Little House in the Big Woods

By: Laura Ingalls Wilder

Series: Little House

Book Number: 1

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Synopsis

Laura Ingalls is a six-year-old girl living with her family - Pa, Ma, older sister Mary, and baby sister Carrie - in the Big Woods of Wisconsin in the early 1870s. Sometimes her life is filled with adventure such as when she gets to make a trip into town or attend a country dance. Other times there is much hard work to be done, and something can always be found even for a little girl like Laura to do. The changing seasons are a constant source of wonder and amazement. The woods surrounding her home are filled with wildlife - sometimes frightening like bears and panthers, and sometimes sweet and gentle like deer. Every day there are new sights, sounds and experiences waiting for Laura, and most nights there is her Pa, with his wonderful story-telling, singing and fiddling, to put her to sleep. All in all, Laura's life is filled with contentment and happiness surrounded by the warmth and love of family in her cozy cabin in the peaceful Big Woods.

Review

Throughout my childhood, I read the Little House on the Prairie books several times, and they became some of my all-time favorites. I probably hadn't picked one up since my early teens though, and finally rediscovered the series when I decided to share it with my children. I made the pleasant discovery that I still enjoy it every bit as much as an adult, as I did when I was a kid. I've always had a love for history, and the vivid descriptions of pioneer life just draw me into the story. Life in that era was not easy and required a great deal of hard work, but there were also many rewards in return. I simply can't help but love the entire Ingalls family. They are so close-knit and loving, the ideal family that almost any child (or adult) would love to have as their own. Laura is a lively and curious child who is very relatable, and who obviously adores her father very much. I loved reading all the little stories that Laura's pa told her and the songs that he sang for her. In my opinion, they add a lot of warmth and authenticity to the story. The illustrations by Garth Williams are absolutely charming, helping to bring the narrative to life even more. Little House in the Big Woods is the first book in the Little House series, and I greatly look forward to continuing my exploration of the series through adult eyes while sharing them with my children. For a complete list of books in the Little House series plus fun activities and information for both kids and adults visit the Little House Books website.

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Laura Ingalls Wilder @ Wikipedia