Preschool aged children have so many things on their plates. They are learning so many new words each day and how to explain how they are feeling and how to handle bullies and oodles of things. No matter what we do as a parent, we cannot do everything for our children. We can be there, lend an ear and give them big hugs and kisses and guide them. But, ultimately, they make their choices. Hopefully, if we have done things the best way we know how, they will be able to solve their issues without fretting and make a good decision.

These books are a pathway to help guide them in a playful and fun way. The Berenstain Bears approach is wonderful. There is a cute, fun family of bears that have to work through issues in the family. They either need to deal with one another or get assistance to help guide them into the best choice. There are a million different things that can pop up, and these books cover so many topics. This topic is about essentially having a bad day that made everyone’s day bad.

The Story

The bear family usually has a very happy and polite household. They all use their manners saying “please,” and ”thank you,” and 'excuse me”. But, everyone has a bad day. It can start with a simple thing being overlooked or simply with a family member waking up grumpy. If one cub wakes up grumpy, it will soon pass through the entire family. Because that one bear that is grumpy might not hurry in the bathroom as quickly as they should, this will make the next bear in line grumpy. One small thing can quickly roll downhill making everyone grumpy.

When people get grumpy with each other, they will not use their manners or be polite with one another. Sometimes, they will call one another names and be mean to one another. Sometimes, they will shout and argue. It can happen over the silliest things like eating slower than the other one. Or, even over the television and what show they will watch. When people or cubs get in moods like this, they likely will argue just to argue because neither one wants to give up their position.

As the story goes, you see that everyone is out of synch with each other and what they are doing. Brother bear is trying to play a game after completing his homework but he cannot concentrate well enough. Sister bear is coloring but her pictures aren’t as neat as they normally would be. Papa bear is having troubles trying to read the paper and mama bear is having trouble with her magazine. Mama’s having so much trouble; she’s reading the magazine upside down and doesn’t even realize it. The dog is even hiding away from everyone as it sense’s the grumpiness. The magazine being upside down helps break the ice that’s formed in the family. This prompts someone to giggle and another one to giggle and soon they have forgotten all of their troubles or complaints with each other that they have been holding onto all day!

Finally, they realize that they have wasted their day being grumpy at one another and it just is not worth it at all. Everyone hugs and things are right again!

Overall Impressions

Everyone has a bad day. Sometimes, nothing even has to happen to make it a bad day. You might just find that when you wake up, things don’t feel right or something happens to make you grumpy like hitting a toe on the bed post or burning your breakfast. This can set the tone for the day.

But, whatever you do, don’t let it ruin your whole day or allow you to be mean to those you love and hold dear. Families work together to solve their issues, support one another and they understand if you have a bad day. But, they are still your family and are still there for you no matter what!

This helps preschoolers learn about the emotions they are feeling and can help them understand how to help work through the problems or at least a way to get rid of the grumpies – giggling! I find the message is very helpful in allowing my daughter to talk about things. She now will tell me that she is grumpy with me and needs a few minute to herself rather than saying something mean or letting the naughty behavior start. She really has come to understand the emotions and knows how to express herself without getting more upset because she cannot articulate those feelings. That’s a joy to see. I am very happy that I picked up this book and that she loves reading it with me.

~Thank you for spending time with me today!~

Bedtime Battle
Trouble with Chores
Trouble with Commercials
The Truth
The Bad Habit
Count Their Blessings


Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 3.99
Type of Toy: Educational
Age Range of Child: 3 to 5 Years