce children to empathy and helping others. Adults could read the book and ask the child questions to deepen understanding. The book could also be followed by an activity in which the child helps someone in their community. Overall, this book does a good job of supporting children's social-emotional development. It gives them an easy-to-understand example of empathy, kindness, and prosocial behavior that they can connect to their own lives.
This children's book (ages 3-7) focuses on social-emotional development, specifically empathy and prosocial behavior. The story about the cubs gives children an example of helping others and how others' needs are equally important as their own.
Summary: Brother and Sister Bear don't want to give up their Saturday, but Mama encourages them to help Miz McGrizz clean out her attic. The 2 siblings reluctantly go to their neighbor's house and, in the process, learn that being helpful is meaningful and rewarding.
As children grow, they develop empathy and learn to recognize others' needs, and they typically need adults to model and encourage this behavior. This book shows children moving from a "me first" attitude toward thinking about someone else, and also demonstrates that helping can create positive relationships and feelings of accomplishment. The Berenstain Bears educational guide specifically identifies caring as a major theme and suggests using the story to have children brainstorm ways they can help a neighbor or community.
Pros:
- Simple and understandable for young children
- Gives children a clear example of being helpful
- Shows that helping can be enjoyable
- Provides an opportunity to talk about empathy and caring
- Can lead to real-life activities where children help others
Cons:
- The lesson can feel obvious or "preachy"
- Brother and Sister Bear are "voluntold" to help Miz McGrizz rather than independently deciding to help
- Some children may need more discussion to understand why helping others is important rather than just learning that they are supposed to help
Recommendation: I would recommend this book to parents, caregivers, and early childhood teachers because it provides an age-appropriate way to introduce children to empathy and helping others. Adults could read the book and ask the child questions to deepen understanding. The book could also be followed by an activity in which the child helps someone in their community. Overall, this book does a good job of supporting children's social-emotional development. It gives them an easy-to-understand example of empathy, kindness, and prosocial behavior that they can connect to their own lives.
January 19, 2022
This is a nice moral about helping others. While Brother and Sister aren't too excited about helping Miz McGrizz clean out her attic, they soon find out that it is quite interesting. While Miz McGrizz sits in a chair, they bring items to her so she can decide what to keep and what to donate. Many of the items are very interesting to Brother and Sister. In the end, they feel good about helping an elderly neighbor and they scored a baseball card and an antique Bearbie doll out of the deal.
May 1, 2023
I'm not really sure brother and sister bear got the 'lesson' of the good of helping others, because they were given compensation for their work... which is nice that they did...
I am not really fond of the parents attitudes or the way they go about teaching their kids...
I do like the old lady and the cozy vibes full of antiques and cool things in her attic.
I am not really fond of the parents attitudes or the way they go about teaching their kids...
I do like the old lady and the cozy vibes full of antiques and cool things in her attic.
November 14, 2023
Author: Stan Berenstain
Genre: Fiction, Family Classic
Grade level: PK-2
The story is full of good traits for children to learn and for families to teach their children how to lend a helping hand, mainly to the elders. This is one of the best books that children need to hear aloud as they can apply them to the real world.
Genre: Fiction, Family Classic
Grade level: PK-2
The story is full of good traits for children to learn and for families to teach their children how to lend a helping hand, mainly to the elders. This is one of the best books that children need to hear aloud as they can apply them to the real world.
October 31, 2018
Love these books.
I love the simple lessons from these books. A great read for my kids :). And I learn a thing or two myself. Lol.
I love the simple lessons from these books. A great read for my kids :). And I learn a thing or two myself. Lol.
December 4, 2018
Glad we read it, but she doesn't want to read 5yo rated it 3 stars, glad we read it, doesn't want to read it again.
September 24, 2020
Brother and Sister Bear do NOT want to help the neighbor clean out her attic on a Saturday they could be doing other things. However, they discover that it's not so bad, and might even be fun.
May 17, 2022
This storyline is a bit thinner than the other Berenstain books. I enjoyed it all the same.
May 29, 2024
Perfect story and lesson all around.
From the problem to the solution and the rewards!
From the problem to the solution and the rewards!
July 5, 2024
So part of me feels like this book got its moral across. Half of me feels like it got lost in the weeds. Even so, still a cute book!
