kandscreeley's Full Review: Stan Berenstain and Jan Berenstain - The Berenstai...
Quick Facts Title: The Berenstain Bears and the Prize Pumpkin
Copyright Date: 1990
Reading Level: Second Grade
Age: 4 - 8
ISBN: 0-679-80847-7
Introduction When my parents would take a nap when I was really young, I would go in on their bed and look at a book. I was too young to read back then, but these are usually the books that I chose. Then one day after my parents having read these to me too many times, I was able to read them myself. I'm sure my parents were overjoyed. I'm glad to see that these books are still around encouraging other young people to read and teaching them lessons along the way.
Story Papa Bear, Mama Bear, Brother Bear and Sister Bear all live in a tree house in Bear County. The cubs mess up a lot, but Papa and Mama gently remind them of what they are supposed to be doing. Because the story is written in third person, we get to peek in on what each of the characters is thinking and feeling.
In this story Papa has a pumpkin patch. One day he's out working in it with Brother and Sister when they notice how different each of the pumpkins look. The cubs ask why this is, but Papa tells them that's just how nature is. They then ask about some twins that they know stating that they look an awful lot alike. Papa says that their mother can tell them apart easily.
As Sister stands on the porch steps and looks out at Bear County, she remarks about how amazing nature is. Mama tells her it's THE most amazing thing. When she finally goes inside the house the family starts talking about Farmer Ben.
Farmer Ben has a big farm with fields and fields of pumpkins. Papa isn't too impressed though. Farmer Ben stopped by the other day and told Papa that he had a nice "little" pumpkin patch. Papa thinks that he's got one pumpkin that is really large.
The cubs then start to do their homework and lament about how there isn't anything to look forward to. Halloween is over and Christmas is several months away. Papa starts thinking though and tells him that there is something to look forward to. They are going to enter their big pumpkin in the pumpkin contest and the Thanksgiving Festival. He wants to try and beat Farmer Ben who has won 10 years in a row. Mama, ever the sensible one, sighs because she knows that beating Farmer Ben is not what Thanksgiving is all about.
Every day the Bears watch the pumpkin grow bigger and rounder. They just think that there is absolutely no way they can lose. Mama tried to remind the cubs what Thanksgiving is all about, but no one would listen. Papa was always tending to the pumpkin which they named "The Giant."
The cubs come home from school one day to give Papa some news. Some of the cubs at school had gone on a field trip to Farmer Ben's. Apparently he had some pretty big pumpkins even one he called "the Monster." Papa just knew he had to get a look. They sneak over to Farmer Ben's at night, but he sees them; they run off in a hurry.
Finally the day of the festival arrived. The family was very nervous as the judging took place. The announcement comes and the bear family didn't win first prize. That still went to Farmer Ben. But they didn't even win second. They took third place. The family is disappointed as they push their third place pumpkin home.
Mama is finally able to have her say. She tells them all that third place is nothing to be ashamed of. She also tels them that Thanksgiving is not about pumpkins but giving thanks. The family starts to get it. Especially on Thanksgiving day when Sister says, "I'm thankful that we didn't win first prize: if we had, The Giant would be on display in front of City Hall instead of being part of the yummy pies we're going to have for desert."
Favorites My favorite quote in this is near the beginning. The family has been talking about Farmer Ben. Here's what Papa says:
"Humph!" said Papa grumpily. "Farmer Ben's not such a much."
I just love that he says that. It's a great quote and something I think kids will get a kick out of too.
My favorite illustration is near the middle. On the top of the left hand page there is a progressive picture of the pumpkin growing. Then down below Papa is picturing the pumpkin with a First Prize Ribbon as they are walking by City Hall where it would be displayed. The right hand side has Papa going out to water the pumpkin. My favorite picture though is on the bottom of that page where Papa is out at night putting a blanket on the Pumpkin. Can you imagine that? Putting a blanket over your plants.
Likes 1. I enjoy the great illustrations in the book. The illustrators do such a great job of even putting facial expression on the bears. It's easy to see what they are thinking of feeling. It's because of this and the vividness of the pictures that they add so much to the story. 2. I enjoy the fact that these stories have lesson. This story in particular is a good lesson for all children to learn. Thanksgiving isn't about contests. It's about being thankful for all you've been given. As a matter of fact that goes for any contest at any time of the year. 3. The story is just about the right length to hold a child's interest. Also it has such fun characters that they'll really enjoy reading. 4. The characters are consistent from one story to the next. The cubs always get themselves into trouble. Papa usually has some hairbrained scheme. Mama is always sensible and brings everybody back home again.
Dislikes 1. The stories are often oversimplified to make it fit within the 32 pages. Consequently sometimes things that will take a while to get over seem to be easy for the family to deal with. For example, if you've spent that much time on a pumpkin and were that convinced you were going to win, I doubt that a simple word from Mama would make you change your attitude instantly. 2. Why doesn't Mama ever get herself into a pickle? How come she is always the sensible one?
Usage What's great about these stories is that you can take them and run in so many different directions. You can use this story to help your children learn that Thanksgiving is all about giving Thanks. You can use this to help them see that they shouldn't go overboard on any one thing. They can see that it's not all about winning. You could introduce them to growing something even with this. You could have them grow something as a project and measure it every day to see how it's doing. Use your imagination because the sky is the limit.
Overall Recommendation I cannot praise the Berenstain Bear books enough. I absolutely recommend not only this one, but the whole series.
Mama Bear's reminders about the true meaning of Thanksgiving are left in the dust as the spirit of competition takes over and Papa Bear and the cubs b...More at Barnes & Noble.com
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