The Berenstain Bears Hurry to Help

by Stan Berenstain, Mike Berenstain, Jan Berenstain

Papa Bear complicates matters as the Bear Scouts try to earn their good deeds merit badge. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0310719380
• ISBN13: 9780310719380
• Release Date: February 2010
• Publisher: Zonderkidz
• Length: 40 Pages
• Weight: 0.58 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.6" x 8.9"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Helping others

When Scout Leader Papa Bear takes his troupe out to earn their Good Deed Merit Badges, in The Berenstain Bears Hurry to Help written and illustrated by Stan and Jan Berenstain, things of course don't go smoothly. Papa Bear and the troupe try to help several neighbors who really don't need help. In the course of doing so, they create problems where there weren't any to start with. After several attempts to be "helpful," Papa Bear ends up getting hurt. The scout troupe has to find a way to get Papa Bear back to his home. After much exertion, they manage to do so. But, they are discouraged that their day ended in defeat as they weren't able to help any of their neighbors. Mama Bear then points out that they did indeed help someone, they helped Papa Bear who required their assistance in getting home. So, they earned their Good Deed Merit Badges after all. The illustrations by Mike Berenstain, done in the usual Berenstain Bear-style, are colorful, expressive and cartoon-like. This Bible verse is given as a reference for the story: "Each of you should look not only to your interests but also to the interests of others." [Philippians 2:4] What I Like: Several of the characters in this episode - Papa Bear, Mama Bear and Farmer Ben - quote Scripture as part of the text for the book. What I Dislike: Nothing. Overall Rating: Excellent. Christine M. Irvin - Christian Children's Book Review

hurry to help

I purchased this item for my grandchildren. They love to read this book over and over.

Good Overall

The Berenstain Bears Hurry to Help brings Scouts Brother, Sister, and Cousin Fred together to earn their Good Deed Merit Badges. Scoutmaster Papa (Brother and Sister's father) comes along to help and oversee them earn their badges. They come across lots of their friendly neighbors who at first glance appear to be in trouble, but in reality need no help at all. Miz McGrizz is not having problems crossing the street; she is just waiting for a bus. The cubs and Papa make her miss the bus. Farmer Ben didn't fall off his tractor while the tractor is getting away; Farmer Ben is resting while Mrs. Ben drives the tractor. There are two more incidents like these that make the cubs a bit frustrated and discouraged since every time they try to do a good deed they get in trouble. Eventually Papa slips and falls. He needs a lot of help to get home, and the bear cubs are all happy to help. The cubs didn't realize that they were doing a good deed by helping Papa; they just knew it was the right thing to do. What I liked: The book's copyright page opens with a Bible verse. "Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others. ~Philippians 2:4. Several Biblical references were in the story, such as the Good Samaritan, "those special letters that Timothy wrote" with a quote (though no verse reference), the Bible is referred to as the Good Book, and others, too. The theme of this book is helping others. The bears are actually seeking to help others and not just letting the help happen naturally which is something to be admired. Brother, Sister, and Cousin Fred are all willing to work hard and help others. What I didn't like: Though a parent could have a lot of discussion with a child about the blunders of Papa, I was a bit irritated that Papa was portrayed as a clueless bear who jumped to incorrect conclusions. I think it would be easy for children to not respect his actions and character. Though this is not a "dislike" and it may sound silly, I missed the typical "themed" rhyming introduction that can be found in the older BB books right before (or after?) the copyright page. The Berenstain Bears Hurry to Help could certainly be used to teach children to think about others and going out of their way to help friends, neighbors, and even strangers, but I would be sure to discuss Papa's mistakes and not just laugh at them. Thank you for Zonderkidz for providing me with copy for review!