Stories

     I remember when my kids were growing up there was a crazy little book that they loved to read and to have it read to them.  My wife and I found out that there was an entire series of them published.

     The stories were written by Stan and Jan Berenstain and they have become a perfect way to teach children about bravery and overcoming their fears.  The beauty of their illustrations and the simple yet compellingly written stories helped in providing this valuable teaching aide to families all over the world!  The classic Berenstain Bears have been loved by children for decades and will no doubt continue to be so.

     One of the books that I remember that was helpful with our children was “The Berenstain Bears in the Dark!”  Within this publication you got to journey into Bear Country and see how Papa was able to help Sister Bear with the problem she had.  After reading a scary bedtime story, Sister Bear is too frightened of the dark to shut her eyes.  Thankfully, Papa has some good “psychological advice” and a nightlight that helps Sister conquer her fears!  What child at any age cannot empathize with Sister Bear and her problem?

     This particular book was first published in August, 1982 and although that was now some thirty-five years ago the basic well-written information is still very useful even today.  It’s only thirty-two pages in length and extremely easy for reading by all ages.  Now for over fifty-five years (since 1962) the Berenstain Bears have entertained and educated children with their antics and lives that touch our hearts with the ring of reality.  These characters become a part of OUR lives even long after we have left the years of childhood behind.  If you’d like to find out more information about the Berenstain Bear legacy and current activities visit their official site at berenstainbears.com.

     Another set of stories that my children loved (especially my daughter) were the “Little House” books written by Laura Ingalls Wilder.  However, I think most people would be more familiar with the television series that was aired from 1974 to 1984.  This series starred Michael Landon as Charles Ingalls (Pa) and Karen Grassle as Caroline Ingalls (Ma).  The star of the series Laura Ingalls (Half-pint) was played by Melissa Gilbert.  Although it deviated from the original books in MANY aspects it was set in Walnut Grove, Minnesota.

     Actually Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote a series of books based on her childhood in the northern Midwestern United States during the 1870s and 1880s.  Eight were completed by Wilder and published from 1932 and 1943, of which the last covers her courtship with Almanzo Wilder and one covers his childhood. The first draft of a ninth novel was published posthumously in 1971 and is commonly included in the Little House series.  The third book in the series entitled “Little House on the Prairie” is perhaps the most familiar because of the TV series.  However, this book actually covers a period from 1869 to 1870 when the family moved to Kansas.  It was here that they met the extremely polite Mr. Edwards (the character played by Victor French in the television series.)

     It was in 1874 when Wilder was seven years old the family moved for the second time and settled just outside Walnut Grove, MN.  Walnut Grove may be the most recognized name of all the towns Wilder wrote about in her books (although it is the only town she did not mention by name) because of Michael Landon’s television series “Little House on the Prairie” of the 1970s and 1980s which was set here.  Although the show depicts the family as living here through Wilder’s adulthood, in reality, they only lived in Walnut Grove for a few years.

     In 2013 my son and his family were living in Minnesota and my wife and I made a trip to visit them.  At that time we went to Walnut Grove and visited the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum.  It was very interesting but I was somewhat disappointed for several reasons.  First, many of the “facts” I had learned about the Ingalls family from the television series were NOT true.  Michael Landon had used great “discretion” in talking liberties with the information from the books.  And, second, my wife and I were very disappointed that “Pa” didn’t look ANYTHING like Michael Landon!  Besides the Museum, the town has various other activities during the year.  You can get more information by visiting walnutgrove.org.

     It’s interesting to think about the books that we read or were read to us when we were children and how perhaps, even today, they have an effect on our lives.  Maybe we could relive these treasures with our own children.  Take the time and enjoy all these moments if you can.  You’ll never have them over again!

QUOTE TO CONSIDER

THOUGHTFUL GEM

"When you tell your children:

Don't ever let me SEE you do that again! ---

You WON'T"