Little House on the Prairie

Little House on the Prairie
Written By: Laura Ingalls Wilder, Illustrated By: Garth Williams
HarperCollins Publishers
1935
Ages: 8-12
Pages: 335

Summary

The Little House on the Prairie is about a little girl named Laura Ingalls and her Ma, Pa and her sisters Mary and Carrie who travel across the great plains in search of a better land and a better life. The whole of the book chronicles Laura's adventures on the prairie: some of the more exciting adventures to read about in the book include when Laura's family has to cross a big creek, when they get to move into their new house, when they encounter wolves on the prairie, when Indians come to visit, when her family and the surrounding people get sick with "fever 'n' ague" and when Mr. Edwards "Meets" Santa Claus. That last experience is one of my favorites. As little girls, Laura and Mary believe that Santa Claus cannot travel at Christmastime without snow and when it rains continually and the creek rises to a dangerous level, the girls are devastated. BUT Mr. Edwards soon shows up, soaking wet and shivering with a HUGE bundle. Mr. Edwards tells his story about how he met Santa. He said that Santa was sad because he didn't think that he would be able to get to the girls because of the creek. So he asked Mr. Edwards to deliver the gifts and Mr. Edwards said he would. Mary and Laura each recieved tin cups, a candy cane, heart shaped cakes sprinkled with white sugar. and a penny.

Who do you think would benefit from reading this book?

I think any young child, especially those children who are interested in our country's history and how it was settled would heartily enjoy these books. The copy that I own, was once my aunt's, and it just goes to show a love for books can be passed down from generations.

Do you see any problems arising from reading this book?

I currently do not forsee any problems arising from reading this book.

What was your reaction?

I have not read this book in quite some time and it was nice to read it again. The 'Little House' books used to be some of my favorites when I was little and it reminded me of one of my other favorite books in the series, Farmer Boy.