Summer Reads: The Berenstain Bears: School Time Blessings

Zonderkidz; 22 pages; $3.99; Amazon

While today is the first day of summer on the calendar, the stores will begin stocking the aisles with school supplies next month. While some kids dread going back to school (I know I always did!), others enjoy going back.

Now available in bookstores tomorrow from Zonderkidz is The Berenstain Bears: School Time Blessings by Mike Berenstain.

The 22-page picture book centers on Brother and Sister Bear getting ready to go back to school, while their little sister Honey is getting ready to start nursery school. Both Brother and Sister are excited about seeing their classmates. Brother can't wait to learn more about history and Sister is looking forward to showing off her math skills.

Sadly, Brother and Sister aren't very good at some subjects, so Brother helps Sister with her history lessons and Sister helps Brother with his math.

Meanwhile, Honey is extremely nervous about going to school and she fears she will miss her parents as soon as they drop her off.

Final Thoughts: The Berenstain Bears books have changed a lot since my childhood. The most recent batch of books have been published by ZonderKidz with Mike Berenstain taking over writing and illustrating the franchise after his parents' deaths. While the stories are still simple and cute, the plots now have religious themes.

I have read several of the newer books and my thoughts on them have been mixed; the stories have always been cute, but some of the religious messages seemed a bit forced. However, I'm glad to say that isn't the case with "School Time Blessings." Yes, the book does have a few Bible verses that refers to conquering your fears, but it never feels forced upon the reader. Overall, The Berenstain Bears: School Time Blessings is a cute picture book for kids.

*Disclaimer - I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions are my own.