Read
February 15, 2025ISBN 0-613-11325-X
November 24, 2011
The Berenstain Bears. Not a fond memory on my part. The only ones I enjoyed as a young child were Bears on Wheels and The Berenstains' B Book. Neither of these explicitly feature the Bear family; they might have been pre-Bear family books, as a matter of fact.
And when it comes to the Bear family, there's a lot to complain about. Papa Bear goes from being understandable and well-meaning, if a little bungling, to a raging maniac who has the tendency to cross over into psychologically abusive territory.
But then there's Mama Bear. I cannot freakin' stand this character. She is the most self-righteous, presumptuous, meddling woman in any children's book I've ever read, and she is presented as some kind of saintly patron of motherhood who can never do anything wrong.
This time, after several panels of her children trying to claim they've beaten the other by having a large piece of cake, a better spot in front of the television, and more jelly beans, Mama decides to, and I quote, "mend their selfish ways".
Is the life you're leading different from the book I'm reading, Mama Bear? Because I saw your children having silly, not even angry "arguments" about whose piece of cake was bigger. Sure, that's annoying, but the only thing remotely objectionable about their behavior is that they started pushing on the couch in front of the television. That needs to be your moral; don't shove your freakin' siblings, 'cause someone could actually get hurt that way if you're careless enough. Instead, the moral you pulled out of your ass is "Selfishness is bad!" when their behavior had nothing to do with genuine selfishness!
But the idea she has to get them to "mend their selfish ways" isn't horrible. She makes sure they spend some time with a very old neighbor of theirs. After a few minutes together, their neighbor asks if the Bear children would like to help her out by cleaning out her house for payment.
And then Mama Bear turns into a bitch again. Her children don't want to do it, and I'd say that's a bit rude, but what can you do? You can't force them. Oh, wait! You can if you're Mama Bear!
You see where this is going. She volunteers her children without their consent, then informs the elderly neighbor that they will not be accepting any payment. Who the hell does she think she is? When you do work without payment under your own consent, it's volunteer work. It's charity. It's helping a friend. When you do it because someone else has taken away your choice and forced you to do it, it's forced labor. You know, a distasteful and often condemned component of slavery, serfdom, and the penal system? Yeah... That's cool.
On the other hand, the "helping people" moral of the final few pages is wonderful. The children help the old woman do something that would have been difficult or even impossible for her to manage on her own, they learn about her interesting past and old belongings, they each find a cool toy she lets them keep, and they even convince her to have a yard sale instead of throwing her old things away--they've helped an old, probably stressed for cash woman earn some money, and helped reduce landfill waste, meaning there's also a pro-recycling moral to top it off.
But as always with Berenstain Bears books that teach morals that I don't mind or even support, I'm just horribly disappointed that the intended moral had to be corrupted by the parents' disrespectful behavior.
And when it comes to the Bear family, there's a lot to complain about. Papa Bear goes from being understandable and well-meaning, if a little bungling, to a raging maniac who has the tendency to cross over into psychologically abusive territory.
But then there's Mama Bear. I cannot freakin' stand this character. She is the most self-righteous, presumptuous, meddling woman in any children's book I've ever read, and she is presented as some kind of saintly patron of motherhood who can never do anything wrong.
This time, after several panels of her children trying to claim they've beaten the other by having a large piece of cake, a better spot in front of the television, and more jelly beans, Mama decides to, and I quote, "mend their selfish ways".
Is the life you're leading different from the book I'm reading, Mama Bear? Because I saw your children having silly, not even angry "arguments" about whose piece of cake was bigger. Sure, that's annoying, but the only thing remotely objectionable about their behavior is that they started pushing on the couch in front of the television. That needs to be your moral; don't shove your freakin' siblings, 'cause someone could actually get hurt that way if you're careless enough. Instead, the moral you pulled out of your ass is "Selfishness is bad!" when their behavior had nothing to do with genuine selfishness!
But the idea she has to get them to "mend their selfish ways" isn't horrible. She makes sure they spend some time with a very old neighbor of theirs. After a few minutes together, their neighbor asks if the Bear children would like to help her out by cleaning out her house for payment.
And then Mama Bear turns into a bitch again. Her children don't want to do it, and I'd say that's a bit rude, but what can you do? You can't force them. Oh, wait! You can if you're Mama Bear!
