If your family is a fan of the Berenstain Bears or you are searching for a kid-friendly cookbook, The Berenstain Bears’ Country Cookbook will be a family favorite. With 40 easy-to-follow recipes, your kiddos will enjoy making dishes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. This cookbook is perfect for ages 4 to 8 and is filled with fun for the whole family. Inside you’ll Cooking is a great way for children to develop cognitive skills and abilities. With step-by-step directions and delicious recipes, this kid-friendly cookbook teaches children of all ages how The Berenstain Bears’ Country Cookbook is an addition to The Living Lights™ series with over 13 million copies sold since 2008:
Mike Berenstain grew up watching his parents, Stan and Jan, working together to write and draw these lovable bears. Eventually he started drawing and writing about them too. Mike is married to Andrea and they have three children. They live in Pennsylvania, in an area that looks a lot like Bear Country.
Mike's earliest memory is of his parents studio in suburban Philadelphia. He remembers sitting on the floor scribbling on yellow typewriter paper with a big black pencil. His mother looked at the tangled hairball he had created, pointed out some random shape and said, "Look! Youve drawn a fish!" It did, indeed, look like a fish. That was his first drawing lesson. Hes been drawing ever since.
Aside from drawing, Mikes primary interests growing up were playing whiffle ball with his older brother Leo, collecting insects, stamps, coins, bottle caps, baseball cards, etc., building model planes, playing Davy Crockett in the backyard and fishing. He was also interested in watching the creation of his parents magazine cartoons during the 50s and finally, the birth of the first Berenstain Bears book in 1962. Hes often asked which is his favorite Berenstain Bear book. The answer is THE BERENSTAIN BEARS PICNIC, created when he was twelve. It features a picture of Papa Bear getting a big load of garbage dumped on his head. He thought this was very funny. Ever since, hes enjoyed drawing garbageapple cores, banana peels, old bed springs and the like.
Mike attended art school in Philadelphia in the early 70s, then worked as a designer in the Childrens Book Department of a New York publisher before starting his career as an author and illustrator. His first childrens book was published in 1976 followed by some thirty more over the next sixteen years. These ranged in subject from wizards to dinosaurs.
Since the late 80s, he has been very much involved as a writer and illustrator with his familys creation, the Berenstain Bears. He continues to work with his mother, Jan, creating new books, writing and illustrating.
Aside from the bears, Mike is interested in many thingsin classical music, American history, astronomy and physics. He likes to ski. He spends a lot of time with horses.
Mike is married, his wifes name is Andrea. They have three children whose antics and activities growing up have provided inspiration for many Berenstain Bears books over the years."
As you all may know, I am a huge fan of anything Berenstain Bears. I have been since my girls were little, so I was very excited when I saw this book available for review through BookLook Bloggers. I snatched it up quick! It has 40 recipes in it that young children can help put together. The recipe's are all fairly simple and honey seems to be the featured ingredient in a lot of the recipes. Of course honey is a huge part of what the Bear family eats! There are recipes for breakfast, lunch, main dishes and desserts & snacks. Again, fairly simple to put together so those little ones can help prepare. I'm looking forward to having our granddaughters help when they stay for a week in the summertime. At the beginning of each section there is a bit of an introduction that the Bears share with the reader about what is to come, so not only is the book a recipe book, but also a story book. Along with each recipe there is a full color photo of the completed item you are making. I can't wait to let my granddaughters look through and see what draws their attention. This is a great addition to any Berenstain Bear collection!
This was one of those books that my job has been selling and since I am a fan of children cookbooks as well as a nostalgic reader of the Berenstain Bears I have been intrigued by it. As a result when I could afford the time I would flip through the pages while found that there were some very creative and yet also interesting recipes to be found.
First of all for the Berenstain Bears' fans there is a bit of a story that is included within the cookbook but it doesn't have the same type of plot as the older books. Instead the author uses these "story parts" to introduce the readers to the importance of different meal parts such as snacks, why one should eat breakfast or any other aspects of other meal ideas. At the same time to connect them altogether the reader is given the main lesson that a meal should be nice and healthy while the best way for preparing food is to do it together.
The format of the book itself is nicely set-up with the Berenstain introduction that leads to the chapter section. From there the reader is presented with a two-page spread for the recipes. On the left is included the name of the recipe, the list of ingredients and the instructions to make it as well as the serving size it produces. This page also includes a collection mostly of bear characters that can be found within the series. On the opposite page and set within a bright border reminding one of picnic blankets is a real photograph of the end results.
These pages are then followed by a learn more about honey section and also a nice little spread that allows readers to see measurements and what can be used alternatively if you don't have just the right size measurement that is called for.
What I didn't like with this book is the fact that as a cookbook geared for children there weren't included safety facts or any other educational parts of the book that could be used to help children cook. At the same time the instructions didn't provide much suggestion as to how to include children in the cooking, especially if you have a mix of ages (and although I know this is up to parental discretion with three cubs in the family you would think including specific age-friendly recipes would have been a major point).
