Product Description
Inspired by Laura's stories of her pioneer childhood, children from all over the U.S. have written to tell her about their own families and little houses. This unique collection includes poems, drawings, birthday cards, valentines, and even photos of these children. Full-color insert. ... Read more

Product Description
Writing from a feminist perspective, the author examines what is it about the "Little House Series" that accounts for its enduring commercial success. It examines both the content of the novels, the process of their creation, and what it demonstrates about the current trends of American culture. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Interesting academic/literary theory analysis
What most of the reviewers here seem to have missed is that Romines's book is an academic analysis; don't read it if you're not interested in a textual analysis of the books. All that being said, as someone who loved the Little House books as a child and reread them as an adult, I was shocked to rediscover the gender and ethnic issues raised in the books. Romines book provided just the sort of scholarly analysis that I was looking for. I do feel that Romines made a few too many assumptions in her analyses (for example, the issue raised by other reviewers about the *subconscious* incestuous relationship between Laura and her father) -- but this may be because I don't really have a background in literary theory. Nonetheless, I was fascinated by the analysis of gender, race and ethnicity, consumption, age, etc., issues that are obvious when reading the books. In addition, Romines does a good job of making the book readable; she discusses her own love of the books from childhood to adulthood.

Interesting debate, way-out-there theories.
After reading good and not so good reviews of this book, I attempted to read this book with an open mind. Hard thing to do, especially if you are a Laura-fanatic.

I can see where the author was coming from on such topics as minority issues and the subject of Ma and Laura's relationship. However, I think some of the gender/feminism issues were WAY over the top, and had to stop reading the book for a while after reading the ludirous accusations of an incestual relationship between Pa and Laura. Also, with all the conflicts the author tried to find, I"m surprised she didn't tackle the good ol' fashioned sibling rivalry that is a major player between Laura and Mary in the first 3 books, and rears its head from time to time in the last four.

The author tried too hard to find conflict where there wasn't any. There is a complex web we weave in day to day interactions that have anything and everything to do with gender, race, and class distinction but you know what? Sometimes a Rose is just a Rose.

erudite and interesting
Romines' study of the Little House books is learned and informative.She alludes to many current discussions in literary studies.I recommend this book for the college student who is interested in children's literature and/or women's writing.Don't be put off by the negative reviews of readers who wanted hagiography rather than analysis.

High School Quality Writing at Best
The book reads like it was written by a high school student.Ms. Romines lets her arguments lead her to the supporting evidence and not the other was around.For example, although Laura writes in These Happy Golden Yearsthat she had never been as happy in her short life as she was the summershe taught at the Perry School and lived on her parents' claim, Ms. Rominesdecides this statement must be false because Laura can see the WessingtonHills out the window of the school and Wessington contains the letters W,E, S, and T so really she must be longing to go west the whole time.Themost infuritating part was when she said that it would have been perfectlyplausible for Laura to write a book about Mary's college years and that herdecision not to might have been indicative of something under the surface.Anyone who knows these books at all knows that Laura's descriptions arealmost entirely visual and the stories are told through the EYES of themain character.Laura's ability to capture the world with words came fromspending years of her life filling in the gaps in Mary's experiences.Howcould she possibly have written a story from the point of vieew of a BLINDperson?I may not agree with everything I read, but if it is written welland the arguments are supported well I enjoy learning something anyway. This book was a lesson in what should not be published.

I was not impressed by Ann Romines feminist views
I enjoy reading about Laura Ingalls and her family and was anxious to read this book as well.But I soon became disappointed quickly when the author decided to put sexual overtones into relationships between father anddaughter and cast the mother as a predjudiced servant who followed herhusband around like a dog.She mistankenly tried to explain the roles ofthe family in a 20th century feminist viewpoint, but it failed horribly. For example; in LHOTP, when Pa and Ma were raising the walls of the house, she seemed to write how Ma wasn't capable of raising the walls with heavylogs. " Obviously,a woman who participates in building courtsdisaster."What the author fails to realize is that logs areextremely heavy for any person, let alone a woman and the simpleexplanation is that Ma just could not lift such a heavy item.I highlydoubt Pa thought that women bring bad luck and ruin any project thatinvolve them.My advice to the author is that if you are going to write abook about a 19th century family, you can't think like a 20th centuryfeminist. ... Read more

