Christian Retailing

Berenstain Bears brand marks sales milestone Print Email
Written by Taylor Berglund   
Thursday, 05 November 2015 03:39 PM America/New_York

Berenstain-Bears-artThe Berenstain Bears Living Lights brand from Zonderkidz recently passed a sales milestone—5 million units sold since its 2008 launch. Living Lights—a faith-based edition of Berenstain Bears—is written and illustrated by Mike Berenstain, son of original creators Stan and Jan Berenstain.

The Berenstain Bears Living Lights offers a wide variety of books and storybook Bibles, including a cookbook and full-text NIrV (New International Reader's Version) Bible for emerging readers.

Berenstain commented on the brand’s success.

“My parents, Stan and Jan, and I first conceived the Living Lights series of spiritually themed Berenstain Bears books over 10 years ago,” he said. “Sadly, my dad passed away before the series could be launched in 2008, and my mom followed him in 2012. Since then, I have continued creating the books on my own. It has been immensely gratifying to experience the warm support and enthusiasm of our audience for this series focusing on the spiritual side of family life. Reaching the 5 million-books-sold milestone certainly highlights how our readers have taken this concept to their hearts. I hope to continue creating new books in the Living Lights line for many years to come.”

Zonderkidz continues to offer Berenstain Bears titles with each new catalog to appeal to the ever-increasing demand for Living Lights books. Annette Bourland, senior vice president and publisher at the HarperCollins Christian Publishing imprint, said she was pleased with the brand's success.

“Reaching the milestone of 5 million units sold is a very exciting accomplishment for Zonderkidz,” Bourland said. “The Berenstain Bears have been a part of many families’ lives beginning in the early 1960s. We’re thrilled to be able to continue bringing this treasured brand into homes and libraries through our faith-based Living Lights line. Families trust the Berenstain Bears to help parents talk through many of life’s lessons. Through the Living Lights brand, they have a resource that helps them explain some of the intricacies of faith and culture in a way young children can relate to.”