Few husband and wife writing teams have been as successful as Stanley and Janice Berenstain. For over 40 years the Berenstains have created books that have been widely loved and eagerly collected.
It is fitting to honor the Berenstains as Janice Berenstain recently died on February 28, 2012. Beginning in 1962, they began exploring several types of children’s books. At this time, some educators taught early reading techniques with teaching resources such as rhyming books. Following this movement, the Berenstains entered the literary and educational world with a Dr. Seuss look-alike, "The Big Honey Hunt." But this book was soon followed by a more realistic type of story that discussed family problems. Though the second trend clearly marked their writing for the rest of their careers, I have chosen "The Big Honey Hunt" since this was their first book published.
The story starts out with the Berenstain Bears having a disheartening discovery. There is no honey left in their house. Mama Bear hands the empty jar to Papa Bear and joyfully tells him to go and get some honey. Though there is a honey store nearby, Papa Bear decides to show Small Bear how it is possible to find wild honey. Spying a bee, Papa Bear charges after the buzzing guide believing a beehive is close. Small Bear cannot believe how exciting it is to run after a bee on such an adventure. Soon Papa Bear sees the bee go into a tree and proudly turns to Small Bear with the discovery. He thrusts his hand into the tree to find the sweet goodness and instead wakes up the owl living in the tree. Infuriated that his house has been invaded, the owl begins attacking Papa Bear. Running for dear life, Papa Bear manages to evade the owl. At the same time, Small Bear fortunately spots the bee. Pointing out the flight path to Papa Bear, they watch the honeybee fly inside another tree. Now Papa Bear is doubly proud, he has persevered in the chase and believes he has found the beehive. Confidently reaching into the tree, Papa Bear makes an unpleasant discovery. Not only is it not a beehive, it is the home of a porcupine. Beating a hasty retreat, the bears run for their lives to avoid the angry porcupine. Still undaunted, they continue chasing the bee through several more trees. At last they come to a tree that is buzzing with bees. Papa Bear knows he has found a gold mine of honey. After breaking off a branch of the tree, he turns to Small Bear and watches honey pour out of the tree. But a massive buzzing starts and much to Small Bear’s surprise, Papa Bear grabs his hand and tells him to start running away from the hive. A large black swarm of angry bees begin flying after the fleeing bears.
What happens next? Do the Berenstain Bears get stung by the angry bees? How do they avoid being attacked? What happens when you don’t do things sensibly? Do the Berenstain Bears learn from their mistakes? To find out, go to the library and checkout "The Big Honey Hunt" by Stanley and Janice Berenstain.
The adventures of the Berenstain Bears have charmed children for more than 40 years. The authors do not try to turn the books into "great literature." Rather, the stories address problems young children have in starting school, going to the dentist, making friends and learning to make good decisions. Because of this the Berenstain Bears books will continue to be popular with younger readers. I hope you get a chance to read one of the many Berenstain books to your children. They are usually very well liked. Have fun!
