The Berenstain Bears and the Trouble with Things

You might reach for this book when your child starts asking for every new toy they see or seems stuck in a cycle of wanting more things. It addresses the 'gimmies' with a gentle, values-based approach that helps children understand the difference between temporary possessions and the lasting beauty of the world around them. While Brother and Sister Bear are initially consumed by the desire for new mall toys, the story shifts focus toward gratitude for family and nature. Appropriate for preschoolers and early elementary students, this installment of the Berenstain Bears series introduces a faith-based perspective on materialism. Parents will appreciate how it models a firm but loving response to greed, encouraging kids to find joy in simple, everyday wonders rather than just what can be bought at a store. It is a helpful tool for families looking to ground their children's desires in a sense of spiritual or environmental appreciation.