"Mama, what's God" asks Sister Bear. Sister Bear has a big question and she's looking for answers! In this delightful new story, Mama and Papa Bear each find their own special way of explaining the concept of God. A warm and fuzzy way to introduce young children to the topic of religion. Recommended for ages 4 to 8.
Average Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars(3.5 out of 5 stars)
4 of 4 Reviews Showing:
0.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Sandra Blythe (Fort Scott, KS), November 10, 2009
This book was a disappointment as it did not once speak of Christ. The story theme was intriquing, but the ending was painfully lacking. For, you see, there was no answer given to "The Big Question".
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Sharon Seyler (Tacoma, WA), June 17, 2009
Give this book to anyone who question anything and let them know that they are not the only one who have questions about God and the creation
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Malissa Feragne (Springfield, MA), April 23, 2009
I was surprised by this story because I expected them to try to answer "What's God?" and, in a way, they do, but not what I expected. It is actually a book the reinforces the idea that sometimes in life there are more questions than answers and there might be more than one answer to a given question. My son enjoyed it and it can spur some good conversation.
3.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Christine M. Irvin (Columbus, OH), January 26, 2009
Mama and Papa Bear attempt to answer the “big question.” When Sister Bear asks, “What’s God?” Papa Bear launches into a long, boring lecture about the universe; Mama tries to answer the question by showing Sister that God made everything, like clouds and trees and worms. But, when Sister continues to ask, “What about earthquakes, floods, fires, and tornadoes?” Mama is at a loss on how to respond.
So, she takes her family to the chapel in the woods where they attend a Sunday morning service (although, according to the storyline, they are not accustomed to doing so). The minister, instead of delivering a sermon that particular morning, allows members of the congregation to speak. Farmer Ben says, “I feel thankful to God for giving us such a beautiful land in which to live.” Grizzly Gran then says, “I feel thankful to God for two wonderful cubs.” Mama Bear takes a turn by saying, “. . . I’m glad we came this morning. It helps me think things through.”
The story ends after the service, on the walk home, when Sister Bear asks, “Did God make questions?” Papa answers by saying, “Yes, sister, mostly questions.”
This is not the usual type of Berenstain Bear book. They tend to stick to subjects that deal with family and personal values, like being honest, taking turns, and saying you’re sorry. So, I was glad to see them write a book with a Christian perspective.
But, having said that, I must also say I was disappointed with the way they tackled the subject. No one in the book really answers the question, “What’s God?” When Mama is at a loss to explain things to Sister, she takes her to church, but she doesn’t even ask the minister for help. Then, at the end of the story, where Papa says God made mostly questions, the implication is, of course, that we have plenty of questions about things but no answers. There is no mention of any Biblical reference for answers to any of Sister’s questions.
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