Independent Reading Level- Grades 3rd-5th
Awards: Lewis Carroll Shelf Award (1958)

Meet Laura Ingalls...the little girl who would grow up to write the Little House books. Wolves and panthers and bears roamed the deep Wisconsin woods in the 1870's. In those same woods, Laura Ingalls lived with her Pa and Ma, and her sisters Mary and baby Carrie, in a snug little house built of logs. Pa hunted and trapped. Ma made her own cheese and maple syrup. All night long, the wind howled lonesomely, but Pa played his fiddle and sang, keeping the family safe and cozy.

This book was read to me by my father to me and my little brother when we where very young. I remember the fantasies of that warm wooden house, and especially the great descriptions of cooking and crafmanship. Other books of the series are great too, but as the first, this book has a special place in my hart. ( )

I have never read this series, though I did watch the show when I was younger. I think I always assumed it would be boring to read, though. I can't say for sure it wouldn't have been when I was younger, but I completely enjoyed it now. This in-depth look at life for an American pioneer family through the eyes of a little girl is full of heart, teaching the reader about how pioneers had to work almost constantly in order to have enough to eat throughout the year, a place to live, and warmth in the winter, forget toys and luxuries. I appreciate how, even when the kids are punished, their parents clearly still love them and make sure they know it. Despite the hardships and all of the work they had to do, it was a simpler time that, in some ways, we're all the worse for losing.

My enjoyment of the book was greatly enhanced by the audiobook narrator. Cherry Jones did a fantastic job, and I am so happy to know that I can stay with her through the whole series. On top of that, whenever Pa played the fiddle in the book, we get to hear it! And Cherry Jones sings along when the lyrics are in the book, making for a beautiful listening experience! If you've ever considered reading this book, or have already read it and have occasion to listen to the audiobook, I say do it! ( )

I've read my childhood edition probably dozens of times, but not in many years. I recently moved to Minnesota quite close to Lake Pepin and I plan to do a day trip to visit the re-created cabin there. It was high time to read the book again to get the details in my head--and to get another hint of the winter weather I'll soon experience.

I still love this book--the voice, the day-to-day details, the pioneer how-to, Pa's stories. One negative to note: my boxed set of Little House books dates to about 1990, and still has some of the original racist period language; I was taken aback by a song in this book, because I'd forgotten all about it. I wouldn't be missed in newer editions, that's for sure.

I'll need to reread the whole series over the next while. ( )