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The Berenstain Bears Living Lights
The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story
The Bear cubs and Papa are candy-crazy this Easter! But Mama, with help from Papa, tells the cubs about Jesus' resurrection and shows them that salvation is much sweeter than candy. Includes a colorful sticker set.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 10, 2012
111 people are currently reading
275 people want to read
About the author
Mike Berenstain
451 books167 followersMike 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.
Mike's earliest memory is of his parents studio in suburban Philadelphia. He remembers sitting on the floor scribbling on yellow typewriter paper with a big black pencil. His mother looked at the tangled hairball he had created, pointed out some random shape and said, "Look! Youve drawn a fish!" It did, indeed, look like a fish. That was his first drawing lesson. Hes been drawing ever since.
Aside from drawing, Mikes primary interests growing up were playing whiffle ball with his older brother Leo, collecting insects, stamps, coins, bottle caps, baseball cards, etc., building model planes, playing Davy Crockett in the backyard and fishing. He was also interested in watching the creation of his parents magazine cartoons during the 50s and finally, the birth of the first Berenstain Bears book in 1962. Hes often asked which is his favorite Berenstain Bear book. The answer is THE BERENSTAIN BEARS PICNIC, created when he was twelve. It features a picture of Papa Bear getting a big load of garbage dumped on his head. He thought this was very funny. Ever since, hes enjoyed drawing garbageapple cores, banana peels, old bed springs and the like.
Mike attended art school in Philadelphia in the early 70s, then worked as a designer in the Childrens Book Department of a New York publisher before starting his career as an author and illustrator. His first childrens book was published in 1976 followed by some thirty more over the next sixteen years. These ranged in subject from wizards to dinosaurs.
Since the late 80s, he has been very much involved as a writer and illustrator with his familys creation, the Berenstain Bears. He continues to work with his mother, Jan, creating new books, writing and illustrating.
Aside from the bears, Mike is interested in many thingsin classical music, American history, astronomy and physics. He likes to ski. He spends a lot of time with horses.
Mike is married, his wifes name is Andrea. They have three children whose antics and activities growing up have provided inspiration for many Berenstain Bears books over the years."
Mike's earliest memory is of his parents studio in suburban Philadelphia. He remembers sitting on the floor scribbling on yellow typewriter paper with a big black pencil. His mother looked at the tangled hairball he had created, pointed out some random shape and said, "Look! Youve drawn a fish!" It did, indeed, look like a fish. That was his first drawing lesson. Hes been drawing ever since.
Aside from drawing, Mikes primary interests growing up were playing whiffle ball with his older brother Leo, collecting insects, stamps, coins, bottle caps, baseball cards, etc., building model planes, playing Davy Crockett in the backyard and fishing. He was also interested in watching the creation of his parents magazine cartoons during the 50s and finally, the birth of the first Berenstain Bears book in 1962. Hes often asked which is his favorite Berenstain Bear book. The answer is THE BERENSTAIN BEARS PICNIC, created when he was twelve. It features a picture of Papa Bear getting a big load of garbage dumped on his head. He thought this was very funny. Ever since, hes enjoyed drawing garbageapple cores, banana peels, old bed springs and the like.
Mike attended art school in Philadelphia in the early 70s, then worked as a designer in the Childrens Book Department of a New York publisher before starting his career as an author and illustrator. His first childrens book was published in 1976 followed by some thirty more over the next sixteen years. These ranged in subject from wizards to dinosaurs.
Since the late 80s, he has been very much involved as a writer and illustrator with his familys creation, the Berenstain Bears. He continues to work with his mother, Jan, creating new books, writing and illustrating.
Aside from the bears, Mike is interested in many thingsin classical music, American history, astronomy and physics. He likes to ski. He spends a lot of time with horses.
Mike is married, his wifes name is Andrea. They have three children whose antics and activities growing up have provided inspiration for many Berenstain Bears books over the years."
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 16, 2014
It was springtime in Bear Country, and with Easter coming soon the bears were consumed with thoughts of candy. Their Sunday school teacher even expressed her favorite kind of candy, black jelly beans. One of the other Sunday school classes was putting on a play called The Easter Story, and the bears were excited to see it. The bear children were attentive as the story of Easter was acted out on the stage, with props and costumes representative of the time when Jesus was performing miracles and teaching his followers. Some people became angry with Jesus, and accused him of becoming too powerful. The story continues with Jesus' arrest, crucifixion and resurrection.
