Laura Ingalls Wilder Books

As a Laura Ingalls Wilder fan and researcher, I found this book fascinating. Whether you agree or not with the author's findings, the book is definitely food for thought. The "Little House" books are wonderful reading but, do pose some discrepancies and Ms. Vavra does an excellent job of attempting to clear up one of them. This is a good read and a worthwhile additon to the library of any true Laura Ingalls Wilder fan.

Ms. Wilder has advice about everything, but most might not like it. I found this book very interesting and made me think quite a bit. One part, she said if you have a headache, if you focus on it, it will become worse. If you think about other things, it might go away. She had such brilliant words of wisdom, I can't wait to pass these on to my girls.

I am reading the second one, and hope to pick up the rest.

Boy I was born in the wrong era. In the 1900's they didn't have TV, Nintendo etc. They worked super hard, but also got together and helped each other. I just wish I could have been a part of that time. This is my favorite author of all time. I loved Little House on the Prairie and these books with her thoughts in them will always be cherished. I think I will purchase a set for each of my girls and give them to them when they are a bit older. I think she has such profound wisdom, your life will only be blessed if you read these books.

Life in the 1800's in the woods sure is different than it is here. I bet if that family ever came here they would be amazed. Heck, if I ever had to shoot guns or collect sap from trees I would fall asleep during it. Pa is my favorite character. He goes into town to get supplies and hunts at night what about those stories? My favorite part is when Pa is alone in the woods at night and he thinks he sees a bear but it is really a tree. This is the first Little House book I read and I would like to read Little House on the Prairie next. I hope all you readers read it!

The audio for this book Little House in the Big Woods is wonderful for my students in the classroom. This allows my students due to the diversity of my students the ability to hear it read aloud(not just by me as the teacher). I can reach many modalities with this. Thank you.

Reading this book was was very easy for me to imagine life back when cards didn't exist and people's nearest neighbor was 1-2 miles away. Wholesome fun for a family that truely survived on what nature had to offer them. Great reading for the family.

This book is wonderful in every way, from the detailed, fresh descriptions of life over a hundred years ago, to the beautiful drawings by Garth Williams.

My six year old daughter loves the story of Laura Ingalls and her
family. It gives good information on how they live long time
ago. teaches her to be thankful, obedient, diligent and to be
thankful on what she have.

This was a great book and we as a family enjoyed reading it together before bed time. Thanks, great book.

This story shows a lot about the American Frontier and the settlers who moved out there. It is also not cloaked in American sentimentalism and is more realistic than most books are about frontier life. I think it is because the author actually lived the life she wrote about and the book was written in 1935 when others had also lived a similar life on the plains. It's taken me a long time to finally read this book, I never read the series as a kid but I'm amazed at how good it is and plan to read other volumes in the series. It's wonderful!

[[ASIN:0979895200 The Truth: I'm a Girl, I'm Smart and I Know Everything]Yes, re-reading Little House on The Prairie, really did touch my heart. In fact the book touched my ten-year old heart that I guess still exists somewhere inside of me. That heart is purer and more senstive than the heart I walk around with most of the time. That part of me still loves to play with dogs and run with the little rabbits and scan the sky for the big hawks and run barefoot in the long prairie grass. That part of me wants to string beads and look at the stars and listen to my dad fiddle in the moonlight. And that part of me knows that my Mother and Father will protect me and teach me all the wisdom I'll need to know. Of course, that part of me didn't live on the prairie and never really saw a covered wagon, or a prairie dog, or ran with rabbits or even ran through the prairie grasses. But I was able to do all of those things almost for real, all because of Laura and her books. And the most amazing part of all is that when I reread this book as an adult I found I was just as moved and taken with her writing as I had been at ten.
As a positive psychologist and author of my own book for girls, The Truth, (I'm a girl, I'm smart and I know everything)I realze that this book has a purity and a depth that few books today can equal. I'm so glad that Little House on the Prairie is around for the girls of today. If you are a mother of a girl, make sure she reads this book and the whole series. If you haven't read this book-read it now, no matter what your age. And if you have read it, re-read it as I did. Let that pure part of your heart from childhood come alive again. You'll be thankful as I was that there is still a way back to parts of ourselves that see and feel with an innocent wisdom so many things!