You see where this is going. She volunteers her children without their consent, then informs the elderly neighbor that they will not be accepting any payment. Who the hell does she think she is? When you do work without payment under your own consent, it's volunteer work. It's charity. It's helping a friend. When you do it because someone else has taken away your choice and forced you to do it, it's forced labor. You know, a distasteful and often condemned component of slavery, serfdom, and the penal system? Yeah... That's cool.
On the other hand, the "helping people" moral of the final few pages is wonderful. The children help the old woman do something that would have been difficult or even impossible for her to manage on her own, they learn about her interesting past and old belongings, they each find a cool toy she lets them keep, and they even convince her to have a yard sale instead of throwing her old things away--they've helped an old, probably stressed for cash woman earn some money, and helped reduce landfill waste, meaning there's also a pro-recycling moral to top it off.
But as always with Berenstain Bears books that teach morals that I don't mind or even support, I'm just horribly disappointed that the intended moral had to be corrupted by the parents' disrespectful behavior.
June 1, 2014
I thought this book was mostly okay the first few times I read it, but I think its moral message of helping others out is lost on me after really thinking about it...
First of all, it starts off with Mama Bear expressing a very serious concern about her children's selfishness to Papa Bear, who just drifts off to sleep. All right, it's understandable that that happens, even among the most loving of fathers and husbands, because hey after all fathers do get exhausted so cut them some slack. It wasn't bad of Mama Bear that she didn't get upset. However, it should not be portrayed as something harmless and acceptable if it's a frequent habit, which is what putting it in a book like this does. The entire focus is on Brother and Sister Bear's selfishness, yet Papa Bear isn't even listening to his wife. Then, she is alone with her thoughts about what she can do to encourage her cubs to think about others instead of only themselves. One of her thoughts is that when Papa Bear tries to "talk" to them, it doesn't help and only seems to make things worse. It shows her thinking about Papa Bear screaming at them. Again, though, the focus is on the cubs' selfishness, when here is a serious fault in Papa Bear - yelling out of his own impatience with them. Another fault that most parents struggle with - but it is still only the cubs who are seen as having the big selfishness problem and need changing.
Then it gets worse. Brother and Sister Bear are scared of Miz McGrizz, but Mama Bear decides that they should help her out anyway. They go to Papa Bear to try to change Mama's mind (playing parents against each other?) But Papa Bear agrees with Mama Bear. Anyway... why aren't the children allowed to have a say? Yes, there is a good reason parents are in charge and not children, but this goes beyond children needing to obey their parents in rules that parents have set for their own good. They are basically forced to help out in the house of someone they are nervous to be around. Why aren't Mama and Papa Bear there helping clean the attic? Brother and Sister Bear are doing basically ALL the work in the attic of a lady they are nervous about. That's a job no children let alone teens should be made to do, especially without their parents around AND without the expectation of being paid for such a big job (there was a huge emphasis on not getting paid, not only but IMO Mama Bear pretty much lied at one point in saying the cubs wouldn't even think about getting paid.) Also, why don't they ever get to talk to Mama and Papa about their fears so they can know that Miz McGriz is okay to be around? Mama and Papa Bear don't show up again until the yard sale. They do at least help out with that.
It does end rather nicely - Brother and Sister Bear end up being gifted with the unique treasures they found in her attic.
Helping others out and being selfless is one thing, but I don't think this is the best way to teach about helping others out at all. And while sometimes people might be surprised, nor will people always be guaranteed to GET some coveted material thing out of helping someone out.
I will say... I did get out of this book that a garage or yard sale can be a good way to meet people in your neighborhood, while also downsizing, decluttering, and get rid of excess stuff that might be useful to someone else! :p But I just decluttered some of our stuff by tossing this book. :p
First of all, it starts off with Mama Bear expressing a very serious concern about her children's selfishness to Papa Bear, who just drifts off to sleep. All right, it's understandable that that happens, even among the most loving of fathers and husbands, because hey after all fathers do get exhausted so cut them some slack. It wasn't bad of Mama Bear that she didn't get upset. However, it should not be portrayed as something harmless and acceptable if it's a frequent habit, which is what putting it in a book like this does. The entire focus is on Brother and Sister Bear's selfishness, yet Papa Bear isn't even listening to his wife. Then, she is alone with her thoughts about what she can do to encourage her cubs to think about others instead of only themselves. One of her thoughts is that when Papa Bear tries to "talk" to them, it doesn't help and only seems to make things worse. It shows her thinking about Papa Bear screaming at them. Again, though, the focus is on the cubs' selfishness, when here is a serious fault in Papa Bear - yelling out of his own impatience with them. Another fault that most parents struggle with - but it is still only the cubs who are seen as having the big selfishness problem and need changing.