Jan & Mike Berenstain have created another wonderful children's book in the Berenstain Bears tradition. The illustrations are colorful and true to the subject matter, and The Easter Story is very well told and appropriate for younger children. This is a book that can be used each year when Easter approaches, and passed down through the generations. I found the book to be well done and enjoyable, a story that children can understand and remember. I recommend this book for families with young children. This edition of the book also contains a sheet of stickers for children to use with their Easter projects.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Zondervan in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
Jan & Mike Berenstain have created another wonderful children's book in the Berenstain Bears tradition. The illustrations are colorful and true to the subject matter, and The Easter Story is very well told and appropriate for younger children. This is a book that can be used each year when Easter approaches, and passed down through the generations. I found the book to be well done and enjoyable, a story that children can understand and remember. I recommend this book for families with young children. This edition of the book also contains a sheet of stickers for children to use with their Easter projects.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Zondervan in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
April 4, 2016
A great book for explaining the Jesus-y story of Easter to kids, even for those who don't practice religion. (As opposed to the Bunny/eggs side of things.) We don't do religion but we read/tell stories from the Bible the same way we read Greek myths and tales from other faiths. My 6 year old wanted to know what Easter was all about; this was a perfect age-appropriate explanation. Yes, Jesus dies, but that's the story of Easter, so, you know - spoiler alert. The one thing we couldn't figure was why Good Friday is named that - she decided it was named by the bad guys who killed Jesus. ;) Sounds good to me. We'll tuck this one away and take it out every year.
March 22, 2019
This was a cute story about the Easter Story of Jesus, it teaches that easter is about more than just Candy and chocolate. It teaches an important story about the real meaning of Easter and who Jesus was.
March 22, 2016
I have always enjoyed the Berenstain Bears.
I read this story to my grandson. A nice way to let him know what Jesus did for him. We both enjoyed the story.
I read this story to my grandson. A nice way to let him know what Jesus did for him. We both enjoyed the story.
April 21, 2019
Beautiful story and pictures! Perfect for teaching the true meaning of Easter! Especially to the little ones who are just learning.
March 28, 2021
Are you a Berenstain Bears fan? There is a book that is for your children to read if they have not read it yet. If you are looking for a book about the meaning of Easter? The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story is worth it.
It will tell the story of Easter and Jesus' resurrection so that young children can learn and understand the story. It is easy for children to learn about the bible story of what happens to Jesus and why we celebrate Easter.
The pictures are colorful and bright. The story happens told through a play to the bear cubs and students at the Sunday school. Easter candy is not everything for why Easter is so important. These acts remain shown throughout the book.
Parents would add this book to their collection of books for their children. Your child or children should have this book added to your child's bookshelves or collection of The Berenstain Bears. The book can be carried out and read to young children before Easter. Children can then bring up the topic or ask questions about how Jesus has risen and why we celebrate Easter. Why is it such a Holy day for Christians?
It will tell the story of Easter and Jesus' resurrection so that young children can learn and understand the story. It is easy for children to learn about the bible story of what happens to Jesus and why we celebrate Easter.
The pictures are colorful and bright. The story happens told through a play to the bear cubs and students at the Sunday school. Easter candy is not everything for why Easter is so important. These acts remain shown throughout the book.
Parents would add this book to their collection of books for their children. Your child or children should have this book added to your child's bookshelves or collection of The Berenstain Bears. The book can be carried out and read to young children before Easter. Children can then bring up the topic or ask questions about how Jesus has risen and why we celebrate Easter. Why is it such a Holy day for Christians?
April 21, 2025
I loved the Berenstain Bear books when I was growing up, and I somehow never realized that the authors were Christians. I came across this new installment in the series at Hobby Lobby and I had to pick this up. The illustrations are bright and lively as I remembered from my childhood. In this installment, the bear cubs are obsessed with Easter candy until their Sunday School teacher hosts an Easter play to remind them of the true meaning of Easter. I wish the story would have included the Last Supper and a few more details, but I also understand young kids will struggle to understand the meaning and parents would not want this to be too graphic either. The crucifixion is simply shown as a backdrop with a stormy sky and crosses. As a result, I think this book is geared towards young children around preschool to 1st grade as they can appreciate this simple retelling.
March 8, 2024
I am only giving it an OK, because of course I had to paraphrase because this was over Cam’s level. it’s a pretty complicated tale, so I’m not quite sure what his impression really was, but he did seem to like the pictures of the candy at the beginning in the end. So, will work on the piety aspect.
March 19, 2024
About the Book:
Even the youngest readers will understand the real meaning of Easter in this addition to the faith-based series of Berenstain Bears books. In this abridged board book version of the bestselling The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story , little ones will discover that Easter is more than candy and egg hunts as they learn about Jesus’ resurrection alongside their favorite Bear cubs. Join the Berenstain Bears as they explore the true meaning of Easter Sunday and the resurrection of Jesus. Children will discover ways to implement traditional religious values and share God’s goodness in Zonderkidz The Berenstain Bears Living Lights™ series of books with over 13 million copies sold. The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story for Little Ones? : ? The Berenstain Bears Living Lights™ Look for additional inspirational children’s picture books in The Berenstain Bears Living Lights™ series,
My Review:
The cubs were talking about all the things they liked most about Easter and their school teacher overheard the conversation. She told them there is much more to Easter than candy. So she proceeds to take them next door to the next classroom where the cubs there are putting on an Easter play. In efforts to help the cubs learn more about our Savior and His resurrection.
