Mike Berenstain returns to talk about Too Loose, Too Tight, Just Right, a rediscovered story from Stan and Jan’s archives. We discuss recreating their classic illustration style, navigating publishers’ suggestions, and more unpublished treasures headed for print. Plus: childhood artistic revelations, Dr. Seuss, Peanuts, Richard Scarry, and my entirely reasonable demand for more Ferdy Factual and Trudy Brunowitz.
Tag: Phil Gonzales
Episode 491 – The BABY Berenstain Bears’ Nap Time
It’s nap time, babies! This week on Deep in Bear Country, let’s wrestle with Mike Berenstain’s latest board book, The BABY Berenstain Bears’ Nap Time (2025). From Honey Bear’s refusal to rest, to pillow cuddles, to the eternal struggle of transitions, this one’s a full-on nap time confessional. Get ready to tune in, turn on, nod off.
Episode 488 – The Berenstain Bears World’s #1 Teacher
This week, it’s the brand-new 2025 release The Berenstain Bears: World’s Number One Teacher, a compact “teacher gift” book built from classic illustrations of Teacher Jane, Teacher Bob, and maybe Actual Factual? I share a dedication to my own #1 teacher who’s retiring after 40 years in the classroom. Plus: a detour into Alessi vs. the Thompson Twins, candid talk on anxiety spending, and a reminder that the BusBoys’ “Cleanin’ Up the Town” deserves more love.
Episode 487 – The Berenstain Bears: World’s Best Papa Bear
After a break to work on my Fringe show, I’m back in Bear Country with a look at The Berenstain Bears: World’s Best Papa Bear, a gift book from 2024. On the surface, it’s a sweet, simple tribute to dads—but reading it got me thinking about my own father, what it means to protect your kids, and the invisible ways parents show up for us. This one’s personal. Thanks for sticking with me.
And, check out my upcoming Elgin Fringe show!
Episode 484 – The Berenstain Bears: World’s Wisest Mama Bear
In this week’s episode, I almost took a break again (thanks, cough!), but I’m here to bring you a quick Mother’s Day look at The Berenstain Bears: World’s Wisest Mama Bear — a 2024 gift book by Mike Berenstain.
PLUS — exciting news! Next episode is the 10-year anniversary of the podcast, and I’ll be joined by my collectors Brad and Jeremy!
So grab a cup of tea, wish your mom (or yourself?) a Happy Mother’s Day, and enjoy this short short short episode.