And also the book does include the usage of a lot of honey in the recipes whether you can use it as an optional topping or garnish for the recipes in which case there is a nice honeybee on the picture to call your sight to this. Other recipes include both the use of sugar and honey so I would believe these would be the super sweet ones to avoid having each and every day.
All in all it was a nice and very simple cookbook to enjoy while I can't wait to try out some of these recipes for myself.
A really cute and easy to read cookbook, I love how colourful it is, and the art is just like the books, and the show. It's an adorable kid friendly cookbook, and I think it would make a great addition to anyones kitchen.
A good introductory cookbook for kids. Contains references to God (Christian) i.e. "God Bless Our Home" talking about Sunday School, a prayer, a Bible quote, etc.
We live in a fast-pace, fast-food culture that where cooking, an important life skill, is not being passed down to the next generation. I think this is a shame because so many lessons can be taught in the kitchen such as meal planning, nutrition, mathematic conversions, safe food handling, and the importance of following directions. Also, time in the kitchen provides and excellent opportunity for us to have meaningful conversations with our kids, to build their self-confidence, and make memories that last a lifetime.
Over the past few weeks it has been a fun challenge for our children to create meals using The Berenstain Bears’ Country Cookbook. As soon as the book arrived it was met with great excitement! Our kids selected recipes that they wanted to try based on the full-page photographs. Once they had chosen their favorites, we had them take inventory of the staples that we had on hand and decide which items we would need to purchase from the grocery store. This process provided an opportunity to discuss nutritional merits of each recipe and personal taste preferences.
The ingredient lists and the steps to accomplish each dish are clearly stated and easy to follow. Some recipes have as few as 2 steps while one has 14 — allowing children to start slow and work up to more difficult recipes. With adult supervision, most of the preparation can be done by little cubs. A few recipes use prepared foods like refrigerated biscuits or canned soups (probably to minimize the ingredients and steps needed to prepare the dishes), but I would say a large majority use fresh ingredients.
The Berenstain Bears’ Country Cookbook is well suited for our elementary aged children (6 & 9 years old). Published with children ages 4-8 in mind, I’m convinced bear lovers and aspiring chefs up into their tweens would enjoy preparing these dishes. The fact that the cookbook is full-color, delightful illustrated, and reasonably prices makes it a great gift option for children’s birthday parties. Depending on your budget, it could be given alone or as part of a kitchen themed gift set. Given all of it’s attributes I award The Berenstain Bears’ Country Cookbook 5/5 stars.
**I received this book free as a member of the Family Christian Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
This delightful Berenstain Bears cookbook features 40 easy-to-make recipes spanning breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and snacks.
Each recipe takes up a two-page spread. One page contains a photo of the finished product. The other side contains a list of required ingredients under the header “What you need:” and contained with a border. Also on that page under “Directions” are very simple, numbered instructions to complete the recipe. There are also drawings of the Berenstain Bears on each double-page spread.
In addition to the recipes, a page with interesting facts about honey and a page with measurement conversions (ex. 8 Tbls = 1/2 Cup) are included. All measurements in the book are in standard, not metric measurements.
Most recipes can be used with children as young as 2 or 3 by simply adjusting the amount of adult assistance. Likewise, the recipe book can be used by older children who can begin to do some of the things that the book assumes the adult would do such as preparation ie. slicing vegetables.
The recipes are interesting and healthy. Some of them have suggestions to add honey to make a sweeter version. For example, one of the sandwich recipes suggests adding some honey to the mustard instead of using plain mustard.
The one critique that I have about the recipes is that not all of them are made from scratch. Some of them use pre-made food such as mixes, doughs and canned foods. This is noted more in the Breakfast section than in any other.
The finished products are very appealing to the eye and the recipes are tasty. I believe you cannot properly review a cookbook without tasting some of the recipes. No matter how good the book looks, if the recipes don’t taste good too, the book isn't worth anything.
The Berenstain Bears Country Cookbook is a winner on all counts. The photos are excellent. The presentation of the recipes and their directions are simple and easy to follow. The pages are colourful and fun to look at. And most of all, the recipes taste good. I gave this childrens' cookbook 5 stars out of 5.
Thank you to the publishers for providing this book through Booklook Bloggers in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive review was not required. All thoughts are my own.
I love the Berenstain Bears and have since I was a little girl. I have already read some of the books to Baby G even though he’s still too little to really understand them. I love the thought of sharing The Berenstain Bears with him in the future. I’ve been excited to get him in the kitchen too and now after reading The Berenstain Bears’ Country Cookbook: Cub-Friendly Cooking with an Adult ( by Mike Berenstain), I can’t wait to get him cooking with me!
Everyone’s favorite bear family takes the whole family on a tasty, healthy journey through recipes that will encourage parents and kids to get in the kitchen. The Berenstain Bears’ County Cookbook has recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner recipes and of course dessert and snacks too. The recipes are kid-friendly and many feature cute names such as Blue-beary Pie and Bear-y Good Mac & Cheese.
I’m really impressed with the variety of recipes that are featured in The Berenstain Bears’ Country Cookbook. While the book contains recipes that parents can prepare ahead and allow children to assemble, the book also contains the means to help them learn to prepare real dishes. Your little ones will also learn to make their own batters, even for crepes. I didn’t know how to make crepes as a kid!
