Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder is a classic children’s novel series, loved by generations of readers around the world. The books give an insight into life on the American frontier in the 19th century and are based on Wilder’s real life experiences.
The first book in the series, Little House in the Big Woods, was published in 1932, and the series eventually comprised 9 books in total.
The first novel introduces readers to Wilder’s family, and focuses on the daily life of young Laura Ingalls and her family, who move from the Big Woods of Wisconsin to a farm on the open prairie in Kansas. The reader meets Laura’s siblings, her parents Ma and Pa, and their beloved family dog, Jack. Wilder’s beautiful descriptions help bring to life her memories the family’s journey, their hard work and the danger from wild animals, plus the unforgettable friendships and fun events along the way.
The second novel, entitled Little House on the Prairie, sees the family move from Kansas to a claim in the Indian Territories in Kansas. Wilder is both descriptive and powerful in her narrative of this new, unknown world for young Laura. Here, the family face hardships and danger, as well as joy and love. Throughout the novel, Laura learns valuable lessons about friendship, loyalty, family strength, courage and kindliness, as well as finding out what things make life worth living.
The following books in the series follow the family’s journey across the growing United States, as they move around to Minnesota, the Dakotas, Iowa, and finally back to the Big Woods of Wisconsin. Rich imagery and vivid detail transport readers to the time of Wilder’s youth.
This beloved series is not only full of adventure and excitement, but also a heart-warming story of love, family and courage. Readers of all ages will appreciate the vivid details, wholesome lessons, thrill of danger and an insight into pioneering spirit. In her final novel, The First Four Years, Wilder reaches the end of her saga. This enigmatic story leaves us wanting more, and wondering what life could have been for young Laura growing up on the prairie.
Wilder has enchanted generations of readers with Little House on the Prairie. Her journey into life in the 1800s is captivating and inspiring as she shows how prairie life could be both rewarding and challenging. Through Wilder’s storytelling, her timeless characters and thoughtful reflections, Little House on the Prairie has become an enduring classic that readers of any age can enjoy.
