The Forgiving Tree

Written by Jan & Mike Berenstain

Stage 1  |  32 pages

Publisher: Zonderkidz | ISBN 978-0-310-720-84-3

(Berenstain & Berenstain, 2010)

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What to expect: Christian, forgiveness, Bear Country, formulaic storytelling.

The book starts with the scripture of Matthew 6:14 “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

The book starts with the scripture of Matthew 6:14 “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

The story is about Brother Bear`s birthday. The family is singing for him, and there are a lot of presents. The biggest surprise was the bicycle. Fred wished he had a bike like that, and Brother said, “you can borrow it anytime you like”. Later he finds Fred riding his bike and becomes angry. Brother runs angrily after Fred, and he crashes the bicycle. Brother is now very angry and runs up in the backyard tree. Sister wants to help and comfort Brother in the treehouse. The story ends with Brother and Fred forgiving each other. The parents, Papa and Mama, called the tree from that day one the Forgiving Tree.

This book can be used in kindergarten, as reading out loud in the classroom or at home. Learners in grade 2 should be able to read the story on their own. At the back of the book are activities and questions to continue the story about forgiveness. Learners will learn the importance of regulating their feelings and the process of forgiveness. The drawings are detailed and straightforward. The illustrations make the story easy to understand.   

This book is a series from the Berenstain Bears, with more than 300 titles. Today Christianity is fading out of the books. That does not mean we can not use the older books. Many children enjoy the story and learn from it.