The Berenstain Bears’ Country Cookbook even intrigues me as an adult because it contains a recipe for that church-lady classic Cola Cake. I’m really excited to make it and will probably try the Lettuce Wraps for lunch for the grown-ups soon and I know RJ is interested in the Scotch Eggs.
I think it will be so much fun to get to cook with Baby G and if you’re interested in getting your cubs in the kitchen, I would recommend this book. Just don’t be surprised if you see this mama bear bringing a Cola Cake from The Berenstain Bears’ Cookbook to the next social gathering!
I was provided with a copy of The Berenstain Bears’ Country Cookbook from BookLook Bloggers for this post, however all opinions are my own.
The Berenstain Bears Country Cookbook: Cub-Friendly Cooking with an Adult
About the Book:
It's The Berenstain Bears' Country Cookbook! Bear lovers everywhere are sure to find favorite recipes for fun food in this new kid-friendly, cookbook--ranging from Bear favorites that use honey and berries to pie, a delicious stew, and even some Berenstain favorites like Jan Berenstain's famous green lasagna.
Featuring breakfast, lunch, main meal, and dessert recipes as well as kid-friendly cooking tips such as food and measurement conversions, this is sure to become a go-to cookbook for delicious and fun recipes kids can cook with an adult.
My Review:
The Berenstain Bears are a very favorite of mine and my children. I was so excited to see that there is a cookbook. This would just be the perfect gift for your child especially if they love this awesome bear family. Each of the forty recipes are designed with children in mind with adult supervision. I thought it was so sweet that each of the recipes have honey as an ingredient or a serving suggestion, this is so typical of the Berenstain Bears and I love it!
So what would make a great Saturday afternoon would be your child and you side by side with the bears in the kitchen cooking up some of these recipes. There are breakfast recipes, lunch recipes, main dishes, desserts, and snacks. And with each section you get a little commentary from the bears themselves. Such a delightful book and perfect for ages 4-8.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for honest review from Book Look.
I plan to give this wonderful little cookbook to my granddaughter in a couple of months on her 9th birthday!
She loves to cook -- with help from mommy -- and she already has a few cookbooks. I predict this will be one of her favorite gifts!
My family has discovered that the Berenstain Bear stories are a great way of introducing – and encouraging – good character qualities. And in today’s world, good character qualities are unfortunately not the norm.
Even more exciting is the new series by Mike Berenstain. As a Christian, I have a special appreciation for the Christian faith-based stories in the new Living Lights series.
The Berenstain Bears Country Cookbook: Cub-Friendly Cooking with an Adult is a fun read... and has some delightful recipes. I'm sure we will get many years of enjoyment from it. And... it's hardbound, so it's more durable, but patterned after the series so it will fit in with the others, too.
I'm not sure if we'll be preparing Jan's famous green lasagna -- but if I can talk the family into trying it, I'm sure it will be delicious - and healthy, too!
Thank you, Mike (and Ron), for this wonderful addition to our Berenstain library.
This was a great cook book that my soon to be 3 year old really enjoyed. He loved looking at the variety of photos that was with each recipe as well as the drawings on every page. He also liked reading the short little story that’s woven in before each category of recipes.
As a Mom I liked this cook book too. I really love the simplicity of it. Each recipe has a fantastic picture of the dish and has a good break down of instructions that little ones can understand. There only seems to be a handful of recipes that I felt were a little too hard to make with young ones. I also liked how it has a “Grace Before Meals” page and kitchen measurements.
Overall, this is a cook book I would recommend to families who have little ones at home that want to help cook. It’s colorful, fun, and easy!
*(I received this book from Booklook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts expressed are my own and was not required to write a positive review.)*
Love, Love this cute and adorable little cookbook. Your children can help you cook many of the 40 wonderful recipes in this 96 page cookbook from our favorite Berenstain Bears characters. I love and appreciate that Mike Berenstain continues to bring children so many wonderful books to read. And the idea of a cookbook is amazing! It will be fun and entertaining to see what these bears have for you and your child to make in your kitchen. I just bet you will sure find some recipes with honey. What do you think? I really want to encourage you to pick up a copy of this precious Berenstain Bears Cookbook.
I received this book from BookLook Bloggers to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
What's not to love about The Berenstain Bears? Throw in a cookbook for kids and it just puts the cherry on top. With 40 kid-friendly recipes in 96 pages of fun, this is a must have for anyone's kitchen that has kids or grandchildren. When my daughter received this in the mail for review, she was absolutely thrilled because she loves helping me in the kitchen cooking. I know we can't wait to try some of the yummy recipes, especially Jan Berenstain's Green Noodle Lasagna and the Easy Enchilada's.
Savanna's Rating: In the words of a 5 year old: This is a very nice book with pretty pictures. I like helping in the kitchen. I give it two thumbs up.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookLookBloggers.
Cassandra's Review- A kid friendly excellent book that not only will inspire your children to cook quick wonderful meals, but also allows them to do so with you. Any great book that gets the kids up and excited and unplugged from the world's technology (PC , Tablet) etc. for a little while longer is super in my book.