Jan Berenstain, Co-Creator of Berenstain Bears, Dies

According to The Associated Press, Jan Berenstain, who with her husband Stan created the Berenstain Bears, has passed away following a stroke. She was 88 years old. 

In 1962, the first Berenstain Bears book was published. In the following years, more than 300 books have been released in nearly two dozen languages. Stan Berenstain passed away in 2005 at the age of 82, and Jan continued work on the series.

The Berenstain Bears also became a musical, currently playing Off-Broadway. Adapted from the classic children's books, The Berenstain Bears LIVE! in Family Matters, the Musical brings everyone's favorite bear family to life in what's described as "a thrilling theatrical experience that kids as well as their parents will treasure for many years to come." The Berenstain Bears LIVE! features an original score by Michael Borton and a book by Borton and Michael Slade.

Berenstain is survived by her two sons and four grandchildren.