First time books Books in Order
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The First Time Books series features the Berenstain Bears as they navigate everyday challenges and lessons, often centered on family, friendship, and personal growth. Each story explores themes such as celebrating holidays, dealing with fear, understanding the value of nature, and learning about social dynamics. The series emphasizes simple, relatable experiences that encourage curiosity and positive behavior.
Publication order
In the order the books were originally released.
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears (Prebound) Go to School Berenstain Bears Prebound
1978 · Stan Berenstain
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain bears and the sitter
1981 · Stan Berenstain
Brother and Sister Bear are not happy with the idea of Mrs. Grizzle as a babysitter, but they find her drawstring bag very intriguing.
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The Berenstain Bears Go to the Doctor
1981
This classic Berenstain Bears story is the perfect way to introduce children to what happens when they go to the doctor! Come for a visit in Bear…
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Buy on AmazonBerenstain Bears Get in a Fight
1982 · Stan Berenstain
After causing a family commotion when they fight with each other, the Berenstain cubs learn that sometimes even the best of friends don't get along.
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain bears and mama's new job
1984 · Stan Berenstain
When Mama Bear decides to turn her hobby into a business, each member of the Bear family tries to help a little more around the house.
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears Go to School
1985 · Stan Berenstain
Sister Bear feels anxious about starting kindergarten but gradually gains confidence as she experiences the joys of school. She learns that attending…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears (1986) Get Stage Fright
1986 · Stan Berenstain
Sister Bear worries about her lines in the school play, while Brother Bear has no fear, but it is Brother who forgets his lines during the…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain bears go out for the team
1986 · Stan Berenstain
Brother and Sister Bear are such good baseball players that Papa Bear decides they should try out for the Bear Country Cub League. The siblings…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears, no girls allowed
1986 · Stan Berenstain
Annoyed that Sister Bear always beats them at baseball and other "boy" type activities, her brother and the other male cubs try to exclude her from…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain bears' trouble at school
1986 · Stan Berenstain
When Brother Bear returns to school after being out sick, he gets into a mess that gets worse and worse until Gramps gives him some advice.
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain bears and the bad dream
1987 · Stan Berenstain
This classic Berenstain Bears story is a perfect way to allay any child’s worries about bedtime and nightmares! Come for a visit in Bear Country with…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears and the Missing Honey
1987
This classic Berenstain Bears story is full of fun and excitement for even the littlest of detectives! Come for a visit in Bear Country with this…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears and the Trouble at School
1987
Get ready to go back to school with the Berenstain Bears! This story is a perfect way to teach children about responsibility and the importance of…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain bears and the double dare
1988 · Stan Berenstain
Brother Bear feels excited about joining Too-Tall Grizzly's gang until the members dare him to steal one of Farmer Ben's juicy watermelons. The story…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears Get the Gimmies
1988 · Stan Berenstain
When a cub's behavior takes a turn for the worst, it is hard for parents to know what to do first. Gran and Gramps come up with a plan to help…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears and the In-Crowd
1989
This classic Berenstain Bears story is a perfect way to teach children about the importance of being yourself! Come for a visit in Bear Country with…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears trick or treat
1989 · Stan Berenstain
The Berenstain Bear cubs have an adventure on Halloween night that proves Mother's adage, "Appearances can be deceiving."
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears and the Prize Pumpkin
1990 · Stan Berenstain
Mama Bear's reminders about the true meaning of Thanksgiving are set aside as the spirit of competition takes over, and Papa Bear and the cubs launch…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears and the slumber party
1990 · Stan Berenstain
Lizzy Bruin's slumber party becomes even wilder when Too-Tall Grizzly and his friends decide to attend uninvited. The story centers on the unexpected…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain bears don't pollute (anymore)
1991 · Stan Berenstain
The bears in Bear Country grow concerned about how pollution and the waste of natural resources are damaging the world around them, leading them to…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain bears and the trouble with grownups
1992 · Stan Berenstain
In the Bear household, squabbling between parents and cubs escalates until Mama and Papa Bear and Brother and Sister Bear perform humorous…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain bears and too much pressure
1992 · Stan Berenstain
Members of the Bear family commit themselves to so many time-consuming activities that the resulting stress brings on a crisis and makes them admit…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears' new neighbors
1994 · Stan Berenstain
Papa Bear learns a lesson in the importance of acceptance when a new family of pandas moves in across the road. The story focuses on his initial…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears and too much teasing
1995 · Stan Berenstain
Brother Bear likes to tease his sister, but when he becomes the target of taunting at school himself, he comes to understand why Sister gets so mad.
