The Berenstain Bears Christmas Tree by OceanHouse Media and Zonderkidz features the Bear family on their adventure to get the Christmas tree. Papa Bear and the cubs set out on their adventure deep into the woods looking for the perfect Christmas tree specimen despite an impending snow storm. During his quest, Papa found what he thought was the perfect tree several times only to find it was occupied by a variety of animals, so each time they moved on to an alternative tree. When Sister Bear discovers that the animals whose homes were saved decorated the Bear’s home, she brightens up and realizes how one small act of kindness can turn into something more.
The illustrations in this app were true to the original illustrated books, one of our favorites was when Papa Bear opened up the closet door which was stuffed with ornaments and each cub looked at their “bearlooms” including the sled with tiny reindeer and the Nativity scene. The book did a nice job reminding the readers of the important things they needed to think about rather than just getting, it is about giving and being thankful for everything we have been given. The snow falling during the book was a nice touch as it seemed to really bring the story to life along with Papa Bear’s realization that Christmas when he peeked at the tiny twig tree is about far more than just getting.
The only thing I would change about this book, would be to have the characters in the book like the skunk and the birds have a “voice” during their parts of the story.
The moral of this story help us to realize what the season is all about. Available in the iTunes store for $3.99 (US) this will help your children realize there is more to Christmas than just getting things, rather it is the joy of realizing all that is around us and the importance of nature.
