The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving

So, I probably should have read the reviews, because I didn't realize this book was religious and that's not our family's thing. The general message of the book is good but I wish it didn't use words like "Lord" and "worship." I am fine with the Christmas story and think that's important and the message of giving is better than recieiving and the real meaning of Christmas but I think there are ways to do that with a more secular tone.

Great book to teach small children the acting of giving to others. Sent this to my grandson with $20 inside so his parents could help him buy a toy and give it to someone less fortunate. Teach them early to give.

I really loved this Christmas book that talks more about good choices and behaviors with gift giving and receiving at Christmas instead of all the standard books about santa and the magic in getting gifts. I enjoy books about Christ and his birth and influence on Christmas too but this is a great addition to our Christmas book collection that helps children think of and understand that Christmas is more than getting things. As parents we try to guide our children to appreciate gifts big and small and to think of others and what to give to make them happy and this book is perfect in helping teach thoughtfulness towards others.

Great series for dealing with issues that kids face in day to day lives. We read the books and then discuss them together. It helps us to bring up the issues in a non confrontational manner and come up with solutions. A family favorite series in our household.I have almost a collection of all the books in this series. Love them.

Eh, I feel like the lesson could have been better here. Brother and sister buy each other cheap gifts so they can buy themselves something later, but instead, they end up giving the money to charity and they are happy with the gift they received. Maybe one of them could have bought a nice present and the other one felt guilty? or they were both a little disappointed when they opened the cheap presents? or a bigger deal could have been made out of the donation at the end?