This sweet little board book is perfect for little ones to learn about Jesus' death and resurrection. Letting them know its okay to enjoy Easter candy but there is a bigger reason we celebrate.
**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Even the youngest readers will understand the real meaning of Easter in this addition to the faith-based series of Berenstain Bears books. In this abridged board book version of the bestselling The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story , little ones will discover that Easter is more than candy and egg hunts as they learn about Jesus’ resurrection alongside their favorite Bear cubs. Join the Berenstain Bears as they explore the true meaning of Easter Sunday and the resurrection of Jesus. Children will discover ways to implement traditional religious values and share God’s goodness in Zonderkidz The Berenstain Bears Living Lights™ series of books with over 13 million copies sold. The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story for Little Ones? : ? The Berenstain Bears Living Lights™ Look for additional inspirational children’s picture books in The Berenstain Bears Living Lights™ series,
My Review:
The cubs were talking about all the things they liked most about Easter and their school teacher overheard the conversation. She told them there is much more to Easter than candy. So she proceeds to take them next door to the next classroom where the cubs there are putting on an Easter play. In efforts to help the cubs learn more about our Savior and His resurrection.
This sweet little board book is perfect for little ones to learn about Jesus' death and resurrection. Letting them know its okay to enjoy Easter candy but there is a bigger reason we celebrate.
**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
March 26, 2018
My 6 year old early reader was able to read the whole story and get the real message of Easter is more than bunnies and candy. Perfect for his age group.
March 30, 2018
Great easter read
Not as complete but a good overview of what transpired on easter My kids loved it much because its not about the candy but Jesus
Not as complete but a good overview of what transpired on easter My kids loved it much because its not about the candy but Jesus
April 12, 2020
You can always count on the Berenstain Bears to not water down the true meaning of religious holidays. In this one they tell the Easter Story of Jesus.
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April 15, 2020Cute and came as a free gift with purchase of jelly beans from Target.
April 8, 2022
Great Kids Book
This does a great job connecting the Christian story to our worldly celebrations. It allows kids to worship Jesus and eat Easter candy.
This does a great job connecting the Christian story to our worldly celebrations. It allows kids to worship Jesus and eat Easter candy.
April 10, 2023
A sweet Betenstain Bear book that walks through the Easter story through a church play. Creative and fun. Elliot and I really enjoyed it
April 13, 2023
This book teaches kids that their is more to Easter than searching for Easter eggs. I teaches about Jesus' resurrection and salvation. It also encourages age appropriate discussions about salvation.
April 20, 2025
Great
I was skeptical at first, but it surprised me how accurate it was and it’s a cute little story for kids!!
I was skeptical at first, but it surprised me how accurate it was and it’s a cute little story for kids!!
July 10, 2025
The Berestain Bears go to church on Easter morning and learn about the Easter story through a play put on in Sunday School. It was very cute and it comes with stickers.
March 28, 2024
This board book is a great way to engage little ones in the biblical narrative of Holy Week. In it, the true story of Jesus's life, death, and resurrection is told through an Easter play in Brother, Sister, and Honey Bear's Sunday School class. It's both fun and meaningful!
Thank you to Zonderkidz for sending me a copy of this book. No review was required, and as always, all opinions are my own.
Thank you to Zonderkidz for sending me a copy of this book. No review was required, and as always, all opinions are my own.
Read
April 18, 2020This book would be a good read along for primary students. The Berenstein Bears books always have a great message. This book gives the message about Easter and that it is about the resurrection rather than about eggs and candy. Nice family book and fun illustrations.
March 27, 2016
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So I was looking for a good Easter story to read to my children. This book was more for K who is 9 rather than A who is 3.
I didn't realize that the Berenstain books had some religion in them, I grew up reading these books and have never seen this in a story before. That did not turn me away from it as I wanted K to learn what Easter was really about but in a way that he would understand. This was perfect for that because Easter is just not about candy it is about Jesus and him raising from the dead three days later. This book did a wonderful job with describing the meaning of Easter and K had a few questions but not too many.
Now it says there is a sticker set with this book I bought the ebook and there was no sticker set included so do not expect that with the ebook but more for the paperback.
Now if you are not big into religion then this book will not be for you, if you are introducing your child/ren or are big into religion and want something read this will be good for you.
K's questions and answers.
Did you like the story? "Yes I did"
Did you understand the story being told? "Yes it was about Jesus and not having candy."
Would you read this book again? "Yes only at Easter."