Charming, engaging, and wonderfully told, the story about Laura and her family's life on the frontier is a great read for preteen readers and adults alike. Very interesting, this is a great book for young readers looking for a good book, or even for adults. A great story about a family that sticks together through very tough times as well as a good look into what life a settler was really like.

Cherry Jones' reading of Little House on the Prairie is lively, spirited, clear and articulate all at the same time. The best is when she sings along to Woodiel's fiddle. I was initially worried that the songs would sound ridiculous, but I was pleasantly surprised by how natural Jones' singing was, and how smoothly the fiddle entered the narration. I highly recommend this recording for any fan, or new reader who wants to hear a warm-hearted, relaxing bedtime story. For example, I listen to audiobooks when I'm experiencing particularly bad insomnia, which is NOT to say the books bore me to sleep; instead, I'm soothed to sleep.

Little House on the Prairie was my least favorite of the series, but listening to Jones breathed new life into this story for me. Even the long descriptions I used to find somewhat tedious, of how the house is built, well dug, etc., were suddenly fascinating. Hearing this work makes it somehow realer; you can't just pass over it the way you can in a book. It reminds me that Wilder grew up in a more oral tradition, and this recording proves how effective and how different orality is. Jones puts so much into her delivery that Wilder's crisp imagery really helps you visualize that labor and love Pa and Ma Ingalls put into their survival. Laura's spritely personality is also perfectly captured. Highly recommend!

This was purchased for my 10 year old son. He loves it. It arrived in good condition.

Having somehow never read Little House on the Prairie or anything else by Laura Ingalls Wilder as a child, I find myself reading Farmer Boy because my favorite eight-year-old bookworm "BW" is reading it in school. They have little in common. The title character, Almanzo, the youngest of the four Wilder children, lives on a farm in northern New York at a time when (p 28) "children must be seen and not heard." Truly. Almanzo (who in real-life grew up to become the husband of Laura Ingalls) awakens at 5:30 to do his chores, BW two hours later to get ready for school. Almanzo trudges a mile and a half in 40 below weather to a one-room schoolhouse, BW rides four miles in a heated car. Almanzo returns on foot at dusk and milks a couple of cows, BW returns by bus, eats a snack, relaxes and spends half an hour on homework. Almanzo rejoices over his two hand-made birthday gifts, BW would probably be disappointed to receive similar, assuming I could even create such things. Almanzo's father threatens him with a beating when his carelessness almost results in his own death by drowning or hypothermia, BW (and most, I hope) would have been transported quickly home for hugs, heat and hot cocoa. Obviously written in an entirely different day and age, the story does have some non-pc moments, including a negative reference to Native Americans, a similarly problematic name for a type of bread, an incident involving a stingy ungrateful person forced to give a considerable reward under duress and, a teacher who wields a whip. Even so, Farmer Boy is an excellent depiction of the joys and hardships of rural farm life in the late 1800s, which compares well (in hardship at least) with the stories I've heard about my ND homesteader ancestors. Also good: The Dangerous Book for Boys by Conn Iggulden and Hal Iggulden, The Time Warp Trio series by Jon Scieszka, and A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket.

If your kids complain that you give them too many chores to do and they never get any time to have fun this book should be a must read! Not only does it contain numerous lessons about farming techniques and problems but it also shows how much a little boy of 10 years is capable of doing and how willing and proud he is of doing it. I was very impressed with the book and found myself reading it on my own, without my child. Laura Ingalls Wilder has quite a talent in putting pictures down in words. Almanzo Wilder's one year in this book was facinating and enlightening. I have a much larger appreciation for both what times were like and how much easier they are now.

When I read this book, I got interest for pioneer life. I get suprised, because he, Almannzo, do all of his work and helps his family. And he went school that is far away from his house in snow days and in hot summer. I also impressed that his toy is the sled that made out from tree, and it is all hand maded. Today we usualy uses sled, but we don't use sled that are made out of trees. I thought he lead a full life solid. I don't want to live back that time, but I want to play with Almanzo and I want to ask more about his life in farm.

Of all the Laura Ingalls Wilder "Little House" books, FARMER BOY is, hands down, my very favorite.

