The Berenstain Bears in the Bears’ Almanac

By Stan and Jan Berenstain

Copyright 1973

What makes a year?  Four Seasons – Twelve months

The Berenstain Family walks us through an entire year, telling us what to expect in each season.

“How will you know it’s Winter?  Your knees shiver.  You see ice on the river.  Your breath shows.  You’ve got a runny nose…

The red in the thermometer starts to fall.  Sometimes there’s hardly any red at all.”

This Winter, at least in the Chicago area, their “actual facts” would have to be considered “alternative facts”.  We just finished a week that was ridiculously warm for February.  We went outside without jackets, the birds were singing, the parks were full of children playing, and green shoots popped up from the ground.  

Unusual weather aside, this almanac does do a great job explaining the typical weather patterns, popular activities, and holidays of each season.  There is a comfort in the cycle of seasons and activities.  I, for one, have a deeper appreciation for Spring because of the cold Winter that has past.  And I enjoy the hot sun of Summer and the bounty of the garden while at the same time waiting anxiously for the beauty of Fall.  And children, just after collecting loads of Halloween candy, have the excitement of Christmas to look forward to.  

So today, just days after a sunny 70 degree day, the snow and the wind is blowing again.  This past week teased us, but never fear - real Spring is coming soon!  

The Horse in Harry’s Room

An Early I Can Read Book

By Syd Hoff

Copyright 1970

Syd Hoff wrote a number of Early Reader books that, unlike many books for beginning readers, tell engaging stories.  It turns out you can tell a meaningful tale in a small space with a limited number of words!

This book here tells the story of a boy named Harry who has an imaginary horse living in his bedroom.  Harry is thrilled with his horse that he could ride in circles without knocking over the furniture and jump over the bed without hitting his head on the ceiling.  Other children laughed at Harry when he talked about his horse because of course nobody else could see it.  His teacher wisely noted, “Sometimes thinking about a thing is the same as having it.”

Harry’s parents decided he could use a trip to the country to see real horses.  He saw the real horses running and jumping freely and Harry became concerned about his own horse being confined to four walls.  As soon as they returned from the country, Harry ran to his room and told his horse he was free to go.  Fortunately, Harry’s horse decided to stay right where he was, happily living with Harry in his bedroom.  

This story shows that we should decide for ourselves what makes us happy.  Harry didn’t need to possess something to gain pleasure from it.  Others did not understand and thought Harry was missing out on the fun.  But Harry knew better.  And Harry needn’t worry about his horse.  The other horses may want to run and play outside, but Harry’s is perfectly happy inside.  What makes one horse miserable may be the perfect thing for another.   And while we may not understand another person’s pleasures, who are we to say what is best for them?

Miss Twiggley’s Tree

By Dorothea Warren Fox

Copyright 1966

Miss Twiggley and her highly intelligent dog Puss live up high in a tree house.  It is a very comfortable house – it even has color TV.  It is fortunate that Puss is so smart, since he is the one who goes to town for the groceries.  You see, Miss Twiggley gets very nervous around people and when others come to visit, she hides.  The mayor’s wife doesn’t understand and finds it quite disgraceful.  Try as she might, she can’t get her husband to do anything about it, as he has more pressing matters to deal with.  For instance, a hurricane is on the way and he is quite worried about the town’s well-being.

The hurricane indeed came in, wild and windy.  The townspeople, now flooded out of their houses, float away on anything that will hold them. 

Miss Twiggley, safe and warm high up in her treehouse, notices the plight of the people down below.  Although afraid of other people, she is compassionate, and overcomes her fear to help them.  Soon, most of the town is happily resting out the storm in Miss Twiggley’s tree – even the mayor’s wife.

And Miss Twiggley found out

Something wonderful, too:

When emergencies come,

You don’t think about you.

You help all you can.

And you never ask why.

Then the first thing you know,

You forget to be shy.