Would you recommend this book to your friends? "I think my friends would like this because they can learn about Jesus."
So I was looking for a good Easter story to read to my children. This book was more for K who is 9 rather than A who is 3.
I didn't realize that the Berenstain books had some religion in them, I grew up reading these books and have never seen this in a story before. That did not turn me away from it as I wanted K to learn what Easter was really about but in a way that he would understand. This was perfect for that because Easter is just not about candy it is about Jesus and him raising from the dead three days later. This book did a wonderful job with describing the meaning of Easter and K had a few questions but not too many.
Now it says there is a sticker set with this book I bought the ebook and there was no sticker set included so do not expect that with the ebook but more for the paperback.
Now if you are not big into religion then this book will not be for you, if you are introducing your child/ren or are big into religion and want something read this will be good for you.
K's questions and answers.
Did you like the story? "Yes I did"
Did you understand the story being told? "Yes it was about Jesus and not having candy."
Would you read this book again? "Yes only at Easter."
Would you recommend this book to your friends? "I think my friends would like this because they can learn about Jesus."
April 13, 2014
We love the Berenstain Bears! I grew up with them and now my kids get to too! The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story was a highly anticipated book in our home!
Easter is just a week away and it’s the perfect time to get in the Spirit and remind our kids what it’s really all about.
I really liked the way the Easter Story was presented as a play in the book. It helped explain why Jesus was a bear! My kids are both very literal and would have asked me things like “is Jesus really a bear?” In the context of a play by bears, it made sense to them!
While we were reading we discovered the bonus stickers in the middle of the book and my four year old was absolutely thrilled with that! They matched images from the story and she went through and placed them on the pages that matched.
I also liked that the Easter Story was true to the Bible and presented very matter of fact in black and white terms. And of course I really, really appreciated the Sunday school teacher pointing out that Easter is NOT all about candy BUT it’s ok to indulge in that a little too.
I want my kids to know the true meaning of holidays like Easter but I also want them to have a little fun and get them some treats too! The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story did a perfect job of stressing where the importance was and that the secular traditions are ok, but secondary.
Easter is just a week away and it’s the perfect time to get in the Spirit and remind our kids what it’s really all about.
I really liked the way the Easter Story was presented as a play in the book. It helped explain why Jesus was a bear! My kids are both very literal and would have asked me things like “is Jesus really a bear?” In the context of a play by bears, it made sense to them!
While we were reading we discovered the bonus stickers in the middle of the book and my four year old was absolutely thrilled with that! They matched images from the story and she went through and placed them on the pages that matched.
I also liked that the Easter Story was true to the Bible and presented very matter of fact in black and white terms. And of course I really, really appreciated the Sunday school teacher pointing out that Easter is NOT all about candy BUT it’s ok to indulge in that a little too.
I want my kids to know the true meaning of holidays like Easter but I also want them to have a little fun and get them some treats too! The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story did a perfect job of stressing where the importance was and that the secular traditions are ok, but secondary.
February 2, 2012
What could be a better topic in a book this spring to spend with beloved characters such as the Berenstain Bears other than the Easter Story? Well this year you have it in a great one with bright colors that make mean yearn for the blossoms to come and the grass to be green. In these pages your children can learn and watch with Brother, Sister and Honey Bear as some older bears in a Sunday School classroom next door act out the Easter Story. This is a great one for conversation starters. *sigh* I love the Berenstain Bears.
*Thanks to Zondervan for providing a copy for review.*
Scheduled post: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...
*Thanks to Zondervan for providing a copy for review.*
Scheduled post: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...
April 20, 2014
Who doesn't love the Bearenstain Bears? I remember reading these books when I was growing up and I love sharing them with my children. I enjoyed reading The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story with my boys because it brings to the heart what the Easter holiday is all about, not the candy and the treats but something so much greater. It was a great way to answer questions and stress the importance of the religious side of the holiday while also enjoying some treats along the way! It was a great blend of both sides of the tradition!!! 4 stars!
March 18, 2026
This is a great book to teach your child or grandchild the true Easter story. It helps them imagine themselves at an Easter play with all the sights and sounds, which will engage them in the story. It also has stickers you can use for Easter crafts, and a set of questions to help you talk about the book with your child. It is an ideal addition to an Easter basket, or a helpful resource for the Lenten season.
April 5, 2012
My kids love all the berenstain bear books! Always great lessons & values taught! :)
December 24, 2012
Very informative book about Easter, but not suitable for the classroom. Will read to my own children some day.
May 7, 2014
Brother and Sister learn the true meaning of Easter, how Jesus rose from his tomb.
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April 24, 2014Love that this is a good choice to show the real Easter story. My daughter really liked it
June 16, 2015
Good introduction to the concept of the crucifixion and Jesus resurrection.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews