Stan Berenstain (1923–2005)

More often than not, children's books present topics which are relatively gentle. Stan and Jan Berenstain, however, have never shied away from presenting problems in a way that the youngest readers can understand. While most of their books revolve around things like new babies and messy rooms, this husband and wife team also show kids the fun and danger of adventure. In this book, the three bear siblings set off to explore a spooky old tree armed with a stick, a light, and a rope. Inside, they find twisting stairs, hidden passages, and the fearsome Great Sleeping Bear. By the end of their escapade, they all end up with the shivers, but make it "home again. Safe at last." The words have a comfortable predictability about them as the Berenstain's employ a slightly evolutionary rhyme and repetition. The dark, detailed pictures also enhance the excitement and mystery of the story.… (more)