Seven little bears sneak out of their house one night in this prepositional adventure, hot in pursuit of the "Whoooing" noise they hear. Out the window, down the tree, over the wall, under the bridge, around the lake, between the rocks, through the woods and up Spook's Hill they go, until they get such a scare that they turn right around and make for home...

Although I have many happy memories of reading both the Berenstain Bears books and Dr. Seuss' Beginning Books for Beginning Readers collection as a girl, I never happened upon Bears in the Night until very recently. I feel sure that this spooky adventure, with its element of rebellious fun - sneaking out at night! - would have made quite an impression on me back then. Reading it now as an adult, I appreciate the way in which it is constructed - the language is very simple, uses a great deal of repetition, and centers prepositions at every stage - and that the linguistic lesson it is teaching is communicated in such an entertaining way. Recommended to fans of the Berenstain Bears, to beginning readers who enjoy spooky stories, and to teachers looking for fun titles featuring prepositions. ( )

A Berenstain book all about prepositions, as told through the adventures of some nighttime wanderers.

Another look back on my childhood as I reorganize my bookshelves.

And yes, it's Berenstain. It's always been Berenstain. This book is copyright 1971, and it's BerenSTAIN. The only time it was BerenSTEIN is when the publisher relied on outside vendors (such as the VHS publishing) and they got it wrong. Seriously, I have a VHS tape that spells it BerenSTAIN on the cover and BerenSTEIN on the tape itself. No conspiracy, just an unexpected spelling that we all confused in our heads because we expect it to be Berenstein instead of Berenstain. It's Berenstain. ( )

Cute story of the Bernstein Bear's kids exploring a sound they hear outside at night.

Summary:
This story gives great detail. Seven bears decide to sneak out of bed. The bears make a long trip to Spook Hill where they get scared by an owl. They sprint home and get back in bed before mamma bear noticed.

Personal Reaction:
I get spooked by every little noise outside so to sneak out of the house to go through many obstacles while walking would not be a good night for me.

Classroom Extensions:
1. It is a great book for learning sentences since it repeats.
2. Teaches children not to sneak out of the house.

This is a cute and spooky story for the kids. My daughter isn't to much of a fan, but my son loved it. I am always reminded of Halloween when I flip through its pages. A very good lesson for children that they shouldn't leave the house when it's night time.
Spooky reading to you kids! ( )