Thanks for the Bears!

Today was a sad day in the world of children's literature. Jan Berenstain, co-author of the beloved series The Berenstain Bears, passed away at the age of 88.  Her husband, Stan Berenstain, passed away a few years ago.  In this article, her son says she was still working on books up until the day before she passed away.  They may not have been flashy and never won a Caldecott Award, but I remember reading and rereading these books as a kid.  How else would I have known what to do when I was afraid of the dark, or if I was having trouble telling the truth?

Jan suffered a stroke, according to the article, but lived a full life.  I spoke with one of my students today, who just returned from his grandfather's funeral.  "Are you ok?" I asked.  "Yeah, I guess," he said. "The good thing is, my grandpa is in a much better place, don't you think?"  I did a double-take at the mature understanding this nine year old had for the passing of a life.  Jan Berenstain, I hope you and Stan are enjoying your better place.  Thanks for making ours one too!