Bear Country isn't all that ordinary in many ways, which makes this series fun for kids. Living in trees, playing in the woods and having all kinds of friends your age is pretty much any child's dream. The fact that there are lessons here never seems to detract from the magic of a bear family. And parents get to marvel at the unending patience of Mama and Papa Bear. If only I could remain so calm in the face of family adversity! This DVD collection compiles six stories that are short, filling up less than an hour and a half total. "Trouble with Money" is about how the cubs learn to be responsible with the money they earn and how to find a balance between letting your money work for you versus just working for your money. "Catch the Bus" is a lesson in managing time and learning how to be less absorbed in unimportant things. Too bad this episode takes a poke at gaming by depicting Brother Bear as so obsessed with his friend's game that he neglects responsibility. Like that ever really happens... :) "The Big Election" gives a lesson in civics, "Pick Up and Put Away" shows the cubs learning a hard lesson about keeping a clean room, "Help Around the Workshop" celebrates family projects, and "Go Up and Down" is about planning ahead.
These are fun for kids and easy on a parent's conscience since there is nothing but good that can come from watching and discussing these with children. Getting six stories on one DVD is nice and there are lots more Berenstain Bears stories that can be packaged this way if Sony follows through and adds more to their family library. The Berenstain Bears: Get Organized! is a great collection that provides some learning disguised as entertainment, good for any cubs on your shopping list.
