The author of the book series many BYU students grew up on, The Berenstain Bears, passed away at the age of 88.
Jan Berenstain co-authored the children's series with her husband, Stan, and their first book was published in 1962.
The book series has published more than 300 books, has a tv animated series , a website, computer games and the list goes on. The Berenstain Bears have touched the lives of millions of pre-schoolers, toddlers and young children; including myself.
This year, the series is celebrating 50 years in the business. It's published more than 250 million copies in 23 languages. The Berenstains made their books a family business with the help of their son Michael. He illustrated many of the books.
Stan Berenstain passed in 2005 at the age of 82. The following year, Jan was inducted into the Radnor High School Hall of Fame in West Philadelphia.
“It’s wonderful to do something you love for so many years,” Jan Berenstain told the AP in 2011. “Not everyone has that.”
Here's what people said on Twitter after the news of Jan Berenstain's death:
RIP...Berenstain Bears creator, Jan Berenstain, dead at 88.. Thank you for years of GREAT memories!#SupportLiteracy
— Big Kidz Foundation (@Big_Kidz) February 28, 2012
NOOOOOO!!!!RIP Jan Berestain... your books were a huge part of my childhood. Thank you so much. nytimes.com/2012/02/28/art… — Monica Carr (@shortMonica) February 29, 2012