The Berenstain Bears Blessed are the Peacemakers Book Review

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About the Book

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God.”

Matthew 5:9

In this new Berenstain Bears 8x8 book, Blessed are the Peacemakers, Brother and Sister have a wide circle of friends at Bear Country School and they get along with pretty much everyone. But not all their friends get along with each other. Too Tall and his bullying gang, for instance, are often in conflict with Cousin Fred, Ferdy Factual, and their friends. So what happens when the cubs all need to work together on the annual school play? Brother and Sister have to decide whether they should “mind their own business” or get involved as peacemakers and try to calm the troubled waters.

My Review

I have always loved the Berenstain Bears. I didn't realize that Mike is the son of the original writers and he continues on writing his parents legacy. After reading this book, I can tell the difference in the writing, though it's still similar. The only thing I didn't really like is how the children in school are described as being in "gangs". This book is for very young children and while there is obviously different groups that spend time together I didn't think it portrayed things accurately for a four year old. Also, Brother and Sister are the peacemakers and jump right into the middle of a fight to stop it. I think this sometimes is ok but for young children they really do need to find an adult when people are physically in a fight. The idea behind this book is great but I think it could have been written better. Peacemakers are important and I love that Brother and Sister stayed away from joining the cliques and were friends or at least civil with everyone. I also think it's important that children are taught to stand up for things that are right and good.

I got this book to share with my nephew but I'm not sure that I will, I'm not sure what he will take away from it. It's still a cute book but I think it could be read by children in a way that won't be helpful. I suggest talking to your child about what the book is teaching after reading it.

"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free in exchange for an honest review."