Then it gets worse. Brother and Sister Bear are scared of Miz McGrizz, but Mama Bear decides that they should help her out anyway. They go to Papa Bear to try to change Mama's mind (playing parents against each other?) But Papa Bear agrees with Mama Bear. Anyway... why aren't the children allowed to have a say? Yes, there is a good reason parents are in charge and not children, but this goes beyond children needing to obey their parents in rules that parents have set for their own good. They are basically forced to help out in the house of someone they are nervous to be around. Why aren't Mama and Papa Bear there helping clean the attic? Brother and Sister Bear are doing basically ALL the work in the attic of a lady they are nervous about. That's a job no children let alone teens should be made to do, especially without their parents around AND without the expectation of being paid for such a big job (there was a huge emphasis on not getting paid, not only but IMO Mama Bear pretty much lied at one point in saying the cubs wouldn't even think about getting paid.) Also, why don't they ever get to talk to Mama and Papa about their fears so they can know that Miz McGriz is okay to be around? Mama and Papa Bear don't show up again until the yard sale. They do at least help out with that.
It does end rather nicely - Brother and Sister Bear end up being gifted with the unique treasures they found in her attic.
Helping others out and being selfless is one thing, but I don't think this is the best way to teach about helping others out at all. And while sometimes people might be surprised, nor will people always be guaranteed to GET some coveted material thing out of helping someone out.
I will say... I did get out of this book that a garage or yard sale can be a good way to meet people in your neighborhood, while also downsizing, decluttering, and get rid of excess stuff that might be useful to someone else! :p But I just decluttered some of our stuff by tossing this book. :p
April 7, 2010
Summary: When Mama concludes that there's too much "Me, me, me!" in Brother and Sister's behavior, she encourages them to help elderly Widow McGrizz deal with her full and messy attic. While the cubs are resistant at first, they soon find that there are rewards in giving a helping hand to those less fortunate.
Written and illustrated by: Stan and Jan Berenstain
Audience: k-3rd grade
Topics: Helping others, kindness, selfishness, sibling rivalry
Literary Elements: third person point of view and personification
Illustrations: The illustrations bring to life such a well-classic!
Usage: This particular book can be used in a variety of setting in the classroom including independent reading, guided reading, and reading out loud.
Thanks GoodReads!
Written and illustrated by: Stan and Jan Berenstain
Audience: k-3rd grade
Topics: Helping others, kindness, selfishness, sibling rivalry
Literary Elements: third person point of view and personification
Illustrations: The illustrations bring to life such a well-classic!
Usage: This particular book can be used in a variety of setting in the classroom including independent reading, guided reading, and reading out loud.
Thanks GoodReads!
October 28, 2014
All of the Berenstain Bear stories prove a life lesson at the end. This one teaches about helping others less fortunate. This might be a good story to use around the winter holiday seasons and even have your class volunteer by making crafts for a group home or helping out at a soup kitchen or even something like bringing in canned goods, etc for a donation.
September 14, 2010
Brother and Sister Bear are being taught that it is good to help other people and not just be selfish. They discover that it is fun to help their neighbours and a good lesson is learned.
July 26, 2011
the characters and stories of the berenstain bears teaching children early learning concepts.
July 28, 2011
good lesson.
June 28, 2012
37 months - always a hit with O and this one has a nice lesson.
July 3, 2012
The Berenstain Bears books are always wonderful with great underlying lessons of character and morals in a fun way. Great for young readers.
January 5, 2013
if only I could figure this out but I see exactly what would happen if my kids were sent off to work for someone. they would fight the whole time. :(
January 31, 2013
The cubs help Miz McGrizz clean out her attic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2014
It's good to remember that service really does he'll us take our minds off ourselves and learn to care about others.
April 29, 2017
I enjoyed this book because I like helping people. I did not like this book because I do not like bragging.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews