The Berenstain Bears' New Pup [With Stickers]

This is a new series (published 2005) from Stan & Jan Berenstain. This particular book is a number "1" Beginning Reader. The story begins with a trip to the farm for eggs. Farmer Ben's dog, Queenie, has had puppies so, of course, the children are entranced and want to take one home. Mama manages to put up a good fight until Farmer Ben puts a sweet, warm, puppy in her arms. Oh, well... we know how that goes. Puppies have a way of melting hearts. My children (3 and 5; boy and girl) like this book and so do I. Besides being a straightforward story, it touches on all of the 'puppy' raising issues. Little Lady (their dog) leaves a puddle in one corner, and a 'calling card' in another. [I like that the artwork shows the kids cleaning up, not mom or dad.] The puppy also gets into things she shouldn't and makes a mess, even of the recently purchased eggs. The story ends with mama saying that she is going back to Farmer Ben's. "You're not going to take Little Lady back to Farmer Ben's" cry the children. Well, of course not, mama replies. She's going to get more eggs. All in all, a great book for parents to read to children when the 'doggie adoption' issue comes up. Four Stars. Better than average Berenstain Bear book with simple sentences that make a good read-aloud. The story is one that children can relate to. A sample of the text follows for you to determine the reading level for yourself: (From the second page of text) "Look!" said Brother. "There is a sign on Farmer Ben's barn door." The sign said PUPS FOR SALE! "Hmm," said Mama. "Farmer Ben's dog, Queenie, must have had pups."