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Buy on Amazon1996 · Stan Berenstain
Papa Bear and the cubs set out to make breakfast for Mama. The book includes activities for parents to help children prepare a special breakfast.
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Buy on Amazon1996 · Stan Berenstain
After visiting the Hall of Flight at the Bearsonian Institution, the Bear cubs decide to invent their own airplanes. The book includes information…
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Buy on Amazon1996 · Stan Berenstain
As Brother and Sister help Mama plant seeds in the garden, they discover the importance of seeds and how they become useful and important plants. The…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears and the blame game
1997 · Stan Berenstain
Members of the Bear family learn to address their problems without resorting to arguments over who is at fault. The story emphasizes resolving…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears and the homework hassle
1997 · Stan Berenstain
Brother becomes distracted by television, his boom box, the telephone, and other interruptions while trying to complete his homework. He gets in…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears get their kicks
1998 · Stan Berenstain
When Brother and Sister try out for soccer teams, Papa is at first disappointed that they do not want to play baseball, but he changes his mind when…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears lend a helping hand
1998 · Stan Berenstain
Mama Bear hopes to teach the cubs to think of others instead of only themselves by having them help an elderly neighbor clean out her attic.
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears think of those in need
1999 · Stan Berenstain
When Mama Bear determines the family has too many old toys, books, and games, the Berenstain Bears sort through their excess items. They donate the…
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Buy on AmazonThe birds, the bees, and the Berenstain Bears
1999 · Stan Berenstain
When Mama announces that she is going to have a baby, Sister Bear is curious about where the baby came from and how it is going to get out of Mama's…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain bears and the excuse note
2001 · Stan Berenstain
Sister Bear dislikes gym class and uses a minor injury to avoid participating, choosing instead to sit on the sidelines. The story focuses on her…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears dollars and sense
2001 · Stan Berenstain
Mama and Papa Bear try to teach Brother and Sister the value of money and how to manage their allowance.
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain bears and the real Easter eggs
2002 · Stan Berenstain
The Berenstain Bear cubs are anxiously awaiting all the candy and Easter eggs that Easter will bring, but Mama Bear and Mother Nature show them the…
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Buy on AmazonBerenstain Bears and the Papa's Day Surprise
2003 · Stan Berenstain
Papa Bear makes it clear to his family that he does not believe in celebrating Fathers' Day, then changes his opinion but fears it may be too late…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears and the Mama's day surprise
2004 · Stan Berenstain
As Mother's Day approaches, Papa Bear and the cubs do their best to surprise Mama with breakfast in bed and a gift, while Mama does her best not to…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk Food: Read & Listen Edition
2010
Read and listen along with the Berenstain Bears! Mama Bear lays down the law when she notices that Papa and the cubs are getting too chubby. With the…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears and Too Much TV
2010
Come for a visit in Bear Country with this classic First Time Book® from Stan and Jan Berenstain. Papa, Brother, and Sister have a new favorite hobby…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears and Too Much TV (Berenstain Bears): Read & Listen Edition
2010
Read and listen along with the Berenstain Bears! When Mama Bear decides her family spends too much time in front of the TV, she bans it for a week.…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears and Papa's Day Surprise: Read & Listen Edition
2011
Read and listen along with the Berenstain Bears in this charming story that is perfect for Father's Day. Papa says, “Father’s Day is nothing but a…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears and the Messy Room: Read & Listen Edition
2011
Read and listen along with the Berenstain Bears in this charming story young readers will love. "The room shared by Brother and Sister is a mess…
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The Berenstain Bears and the Papa's Day Surprise
2011
Join the Berenstain Bears as they celebrate Papa Bear and teach children about the importance of family. Makes a perfect gift for Father's Day with…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears Forget Their Manners: Read & Listen Edition
2011
Read and listen along with the Berenstain Bears! "When Mama Bear's efforts to improve her family's manners are unsuccessful, she devises a Politeness…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears Get the Gimmies (Berenstain Bears): Read & Listen Edition
2011
Come for a visit in Bear Country with this classic First Time Book® from Stan and Jan Berenstain. Brother and Sister are having a bad case of the…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears Go To School: Read & Listen Edition
2011
Read and listen along with the Berenstain Bears! In this sympathetic story for young readers, Sister Bear conquers her fear of starting kindergarten.…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat (Berenstain Bears): Read & Listen Edition