Product Description
In a sturdy board book adapted from the Little House books, preschoolers are taken on an exciting visit to Laura's house on the prairie. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Beautiful sweet book
I have a few books in this series and they are all very sweet and simple.My two year old really likes these and has been enjoying them since she was one.They are a pleasant nod to a simpler time when families worked side by side.I also have the picture books but these are more her speed for now.We read them over and over and over and...If you have children you know the drill!=)

Simple and beautiful!
This is my 10 month old's favorite book. It's short and sweet,with lovely illustrations and design. She loves Laura's smiling face and simple activities. It's the first book she pulls off the shelf every time! ... Read more

Product Description

Long, long ago, a little girl named Laura Ingalls lived in a little house in the Big Woods of Wisconsin with her Pa, her Ma, her sisters, Mary and Carrie, and their good old bulldog, Jack. One spring day Pa has a wonderful surprise--he is taking the family on a trip into town! Laura is very excited, for she has never been to a town, and this special visit is everything she imagined and more.

Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House books have been cherished by generations of readers. Now for the first time, the youngest readers can share her adventure in these very special picture books adapted from Laura Ingalls Wilder's beloved storybooks. RenÉe Graef's warm paintings, inspired by Garth Williams' classic Little House illustrations, bring Laura and her family lovingly to life.

1995 ‘Pick of the Lists’ (ABA) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Simple LIfe Pleasures
This is a fabulous example of the simple life of times past.What joy was found in just being together as a family with the added fun of "going to town".

All First Little House Books are Excellent!
I just love this series of First Little House books.My own two girl have delighted in them and a fequently give them to 3-6 year olds as birthday or Christmas gifts.
The stories are classic Little House and the illustrations just beautiful!

Perfect Introduction to the Little House Series...
Adapted deftly from the Little House series made famous by Laura Ingalls Wilder, this gorgeous picture book tells of Laura's first day trip with her family from the Big Woods to the nearby town of Pepin Wisconsin. The writing is charming and warm, the typeface perfect for reading aloud or independently. The illustrations, inspired by Garth Williams' originals, are extraordinary...absolutely beautiful! I would not consider this adaptation to be a "dumbed down" version of the originals, nor it is too juvenile for older readers. Rather it is a perfect transition piece which lends itself to wonderful cuddling and conversation, both of which are important for developing strong readers no matter how old they may be.

I would also recommend the hardcover editions. They last longer through many readings and make reading aloud feel like a real treat.

Enjoy.

Great series of books
When I was a kid my dad got me the whole LittleHouse series of books.I loved them and readthem for years.Now I have 2 daughters of myown and I'm thrilled to be able to introduce themto the Little House books at ayounger age.Theillustrations are great and the stories are well written.As I'm reading them to my daughters Iremember the stories whenI read them as a kid. Fun for all of us!

enchanting book for all youngsters
THIS INTRODUCTION TO THE LAURA INGALLS' BOOKS IS EASY TO READ, DELIGHTFUL TO LOOK AT AND AN ENCHANTMENT, IN MY OPINION, FOR YOUNGSTERS OF ALL AGES.EVEN OLDER CHILDREN WILL APPRECIATE ITS GENTLE HONESTY AND GORGEOUS ILLUSTRATIONS. ... Read more

Product Description
A brief biography of the author of the Little House books which were based on her own experiences living with her family on the frontier in the late 19th century. ... Read more

Product Description
Laura and her family meet their new neighbor on the prairie, Mr. Edwards--a wildcat from Tennessee. Mr. Edwards is always happy to lend a hand, and he loves to dance to the sound of Pa's fiddle. Little House Chapter Books are the perfect way to introduce beginning readers to the world of Little House.

