The Berenstain Bears Bless Our Pets / Once Upon a Time Storybook Bible

The Berenstain Bears Bless Our Pets 

Berenstain Bears/Living Lights

Paperback, ebook

March 7, 2017

by Mike Berenstain

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool - 3
• Paperback: 24 pages
• Publisher: Zonderkidz 

• ISBN-13: 978-0310748823

In the newest Berenstain Bear Living Lights title, The Berenstain Bears Bless Our Pets, Brother, Sister, and Honey Bear love their pets Little Lady, Gracie, Swish, and Cutsie … they are just like part of the Bear family. So when Preacher Brown holds a special Blessing of the Pets service on Sunday, the Bear family joins in. But what starts as a peaceful gathering of Bear Country neighbors and their animal friends on the lawn of the Chapel—including dogs, cats, rats, goats, and even a snake or two—ends up needing a little heavenly intervention.

My thoughts: (reviewed by Kaeli) First, the disclaimer. "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own." That done, THE BERENSTAIN BEARS BLESS OUR PETS is an adorable new Berenstain Bears story about the day a pastor decided to bless the pets. It was funny seeing what happens next as the blessing turns out of control!  I wonder if the fictional bear pastor will do it again!  It is a fun story that I really enjoyed reading and the pictures were fun too.  Recommended for Berestain Bears everywhere!  

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Once Upon a Time Storybook Bible 

Hardcover, ebook

March 7, 2017

by Omar Aranda (Illustrator)

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool - 3
• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Zonderkidz 
• ISBN-13: 978-0310757924

The Bible is not a fairy tale, but every great story happened “once upon a time.” The Once Upon a Time Storybook Bible highlights powerful and inspiring stories from the Bible, beautifully illustrated with fantastical artwork by Omar Aranda. Stories include: Ruth, Abigail, Esther, The Parable of the Lost Sheep, The Prodigal Son, Mary Magdalene, and many more. Each captivating story is told in a way that will get children excited about reading the tales of real heroes of the Bible.

My thoughts: (reviewed by Kaeli) First, the disclaimer. "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own." That done, ONCE UPON A TIME STORYBOOK BIBLE  is a collection of popular Bible stories for children. The artwork is lovely. The scripture retelling is not necessarily accurate. Mom corrected the stories as I read them to her, but the way it is written is cute for litte babies and preschoolers. Older kids might like the real stories.  I liked that they showed Jesus carrying the cross when the crucifixion was shown, and not on the cross, because that might be scary for little kids. 

A beautifully done book written for those who  like fairy tales even if the Bible is not a fairy tale.