The book covers a portion of the boyhood of Almanzo Wilder, who was to grow up to become Laura's husband. Almanzo grew up on a thriving, successful farm in New York state. Almanzo's father was especially known and respected for raising top-quality horses. Almanzo's mother had her own home business ventures and was known for making top-quality butter, fetching top dollar, to be served in some of the finest restaurants in New York City.

I could probably write a book about this book and why I love it so much. Through the examples of the Wilder family, its strengths and limitations, the author puts forth some enduring lessons about hard work, mutual respect, the value of time and money, hope... and more. FARMER BOY stands out among the other "Little House" books because: a) it is about Almanzo, long before he ever met Laura, ten years his junior (so Laura was not even born yet at the time this book starts its story); and b) the Wilder family, like the Ingalls family, faced hardships, but not to the relentless and ridiculous level that the Ingalls family seemed to do so, leaving more room to delineate normal, day-to-day life, which itself was incredibly rich and interesting.

During the time that Laura, many miles away, was an infant and young child, Almanzo was growing up in New York, developing his love of horses and skill in working with them. During the time he was a young man venturing out west, Laura herself was developing her love of horses and skill in riding them. That they were both "horse lovers" provided a lovely and important common ground later when they met, courted and married.

Almanzo James Wilder was born February 13, 1857 and died on October 23, 1949, at the age of 92. Laura Elizabeth Ingalls was born on February 7, 1867 and died on February 10, 1957, at age 90. They were married on August 25, 1885. These details mean that Almanzo was very much alive in 1933 when FARMER BOY was published, and presumably, very much available as a resource for his wife Laura, the author. To me, that is precious and relevant, for it attests to longevity (both of their marriage and their lives) and to the presumption of authenticity regarding this wonderful book. Highly recommended!

I liked "The Long Winter" because I liked the things Laura, Mary, Carrie and Grace did.

I didn't laugh as much as I did when reading the "Little House in the Big Woods". This book taught me about fall, spring and winter, but mostly about winter. There was maybe about 20 pages about spring.

In the winter they saw antelopes west of town, after they lived in the dugout, but only Mr. Foster got one.

This is a good book to read to learn about the whole country.

K age 5

In the short thirteen-years of her life, Laura Ingalls has seen a lot of tragedy and hardship. But now that her family has finally settled into De Smet, Laura believes things are looking up. They have a wonderful claim, where they reside in a claim shanty; they're close to town; and soon Laura and Carrie will be able to attend school. Laura can think of nothing to complain about except for the fact that Mary has lost her vision completely, and that, as a young lady, Laura is not longer permitted to indulge in such childish games as playing ball and roughhousing. Then the unthinkable happens, and everything changes.

Ma has never been happier. Finally she has convinced Pa to settle down in De Smet once and for all, where the children can attend school, and Laura can begin her training as a schoolteacher. No more lonely nights on the prairie, or treks all over the country. Finally they have a home. Laura is thrilled, as well. While she is unhappy with the mature changes she has had to make in her life, she can't help but feel thrilled to finally have a place to call home. Sure it's a flimsy claim shanty, but soon it will be a sprawling property just perfect to stay warm in during the winter. Besides, now that she will be able to further her education, she can think about sending Mary to college. While Laura isn't interested in becoming a schoolteacher, she can't help but think of how the money will help her family send Mary to college, so she buckles down to learn everything she possibly can. But just as school is starting up, a series of howling blizzards descend upon De Smet, and Laura's family is thrust into a serious new challenge that could test their faith. But the blizzards are just the start of it. When the supply trains stop running, the residents of De Smet find themselves starving, and running low on the items they need to make it through the harsh winter. It is only when Almanzo Wilder takes matters into his own hands, and sets out on a journey that will assist all the townspeople, that folks start to think positively. In the meantime, however, Laura will have to suck up all of her courage to help her family forge through the harsh new challenge at hand, and survive the harshest winter ever.

I thought BY THE SHORES OF SILVER LAKE was the most thrilling book in the LITTLE HOUSE series; but after reading THE LONG WINTER, I believe that I've changed my mind. Once more, Laura Ingalls Wilder has penned a magnificent addition to the series about her life. Laura seems so grown up within the pages of THE LONG WINTER. Her maturity level has simply soared, and the compassion she shows towards Mary, and helping her fulfill her dream of going to college is absolutely heartwarming. The newfound bond between her and the aging Carrie is also quite refreshing, showcasing the special love found only between siblings. I found the chapters about Almanzo and Royal Wilder to be a nice treat, as well. It was fun to get a glimpse into the world of these two life-loving brothers, and spy on their quarrels and humorous relationship. THE LONG WINTER manages to keep readers toasty warm!