... Read more

Product Description

School Days

School is always exciting for Laura Ingalls and her sisters. Laura knows that learning can be fun, and there are so many friends to play with at recess!

The Laura Chapter Books are part of an ongoing series of Little House Chapter Books.

Customer Reviews (2)

School Days
I liked this story because it was happy and sad at times. The story was really detailed and I could make pictures in my head of what it would be like in the late 1800's. I learned a lot about Laura Ingalls Wilder. For instance, Mary was courageous even though she was disabled. I also learnedthat they moved from Minnisota to South Dakota. I hope you will read thisinteresting book too!

School Days
I liked this story because it was happy and sad at times. The story was really detailed and I could make pictures in my head of what it would be like in the late 1800's. I learned a lot about Laura Ingalls Wilder. Forinstance, Mary was courageous even though she was disabled. I also learnedthat they moved from Minnisota to South Dakota. I hope you will read thisinteresting book too! ... Read more

Product Description
The tales of Laura Ingalls Wilder formed the basis for The Little House on the Prairie television series which touched the hearts of millions. This collection of her inspirational writings reflects faith and wisdom distilled from a lifetime of experience. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Laura knew the Lord as Savior!
If you have ever wondered if Laura knew Jesus as her Savior this book seems to answer with a resounding yes!

These are writings Mrs. Wilder did for an adult audience.
Uplifting, challenging, charming, these original writings
of Mrs. Wilder celebrate her positive approach to life
and her faith in God.Published as advice to women,
these writings predate her famous series of children's
books. In fact, they are part of the only writing Mrs. Wilder
ever did for adults.

Readers are brought face to face with the fact that the
problems and the solution to problems haven't changed
from the early part of this century until now. The strong
balance of family love,faith in God, and common sense
principles will see the weary pilgrim through the journey
of life.

Mrs. Wilder wrote from experience, and her words ring
true. This year marks the 130th anniversary of her birth.
... Read more

Product Description
What happened next in the Little House series? William Anderson's research and writing helps fill in the gaps of the famous pioneer family story, which has been loved for generations. Laura Ingalls Wi ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

The Iowa Story Laura Ingalls Wilder Little House
The Iowa story was written to cover the 2 years missing from The Little House series. It is very interesting and includes clear photos. Before this book, very little was known about this period of time. This was after the Ingalls family moved from Walnut Grove. They would return to Walnut Grove 2 years later. In that 2 years they lost their son and had a daughter (Grace Ingalls). Mary also returned to Iowa after she became blind to attend the college for the blind. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Little House.

Interesting!
This small book describes the year that Laura Ingalls Wilder lived in Iowa and other ties that she had to Iowa.The year in
Iowa was not included in the books that Laura wrote.We find out that that year was not a happy year, particularly when they were actually "backtracking" east, when they are trying to move on west.We find out more about that year, Mary Ingalls'
time in Vinton, Iowa, and about other friends from Iowa.

The facts presented in this book was very interesting.I am from Iowa and lived in the town where Mary Ingalls went to
school (my grandparents lived right up the road from that school).

Good information on Laura's time in Burr Oak
This is the definitive book of facts about Laura's time in Burr Oak, Iowa. This book tells about how the Ingalls family came to Burr Oak, what their time in Burr Oak was like, as well as providing an account of the restoration of the Master's hotel and information on other Ingalls ties to Iowa. If you want the complete account of Laura's time in Burr Oak, this is the book to read. This is an easily read book, althoigh it is more a collection of facts than entertaining. Old town in the green groves is the story version of Laura's time in Burr Oak. Laura lived in Burr Oak as a nine year old for a year, from the autumn of 1876 to the autumn of 1877. Although Burr Oak was a short period in Laura's life it was an important and interesting one. Laura never wrote about Burr Oak in her Little House books, because of four reasons. The most important of these is that it was not the happiest time for her and her family. Yet the adult Laura still had some fond memories of her time in Burr Oak:''I have thoughts of Burr Oak as a lovely place''. Laura's baby brother ,Charles Frederick Ingalls (Freddie), had just died before they arrived in Burr Oak, at the age of only nine months,and the Ingalls where coming from Walnut Grove, where the grasshopers had destroyed their crops. Thus, their time in Burr Oak was not off to an auspicious beginning. Nor did it get any better: by the time they left in the autumn of 1877 they had moved three times within the town of Burr Oak. One thing they did gain in Burr Oak-Laura's youngest sister Grace Pearl Ingalls was born there on May 23, 1877. Of all the Laura sites today,Burr Oak is probably the one that has changed the least.It is still possible to feel the atomsphere of the town as Laura felt it. Laura's time in Burr Oak was both happy and sad, and although she never wrote of it in her books, the time she spent there was always memorable to her. This book is the best source of facts on Laura's ''lost years''. If you are interested in Laura's time in Burr Oak, this is the place to start. Of course the best thing to do is to actually visit Burr Oak. It is as well worth visting as this book is worth reading. I am Laura's eighth cousin and I was a tour guide in Burr Oak two summers.

