Stan and Jan Berenstain ​

Stanley Melvin Berenstain and Janice Marian Berenstain were American writers and illustrators best known for creating the children's book series The Berenstain Bears. Together, they published over 300 books, which have sold nearly 260 million copies worldwide.

Quick Facts ​

• Created the popular children's book series, The Berenstain Bears
• Series has sold over 260 million copies worldwide.
• More than 300 books have been published in 23 languages.
• The books have been adapted to different mediums including television series and computer games.
• The series has expanded to include picture books, chapter books, and interactive sound books.
• Jan Berenstain was also an accomplished illustrator.

Background ​

Stan and Jan Berenstain were both born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1923 and 1924 respectively. They met on their first day of art school at the Philadelphia Museum School of Industrial Art in 1941 and were married after serving together as military artists during World War II. After the war ended, they began working together as magazine cartoonists while also writing and illustrating humorous books. In 1962, they published their first children’s book, The Big Honey Hunt, which introduced the world to the Berenstain Bears family. The series became a major success with over 300 titles published and over 260 million copies sold. The Berenstain Bears books were also adapted into an animated television series and musical theatre productions. Stan Berenstain passed away in 2005, and Jan continued to write and illustrate the books until her death in 2012. Their son, Michael, continues the family tradition by creating new stories for the next generation of Berenstain Bear readers.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Stan and Jan Berenstain's writing style is characterized by its simplicity, clear storytelling, and moralistic themes. Their work, primarily focused on a family of anthropomorphic bears, is beloved for its warm humor and for addressing a wide range of everyday childhood issues in a soothing and understandable manner. Their work has greatly influenced children's literature and continues to be widely read and cherished.

Notable Works ​

• The Big Honey Hunt (1962)
• Inside, Outside, Upside Down (1968)
• The Berenstain Bears' New Baby (1974)
• The Berenstain Bears' Counting Book (1997)
• The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk Food (1985)
• The Berenstain Bears Learn About Strangers (1985)
• The Berenstain Bears and the Messy Room (1983)