Review - The Berenstain Bears: Bless Our Pets - Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

Zonderkidz; 24 pages; $3.99; Amazon

Now available from Zonderkidz is the newest entry in the Berenstain Bears' picture book franchise, titled "Blessed Our Pets" written and illustrated by Mike Berenstain, the son of the original creators Stan and Jan Berenstain.

Many of the newer titles have added Christian themes to the plots, which have received mixed reactions from older fans (readers) of the series.

"Bless Our Pets" centers on the Chapel in the Woods having a "Blessing of the Animals" event, where the Preacher Brown is going to bless everyone's pets. Of course Brother, Sister, and Honey Bear are excited that they get to bring their pets, Little Lady (a dog), Gracie (a cat), and Cutesy (a parakeet), to church with them.

Almost the entire population of Bear Country bring their pets to the blessing. There are animals of all kinds there. Everything goes as plan, well, until a dog chases a cat up a tree and then all chaos occurs.

Final Thoughts: Is there an actual plot to "Bless Our Pets"? Well, yes, but besides from the "Blessing of the Animals" event at church, nothing much really happens here. Is there a Christian message? Yes, there is a powerful message about how all animals are the creation of God and that the Lord is watching over them.

Overall, The Berenstain Bears: Bless Our Pets is one of the better books in the "Living Lights" series, but I thought the plot was lacking real content. However, I'm still going to give this one 4 out of 5 due to the fact that I liked the Christian theme in it and I also liked the illustrations.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

About the Authors: Stan and Jan Berenstain introduced the first Berenstain Bear books in 1962 and celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Berenstain Bears during 2012! Mike Berenstain grew up watching his parents work together to write about and draw these lovable bears. Eventually he started drawing and writing about them too. Though Stan died in 2005 and Jan in 2012, Mike continues to create the delightful Bear adventures from his studio in Pennsylvania.