Michael Berenstain

Stan and Jan Berenstain published their first book about a bear family who lived “deep in Bear Country” in 1962 under the editorial oversight of Dr. Seuss. In 1974, they started their own line of books about everyday family experiences published by Random House. In 2003, the Berenstain’s began publishing with HarperCollins and in 2005 began an exclusive relationship with them. Their youngest son, Michael, joined his parents many years ago writing several books and becoming the exclusive designer and illustrator of a series of large picture books. Since Stan Berenstain’s death in 2005, Michael and Jan work as an author/illustrator team for their general market books. Michael is married to Andrea, and they have three children. They live in Pennsylvania, in an area that looks a lot like Bear Country. “My mother, Jan, and I are thrilled by the overwhelming response to our new Berenstain Bears® Living Lights™ books from Zonderkidz. The instant bestseller status of the first four titles and the many warm and supportive e-mails and letters we've received confirm just how important faith-based books are for children and parents, alike,” says Michael Berenstain. “Over the years, my parents and I often heard from Christian families how much they appreciate the values-based themes of our books. By dealing with religion through the fun and laughter of the Berenstain Bears, we hope to nurture these families in their goal of raising children secure in their faith.”