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

if you like reading books about animals and people who work hard to get what they want,then you will like this book. I like this story,personally, because it tells a story about a family caught in a blizzard with little food and no places to go to get food because there are no trains and there is hardly anything for them to do but wait. You should try this book because you will love the story about a family who is fighting to save their lives. I guarantee you will enjoy reading "The Long Winter".

This was given as a present to the Mumbulla School for Stiner Education. All the girls and one boy who have read it so far have told me that they loved the book. They are also asking to hire the other books in the searies that they havent read yet.

Wonderfull for ages 8-12yrs.

Of all the Little House books, this one seems to evoke the strongest emotions. Whether it's cold, hunger or just admiration for the family. This book is an experience and one that you'll remember long after you're done.

More than all of that, this is a book to listen to. From the beginning of the whir of the mowing machine to the singing on the last page, you hear this book. The blizzards howl and screech, threads sing together like music, voices of strangers in the street, the coffee mill grinds on endlessly. Pa loses his "voice" when his hands are too roughened by twisting hay to play the violin. Throughout all is the music made by singing, speaking and the routine of life, against the voices in the blizzard. Many times the family sang or recited in order to hear themselves and fight against the howling winds.

When I first read this book as a girl, I remembered the cold and how Laura had to twist that hay just to survive and stay warm. Now as an adult, I admire the family dynamics. Caroline and Charles always stayed positive and strong. They didn't argue, they only figured out a way to get them by. When the weather got any of the family down, someone else gave them courage. Laura really developed in this story as well. It was the first time that I could recall her using Ma's words, "alls well that ends well" after the slough incident. She showed more responsibility and discipline than she had to this point.

The story is simply told, not with big words but with a big view on life. The pacing keeps you turning pages, even without our modern day cliffhangers. The best part is this book is clean and portrays good values while not being preachy. I would recommend this to anyone of any age. Just make sure you snuggle before reading because when you're done, you'll feel as if you had gone through it as well.

Timeless book series. Every generation should have the original series, especially with Garth William's illustrations.

I bought this book as a replacement for one that was missing from my collection.

Laura Ingalls and her family have been living along the banks of Plum Creek for over five-years now. While the lovely town has a school that Laura and her sisters may attend, it lacks much else; and Pa has spent countless years trying to keep afloat, and stop himself, and his family, from succumbing to death. Which is why Pa believes that moving West to Dakota Territory, is the best way to keep a roof over his family's head. Laura, couldn't be happier. As opposed to the rest of her family, which is content in living like a caterpillar, wrapped up in a cocoon; Laura is more like a butterfly, spreading her wings, and wanting to explore the world around her. And when they pick up their belongings and head West, that's exactly what she finally gets to do.

Now almost thirteen-years-old, Laura is no longer given the privilege of simply frolicking around throughout the day. Instead, she must help Ma prepare food, and look after the little ones. But the little ones aren't the only people who need looking after. The family was recently struck with a bout of scarlet fever, and while everyone manage to pull through, Mary lost her sight from the sickness, and must be handled with kid gloves. Laura, however, doesn't mind. She will do anything she can to help Mary adjust, and, just as Pa told her, she is Mary's eyes. Moving West is difficult with so many strikes against the Ingalls family, but things look up when Pa is offered a job as a bookkeeper, timekeeper, and shopkeeper. The job pays fifty dollars a month, and offers a homestead for the Ingalls family to reside in. Pa believes the job is a true blessing, and instantly scoops it up - looking forward to begin work, and find a new place for his family to live. But as they head towards De Smet, the Ingalls family realizes that they aren't the only ones heading West. With the lure of as much free land as you'd like, many people have decided to pack up and head to the warm West. While neighbors are welcome, the Ingalls family must watch their back, for many people are trying to steal the claim's of others, and if they're not careful, they could end up one of the families cast out of the rich new environment.

