The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Birthday

We have at least 15 Berenstain Bears books, and this is one of our 5 year old son's favorites. It shows how much fun birthday parties can be, but also that we can get too carried away by them. There is one part where the cubs play "spin the bottle" which does seem odd, but Sister only ends up kissing Brother on the cheek...this part doesn't seem to be a problem for our son.

This is our favorite Berenstain Bears book, a must for every child who has ever "wanted it all" for their special day. Sister turns six, and what starts out as a simple birthday celebration plan becomes an elaborate festival complete with too many goodies, ponies and merry-go-round, thanks to Papa. This is a bit much for Sister, who has only just turned six, after all! Parent everywhere will smile at the birthday meltdown and subsequent scenes, and children of all ages will relate to sister's ups and downs on her big day.

This is a wonderful book that presents a terrific lesson about not getting too carried away with birthday parties--a big problem these days! The fuss and commotion and the pressure of an over-the-top party are too much for Sister Bear and she winds up just getting upset about the whole thing. I've seen this happen with real life birthday parties. And it's nice to see an innocent old-fashioned childhood still being depicted in our modern overly sophisticated world. This is another classic in the Berenstain Bears line of books.

Sister Bear is going to turn 6 years old. She is very excited about all the Birthday games, toys, prizes, candy, pony rides, and even a merry-go-round! She and Brother Bear and Papa Bear get everything ready. The other cubs arrive and they play games and have lots of fun. However, Sister Bear gets overwhelmed by all the excitement and breaks down into tears. She is upset because she got first out on On the Way to Jerusalem game and was humiliated at the Spin the Bottle game. One cub asks her if she is going to open her presents and that breaks her concentration and she opens gifts. Her tears dry and she finds out much she has grown and improved the past year.

A lesson of modesty which is very well described! Children and parents will learn that big, sensational birthday party does not necessarily ends up with happiness!