The Berenstain Bears and the In-Crowd
#10 of 86 in Berenstain Bears First Time Chapter Books Series
on Goodreads (1,681)
What’s inside...
Queenie McBear, the bossy new she-cub in town, tries to take over by putting other cubs down. But she's in for a lesson when Sister Bear decides not to give in to Queenie's peer pressure tactics. This classic Berenstain Bears story is a perfect way to teach children about the importance of being yourself! Come for a visit in Bear Country with this classic First Time Book® from Stan and Jan Berenstain. There’s a new cub at school, Queenie McBear, and Sister really wants to be her friend. Will she try and change who she is in order to get Queenie to like her, or will she realize that she’s wonderful just as she is. Includes over 50 bonus stickers!
Character compass
Sister Bear
Lizzy Bruin
Mama Bear
Queenie Mcbear
Discussion points
How did Sister Bear feel when she was left out by the other bears? Have you ever felt the same way?
What do you think makes a good friend? How do you choose your friends?
How did Sister Bear's feelings change throughout the story and why?
Why is it important to include others and be kind to everyone?
What would you do if you saw someone being left out like Sister Bear was?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, use a comforting and open tone to make your child feel safe sharing their feelings and experiences.
Relate the scenarios in the book to real-life situations in your child's life to help them connect with the story.
Encourage your child to think about what they would do differently if they were in Sister Bear’s shoes, fostering empathy and decision-making skills.
Praise your child for sharing and reflecting on their thoughts, reinforcing positive engagement and self-expression.
Discuss the importance of inclusivity and kindness using examples from the story and ask how they can apply these principles in their day-to-day interactions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Others
Explanation: In the book, Sister Bear learns the importance of accepting others after feeling left out by a group of friends. This is demonstrated when Sister Bear is excluded from the in-crowd but eventually learns that true friends accept each other's differences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing classmates' diversities, leading to a more inclusive and friendly environment in school and other social settings.
Example Lesson: Self-esteem
Explanation: The story teaches children to value their own uniqueness when Sister Bear recognizes that being part of the in-crowd isn't as fulfilling as being true to herself. This reinforces self-esteem.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to appreciate their individual traits and not conform to peer pressure, fostering a positive self-image.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Peer Pressure
Explanation: Sister Bear faces the negative impacts of succumbing to peer pressure, which is evident when she compromises her own comfort to fit in.
Real-World Application: This lesson is crucial for children to understand why they should make choices based on their own beliefs and comfort rather than bending to fit others’ expectations.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The resolution of the book highlights empathy and compassion when the in-crowd members realize their exclusionary behavior hurt Sister Bear, leading to a change in their actions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize the impact of their actions on others’ feelings and learn to act more considerately.
Example Lesson: Value of True Friendships
Explanation: The book concludes with Sister Bear understanding who her real friends are, as they support and accept her without conditions.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to treasure friendships where they are loved and accepted for who they are, promoting enduring, supportive relationships.