Stan and Jan Berenstain Book

Describes the personal lives and professional development of the couple responsible for the popular Berenstain Bears books.

Children's Literature

They appear everywhere—libraries, medical offices, supermarkets and department stores. Who are they? Why, the Berenstain Bears. The creators of this ubiquitous ursine family are two unassuming graduates of the Philadelphia School of Art. Originally freelance cartoonists, they were encouraged to begin the Berenstain Bear books by Theodore Geisel, none other than Dr. Seuss himself. Each two-page chapter of the book guides the reader through Stan and Jan Berenstain's personal and professional lives. Of particular interest is their explanation of how they go about creating each book. The two function as a true team, sharing story development, layout and design, and illustration. Their two adult sons have joined the team, working with them on the Big Chapter Books. Photographs in each chapter provide a peek at the authors at home and at work. Coupled with anecdotes from the Berenstains themselves, readers are given an understanding of the lives of two of the United States' most popular authors. One in the "Children's Authors" series, this entertaining biography includes an index and glossary. There is also information encouraging readers to visit the Berenstain Bears on the Web. 2000, ABDO, $19.92. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Stephanie Farrow