2011
Come for a visit in Bear Country with this classic First Time Book® from Stan and Jan Berenstain. It’s Halloween and Brother and Sister can’t wait to…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears and the Big Road Race
2012
This classic Berenstain Bears story is a perfect way to teach children about persistence and sportsmanship! Come for a visit in Bear Country with…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears and the Ghost of the Forest
2012
Come for a visit in Bear Country with this classic First Time Book® from Stan and Jan Berenstain. Brother, Sister, and Cousin Fred are off to a Bear…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears Count Their Blessings
2012
Come for a visit in Bear Country with this classic First Time Book® from Stan and Jan Berenstain. A big storm is rolling through Bear Country!…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears and the Big Blooper
2013
Come for a visit in Bear Country with this classic First Time Book® from Stan and Jan Berenstain. Sister has learned a new word . . . and it’s a big…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears and too Much Birthday
2013
Come for a visit in Bear Country with this classic First Time Book® from Stan and Jan Berenstain. Join Papa, Mama, and Brother, as they help Sister…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears Blaze a Trail
2013
The Berenstain Bears Blaze a Trail is a book in the Berenstain Bears series, which includes picture books and illustrated children's novels such as…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears Get Stage Fright
2013
Come for a visit in Bear Country with this classic First Time Book® from Stan and Jan Berenstain. It’s time for the school play, Grizzlystiltskin,…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears' Report Card Trouble
2013
Come for a visit in Bear Country with this classic First Time Book® from Stan and Jan Berenstain. Papa and Mama are not happy with Brother’s report…
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Companion & related books
Related titles and editions that sit outside the main numbered order.
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Buy on AmazonBig book of the Berenstain Bears
Year unknown · Stan Berenstain
Five favorite Berenstain Bears titles are compiled in a treasury that includes The Berenstain Bears' New Baby, The Berenstain Bears Go to the Doctor,…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain bears happy Halloween!
Year unknown · Stan Berenstain
It's the best Halloween treat ever--a collection of three Berenstain Bears Halloween books in one! Included are The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat,…
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Buy on AmazonBerenstain Bears & the in Crowd
Year unknown · Stan Berenstain
A rich new cub named Queenie McBear teases Sister Bear and steals her Double-Dutch partners away before the big tournament. The story centers on…
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Buy on AmazonBerenstain Bears & Too Much TV
Year unknown · Stan Berenstain
Concerned that the family is spending too much time in front of the television and neglecting other activities, Mama Bear decides that there will be…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain bears and the trouble with friends
Year unknown · Stan Berenstain
Lonely without friends her age to play with, Sister Bear is delighted when a new little girl cub moves into the house down the road.
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain bears and the truth
Year unknown · Stan Berenstain
Brother and Sister Bear learn the importance of honesty after they accidentally break Mama Bear's most favorite lamp. The story emphasizes the value…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears and the Week at Grandma's
Year unknown · Stan Berenstain
When Brother and Sister Bear are left with their grandparents for a week, they enjoy their time together more than they initially anticipated. The…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears and Too Much Vacation
Year unknown · Stan Berenstain
The Bear family experiences one mishap after another when they vacation in the Great Grizzly Mountains.
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears in the dark
Year unknown · Stan Berenstain
When Brother Bear brings a spooky book from the library, bedtime and the dark become ominous and threatening to Sister Bear. The story explores the…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears learn about strangers
Year unknown · Stan Berenstain
The Berenstain Bear cubs learn not to be overly friendly with strangers and are taught rules for safely interacting with them. The book emphasizes…
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Buy on AmazonThe Berenstain Bears Meet Santa Bear
Year unknown · Stan Berenstain
Sister Bear enjoys Christmas preparations, particularly making her list, but on Christmas morning she gains a deeper understanding of the true…
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Frequently asked questions
What order should I read the First time books books in?
Read them in publication order, starting with “The Berenstain Bears (Prebound) Go to School Berenstain Bears Prebound”. Start with “The Berenstain Bears (Prebound) Go to School Berenstain Bears Prebound.”
How many books are in the First time books series?
We list 90 books by Stan Berenstain , published between 1978–2013.
Where can I buy the First time books books?
Each title above links to Amazon. See our affiliate disclosure.
More series like First time books
Reading order compiled from author/publisher guidance and verified bibliographic data. Spotted a wrong order, a missing book, or any other mistake? and we'll correct it.