The Berenstain Bears No Girls Allowed
#15 of 86 in The Berenstain Bears Series
What’s inside...
Sister Bear can run faster, climb higher, and hit a ball farther than the boys, and she gloats over it. So Brother Bear and his friends build a clubhouse for boys only, and Sister is hopping mad! She plans a honey of a revenge in this funny and thoughtful book. This classic Berenstain Bears story is a perfect way for children to learn all about friendship and the importance of being fair! Come for a visit in Bear Country with this classic First Time Book® from Stan and Jan Berenstain. Brother and his friends are tired of Sister tagging along with them, so they create their own club where girls are not allowed. Now it’s up to Sister to not only create her own club, but to also find a way for the boys and girls to all hang out together. Includes over 50 bonus stickers!
Discussion points
How did Sister Bear feel when the boys would not let her play with them? Can you relate to a time when you felt the same way?
What do you think about the clubhouse rules Brother Bear and his friends created? How would you make rules fair for everyone?
Why do you think it was important for the cubs to learn to play together in the end?
Can you think of a way to include someone who feels left out, like Sister Bear did at the beginning?
What do you think is the best way to solve disagreements with friends or siblings?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts on exclusion and fairness, mirroring Sister Bear's experiences. Validate their feelings and share some of your own similar childhood experiences to deepen the connection. Highlight the importance of empathy and resolving conflicts, using examples from the book to guide the conversation. Finally, stress the value of inclusiveness and teamwork, asking your child for ideas on how they can implement these values in their everyday interactions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Inclusivity and gender equality
Explanation: In 'The Berenstain Bears No Girls Allowed', Sister Bear feels left out when Brother Bear and his friends exclude her from their club based on her gender. Throughout the story, it becomes clear that everyone, regardless of gender, should be included and treated equally.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by ensuring that they include their peers in activities and games, regardless of gender differences, promoting a sense of fairness and equality in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Conflict resolution
Explanation: The book illustrates the importance of resolving disagreements in a peaceful and constructive manner. Mama Bear helps Brother and Sister Bear understand each other’s perspectives and find a resolution that pleases everyone.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children learn to address disputes with their siblings or friends through discussion and compromise, rather than exclusion or arguments.
Example Lesson: Understanding and empathy
Explanation: The story encourages understanding and empathy by showing Brother Bear how it feels to be excluded. This experience changes his perspective and fosters a more empathetic attitude towards Sister Bear.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to put themselves in others' shoes to better understand how their actions affect those around them, enhancing their emotional intelligence and social skills.
Example Lesson: The value of family support
Explanation: Mama Bear plays a crucial role in guiding her cubs through their conflict, demonstrating the importance of family support in overcoming challenges and learning valuable lessons.
Real-World Application: This lesson reinforces the idea that children can rely on family members for guidance and advice when facing social challenges, strengthening family bonds.