The Berenstain Bears and the Prize Pumpkin

Name: The Berenstain Bears and the Prize Pumpkin
ISBN: 9780679808473

For the child who gets a little too caught up in winning, this story refocuses on thankfulness when a competitive spirit overshadows the holiday.

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About This Book

Reach for this book when you notice your child becoming overly fixated on winning, comparing their achievements to others, or losing sight of the joy in an activity because of the pressure to be the best. It is a perfect seasonal read for families navigating the competitive energy that can sometimes bubble up during school contests or holiday events. While the story follows Papa Bear and the cubs as they obsess over growing a giant pumpkin for the Bear Country Thanksgiving Festival, the heart of the book lies in Mama Bear's gentle reminders about gratitude. As the family faces the tension of the judging table, they eventually learn that the true 'prize' of the season isn't a trophy, but the blessings they already share. It is an accessible, relatable tool for teaching children ages 3 to 8 how to balance ambition with appreciation.

Gratitude & Appreciation Holidays & Seasonal Bears Jealousy & Comparison Joy & Gratitude Farming & Gardening Love & Family Sports

What Parents Should Know

Moral AmbiguityMild

Papa and the cubs ignore Mama's advice in favor of pride and vanity for much of the book.

Sensitive Topics

None. The book is secular with a focus on general gratitude, though it touches on the historical/traditional roots of the holiday in a light, accessible way.