Into the Life of Laura
If you want to know more about Laura Ingalls wilder, this and The story of the Ingalls are the books to read.William anderson does a great job of giving more details that werent in the books. ... Read more

Product Description
A biography of the author of the beloved "Little House" books describes the Ingalls's life in the woods, their nine moves in a period of three years, the hardships they faced, and Laura's later years as a writer. Original. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

classic
My nine year old daughter loved it. It was easy to understand. She said it kept her interested till the very end. It teaches good values.

Great short story of LIW life
I got this book when I was 10 years old the first year it was published in 1992. I loved it back then and I still love it today. It wasn't too long however so it does not go into too much detail but it covers the important parts of Laura's life that you would not otherwise know from just reading the Little House books. So if you'd love a short book about Laura this book is a good pick. ... Read more

Product Description
A brief biography of the well-known author of the "Little House" books, which tell the story of the writer's family life and experiences growing up on the frontier. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Meet Laura Ingalls Wilder
My wife has many of the books concerning this family.
I recently bought her three more including this title. Though this title is meant for the young reader, I still feel the author is
ripping off the public. All the material as well as the photographs
is available in other titles. Nothing new here. ... Read more

Product Description
FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Laura Ingalls Wilder grew up listening to her Pa's fascinating tales about living on the prairies, in the woods, and on the plains. Enter the fascinating world of the little girl who once lived in a little house on the prairie. ... Read more

Product Description
Together, Laura, Mary, and Carrie play games, find mischief, and explore the wild as they travel and settle throughout the Midwest.Join in the fun with everyone's favorite pioneer sisters!

... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

thanks so very much Atttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt
i have really enjoyed reading the chapter books, it really was hard to put down

Age Appropriate chapters about Laura & her sisters
"Pioneer Sisters" begins with the family living in the woods of Wisconsin and we recognized some familiar sentences word-for-word from "Winter Days in the Big Woods" of the "My First Little House" series.Then in one brief chapter they head West in their covered wagon to Kansas.Here, Laura and Mary gather up Indian beads they find.In another chapter they move on to Minnesota.They play in a straw stack and get in trouble.The final chapter is a Christmas celebration.The only criticism I have for this particular book is where Laura hits her sister and later on after being corrected for this she talks about still wanting to slap Mary.Siblings will frustrate each other and that's a fact of life that children can relate to, but not all kids hit when they get mad and I guess I'd prefer that a potential role model didn't either.But they do learn about sacrifice and generosity in the very next chapter. If your child likes the "My First Little House" series and you feel that the original "Little House" versions are just a bit over his/her head right now, "Pioneer Sisters" is a great book to bridge that gap.I have to disagree with other reviewers who feel that the Little House stories are being too chopped up and dumbed-down for little readers.In my opinion, each series is valuable and age appropriate.The "My First Little House" picture books are great for introducing the stories with lots of pictures that help them envision Laura's world.Once your child can read a bit more, the original series of books are just too daunting because of how many pages they contain."Pioneer Sisters" and the other chapter books in this in-between "Little House" series are perfect for this stage.You can't really expect them to absorb all the details and lessons that Laura Ingalls Wilder has to offer.That comes later as you read and reread the original versions.

