As Mother's Day approaches, Papa Bear and the cubs do their best to surprise Mama with breakfast in bed and a gift, and Mama does her best not to ruin the surprise.
Three little bears set out, on a dark night, to explore a mysterious hollow tree and, once inside, make surprising discovery after surprising discovery.
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 no television watching for one week.
"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."--Title page verso.
Papa Bear makes it clear to his family that he does not believe in celebrating Father's Day, then changes his opinion but fears it may be too late for any special treatment.
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 that there are only so many hours in a day.