While the previous LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE books displayed hardships for the Ingalls family, and the friends and neighbors around them, none can compare to the sadness that accompanies the Ingalls family within the pages of BY THE SHORES OF SILVER LAKE, as they must contend with Mary's newly acquired blindness. That issue alone casts a somber shadow over the entire story, however, it does not make things any less interesting. Even with her handicap, Mary keeps a bright smile on her face, and shows that nothing can stop her from helping her family survive - from sewing to knitting, and everything in between. Mary smiles in the face of adversity, and truly becomes a favorite character in this addition. Laura, on the other hand, has truly matured since the previous book, ON THE BANKS OF PLUM CREEK. While she is still as jovial and fun as always, she has more responsibilities at this time in her life, and steps up to the plate without complaint. The family, in general, is delightful to spend time with. The warm, coziness of their home, and the fact that there is always something scrumptious simmering away on the stove provide readers with a comfortable, familiar feeling; while, over time, the characters begin to feel like family members whom you can't help but root for. A story that settles into your heart from page one.

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

This is the fifth of nine books in the "Little House" historical fiction series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. The book starts with the news, in the first chapter, that Laura's older sister Mary has gone blind. The information is related matter-of-factly, "Her blue eyes were still beautiful, but they did not know what was before them, and Mary herself could never look through them again to tell Laura what she was thinking without saying a word." (p. 2)

Laura has to become Mary's eyes and see for her, describing in detail what she is seeing so that Mary, too, can "see." The perceptive reader understands how central this experience, this role, was in shaping the future author of this series of books which are enduring across generations of readers, young and old.

Much later in the book, in the chapter, "On the Pilgrim Way," a much beloved, Reverend Alden is visiting, passing through with a very young (boy preacher) Reverend Stuart, and has just said to Ma, "I am sorry indeed, Sister Ingalls, to see the affliction that has come to Mary."

The reply comes, "Yes, Brother Alden," Ma answered sadly, "Sometimes it is hard to be resigned to God's will. We all had the scarlet fever in our place on Plum Creek, and for a while it was hard to get along. But I'm thankful that all the children were spared to us. Mary is a great comfort to me, Brother Alden. She has never once repined."

Brother Alden extends encouragement and comfort, "Mary is a rare soul, and a lesson to all of us...We must remember that whom the Lord loveth, He chasteneth, and a brave spirit will turn all our afflictions to good. I don't know whether you and Brother Ingalls know that there are colleges for the blind. There is one in Iowa."

The account continues, "Ma took tight hold of the edge of the dishpan. Her face startled Laura. Her gentle voice sounded choked and hungry. She asked, 'How much does it cost?'"

In this book, perhaps more than the other books in the series, the author develops the subtleties of what the Ingalls family is all about, the close interrelationships of its members, their self-sacrificing devotion to one another. With the news that there are colleges for the blind, Laura determines to work hard so that the family can afford to send Mary to one, a theme that carries throughout other books in the series.

The author does a nice job of developing the central characters, especially Mary, whose blindness does not in any manner stop her from being a valuable, contributing member of the family. For example, it is Mary who warms and entertains baby Grace on her lap in the rocking chair by the fire, a repeated sweet scene.

Mary is mentally sharp and keeps the free-spirited, free-wheeling Laura on her toes, particularly when it comes to being truthful and describing accurately what she (Laura) is seeing. When Laura tells her the road in front of them has disappeared, Mary objects, saying that is impossible. Laura struggles to explain. In the chapter, "The Shanty on the Claim," Laura describes the shanty, which is papered with black tar paper fastened with yellow lath strips as "tiger-striped." Mary corrects her and points out that tigers are yellow with black stripes.

Laura gets her first glimpse of her future husband Almanzo Wilder, who along with his older brother Royal, passes the Ingalls family, the Wilder boys standing in a wagon, driving a beautiful, matched set of horses. Laura's attention is consumed completely by the beautiful horses, and she seems to scarcely notice the young men.

We cover this series, as well as the prequel series (The Martha Years, The Charlotte Years, The Caroline Years) and the sequel series (The Rose Years) in our home school curriculum with my grandchildren, who are currently 11, 8 and 6. My grandson enjoys the books at least as much as my granddaughters.

