For generations the Berenstain Bears’ have delighted children, helping their imaginations to soar through Berenstain Bear Country. This quaint storybook family teaches kids about a variety of topics relating to parents and children. Creators Stan and Jan Berenstain passed the Berenstain Bear torch to their son Mike Berenstain, who has kept the world of the bear family alive for a whole new set of young readers. Meet author and illustrator Mike Berenstain at Mudsock Books in Fishers, Indiana on Friday, June 10 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm for story time and a book signing. This Indianapolis kids event is FREE and open to all Indianapolis people.
The Berenstain Bears were first introduced to the world of children’s literature in 1962. Jan and Stan Berenstain were inspired by their sons Leo and Mike to create a children’s book. “Papa [Bear] and Mama [Bear] are roughly modeled after us,” said Stan Berenstain. “I’m not quite as dumb as he seems to be sometimes, and Jan is not quite as wide and patient as Mama, but she is Mama.” Their first undertaking The Big Honey Hunt was published by Dr. Suess’s Beginner Books imprint. Since then Mama Bear, Papa Bear, Brother Bear, Sister Bear and Honey Bear have become cornerstone characters in the kids section at libraries across the United States.
The Berenstain Bears live in a world populated entirely by fellow bears, and have faced a variety of story lines. With countless books published, the Berenstain Bears have been a tool for young readers for decades. In 1985, the Berenstain Bears made their television debut with a series based on the books. The Berenstain Bears have even ventured into the digital age with five different software games. In 2012, they are expected to make their silver screen debut with a feature film.
Over the years, the Berenstain Bears have been recognized as an iconic part of children’s literature and praised for this legacy. “The Berenstains have the extraordinary ability to communicate universal experiences and uplifting messages,” said Laurie Norton Moffat, director of the Norman Rockwell Museum. Illene Abramson, director of children’s services at the Los Angeles Public Library said, “They were able to take real issues of children’s lives and make them entertaining and not preachy.”
Meet the inspiration for and caretaker of the Berenstain Bears at Mudsocks Books in Fishers, Indiana Friday, June 10. Get a personalized autograph in your favorite Berenstain Bears tale, listen to him read one of his favorites and pose for a photo with the man behind Brother Bear.
After this Indianapolis event, treat your young ones to a meal at any of these Indianapolis restaurants. Stay tuned to FunCityFinder.com for all the latest on fun things to do in Indianapolis. We cover Indianapolis arts to Indianapolis sports and everything in between. Get out in Indy and find some fun! Make the Circle City your playground!
Mike Berenstain Storytime and Book Signing
Friday, June 10, 2011
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Mudsocks Books and Curiosity Shop
11850 Allisonville Road
Fishers, IN 46038
317.579.9822
