

Lexile Measure: AD510L (What's this?)
Series: Berenstain Bears/Living Lights
Paperback: 24 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz (December 23, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310734835
ISBN-13: 978-0310734833
Product Dimensions: 8 x 0.1 x 8 inches
Shipping Weight: 0.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (70 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #19,911 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #16 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Education > Home Schooling #43 in Books > Education & Teaching > Schools & Teaching > Homeschooling #70 in Books > Children's Books > Literature & Fiction > Religious Fiction > Christian
Age Range: 4 - 8 years
Grade Level: Preschool - 3

The Bear family is having a cookout! Sister’s best friend Lizzy Bruin and her family are on their way over to join the fun. But when the Bruins arrive, who is the extra cub with them? Turns out he’s Tommy, Lizzie’s cousin. Though the same age as Brother and Barry Bruin, Tommy is developmentally closer to Brother and Sister’s little sister Honey Bear, and acts much younger. As the cubs play baseball together, sister notices Tommy’s differences. Barry casually tells her that Tommy “has his own way of doing things.” As they set up for dinner, Sister, still thinking, asks Mama Bear why Tommy is different. Mama explains: “God made all of us special. He made Tommy special in his own way.” Mrs. Bruin takes the lesson a step further saying that maybe “God made Tommy different so he could teach us something.” Tommy has a joyful air that is contagious!We aren’t told the nature of Tommy’s special needs, and I think it’s a good idea that Tommy is never given a specific label or diagnosis. This helps children be more accepting as a rule to others who are different. At the same time, many more children will be able to see themselves, a sibling, or a special friend in Tommy.I was unaware that Mike Berenstain had chosen to carry on his parents’ legacy by continuing to write and illustrate stories using the loveable Bear family to teach children manners, morals, and life lessons. God Made You Special is part of his Living Lights series. Reading this sweet tale that gently teaches inclusion had me fondly remembering my own childhood and the special place these Bears played in it. Brother and Sister were such friends to me that I continued to read the books well after my reading skills had surpassed them.
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