This book is by Laura Ingalls Wilder. The story is about Laura, her older sister Mary, her two little sisters Carrie and Grace, and Ma and Pa, who are their mom and dad. They move from one place to the next. The setting is 19th century trail and shows a lot of trees, wagons, and people too.
One of the main events is when Mary, Carrie, Grace and Ma get Scarlet Fever and Mary went blind. Another is when Jack was their dog and he died of old age.
The author is telling about her life when she was a little girl. She is Laura. I think my favorite part of the book is when Laura and Lena were riding horses in Lena's backyard. The book starts when Mary goes blind. Some of it is sad, some of it is happy, and some of it is just right. I think everyone could like this book if they really wanted to.
- Emma,9

Even if you never cook any of these foods, this is fun reading for Little House fans. The book is crafted so excerpts from the books which mention the foods are included with the recipes. I haven't tried cooking any of these, but most recipes seem doable. Good for LHOTP collections.

We bought this to supplement our unit study and have really enjoyed the recipes. This book also adds lots of extra information, not just on the Ingalls and Wilder families but, on farms of the time and farm house kitchens.

This is a great compliment to reading the Little House books. As a homeschool mom I know that the kids want to experience the same things that Laura and her family did and this si a really fun way of bringing the books to life! You'll learn how to make crackling corn bread, Ma's baked beans and a green pumpkin pie! This is another wonderful addition to our family library and yours as well!

As a big fan of the Little House books I was really excited to get this cook book. It is full of great info and is good for learning about how they cooked (and what they cooked) in the past. I wouldn't plan on using it as a day to day cook book, but for something fun or to understand the Little House books better, it's a great buy.

I loved reading this book after reading all Ingalls-Wilder's books this summer. The history behind each recipe and the obvious attention to detail make this an excellent book for any Little House fan. I've made about 8 recipes so far with great results.

I was really looking forward to "Fried Apples and Onions" from Farmer Boy and was expecting something different than what the final outcome was (more of a steamed dish than a fried one). The Light Bread and Light Biscuits were raved about as well as Bird's Nest Pudding (a new favorite for us). The fried salt pork with gravy was an unexpected triumph, even if too salty. The corn dodgers were okay, something my family is not accustomed to. The Rye 'n' Injun bread was very different than anything we've ever had-surprisingly sweet and the rye flavor packs a punch. The doughnuts were excellent-something I'll probably be expected to repeat soon. Really looking forward to trying the molasses on snow candy-just waiting for the snow!

I was looking forward to trying my hand at cheese making but found that the instructions were incomplete. Three entire paragraphs for this recipe ended without finishing sentences-maybe an issue I should bring up with the publisher. Otherwise, this review would be a solid 5 stars. (Update on the Hard Cheese recipe that was incomplete-I have gone back and forth with the publisher on this and it comes down to the fact that the 3rd edition of this cookbook-whether hardback or paperback-was edited poorly. They have sent me 2 'replacements', and both had the same problem as the book I received as a gift. They were very nice about it and told me to donate the books to the local library, but I'm still missing a complete recipe. Very disappointing!)

I would agree with others that this is a book to be enjoyed WITH your children and should not be considered a children's cookbook. I enjoyed reading the included excerpts from the Little House books to my family as we ate each recipe and look forward to trying more recipes in the near future. I have a large collection of cookbooks and even cater to small groups occasionally, but this book will be treasured for those times I can enjoy in the kitchen-just for fun.

This book was very well written. It fills in some of the gaps the stories leave out. This author has an easy to read style of writing. For anyone reading about Laura, this is a great read.

This certainly isn't as good as some other Laura Ingalls Wilder biographies, but it's not bad. I think this is focued more toward young teens than adults.

Laura Ingalls Wilder: A Biography (Little House) by William Anderson

My niece needed some resource material for an elementary school project. This was a wonderful book, informative and easy for a 4th grade student to read and enjoy, as well as enjoyable for adults. Some of the photos are very touching, and this book is a must-have for any Laura fan. I plan on ordering an additional copy for our school library.

This book was purchased for my 10 year old daughter's book report. It was perfect for her age provided lots of good details for her report.

This paperback was great reading. It answered a lot of questions that I had and also filled in a lot of gaps. It made me wish that I was around when Laura was alive so that I could have written her a 'fan' letter. Remarkable woman as was her whole family. I now watch the DVD series with new eyes and more interest (if that was possible).