Is Little House losing Laura?
I enjoyed reading this book.I think it is a sweet book for beginning readers, but definately lacking of the special essence that makes the little house books what they are.The author has taken some of the most memorable stories from Laura's books and gently adapted them for young readers today.The relationship between Laura and her two sisters is highlighted, which I believe is a wonderful thing for children today to be exposed to.The stories are still there, I won't deny that.However, I feel that as 'new versions' of the beloved little house books, the stories are being dumbed-down quite successfully!Who says Laura didn't write her books for beginning readers?By the time a child can read they can appreciate Laura's stories.I don't believe it is neccessary to adapt them at all.These new editions are bereft of many interesting coloquialisms of the day, and also Laura's own subtle magic woven into her words, which I am sure makes the plot more accessible, but takes away much of what makes the stories Laura's.I have loved to read of the Ingalls family since the age of six, and I still do, but I know that the reason I read them is not only for their adventures, but because of the Laura in every sentence.Please don't let's take Laura from Little House!

Is Little House losing Laura?
I enjoyed reading this book.I think it is a sweet book for beginning readers, but definately lacking of the special essence that makes the little house books what they are.The author has taken some of the most memorable stories from Laura's books and gently adapted them for young readers today.The relationship between Laura and her two sisters is highlighted, which I believe is a wonderful thing for children today to be exposed to.The stories are still there, I won't deny that.However, I feel that as 'new versions' of the beloved little house books, the stories are being dumbed-down quite successfully!Who says Laura didn't write her books for beginning readers?By the time a child can read they can appreciate Laura's stories.I don't believe it is neccessary to adapt them at all.These new editions are bereft of many interesting coloquialisms of the day, and also Laura's own subtle magic woven into her words, which I am sure makes the plot more accessible, but takes away much of what makes the stories Laura's.I have loved to read of the Ingalls family since the age of six, and I still do, but I know that the reason I read them is not only for their adventures, but because of the Laura in every sentence.Please don't let's take Laura from Little House!

This story is about Laura and Mary growing up together.
This is a great story about two girls named Mary and Laura they have a 1 year old sister named Carrie. They go to town and get all kinds of stuff they make Carrie a necklace madeout of buttons. If I were you I would buythis book now! ... Read more

Product Description
All nine Little House books. In slipcase. Has all original illusts. by Garth Williams. ... Read more

Product Description

Laura's Ma

Laura Ingalls knows her Ma can do anything! Ma can make butter from scratch and braid hats out of straw. Best of all, no matter where Laura's family settles on the frontier, Ma always makes their little house a home.

The Laura Chapter Books are part of an ongoing series of Little House Chapter Books.

Customer Reviews (2)

Enjoys Little House
My second grader enjoys these books very much, some new words are introduced.Very easy to read.

Glad to find this.

Laura's Ma
This book is a very good book. It tells you how Laura's Ma, Caroline raises her family,and copes with moving, and never having a stable home. I enjoyed this book, but I think it would be better to read the real books, the Caroline years. (Little house at the Crossroads, Little house in Brookfield...) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A wonderful addition to your "Little House" collection!
This book gives background information for many of the songs that Laura quotes in her books.Music was an important part of Laura's family life, and if you always wondered what those tunes sounded like, this book andcassette are for you! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Historic Travel Reading
The main purpose of this guide is to acquaint the reader with what is to be found along the designated historic highway and places that have a significant relation to Laura Ingalls Wilder. The book is an overview of different regions in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and South Dakota where Laura Ingalls Wilder lived in the 1800's as described in her books. Starting in Wisconsin and ending in South Dakota, taking you town by town, following the movement of Laura and her family as she grew up on the Western Frontier.

The journey is broken down into sections that highlight a few places to visit in each area. Starting in Wisconsin's Upper Coulee Country & Mississippi River Valley, to the Mississippi Valley & Bluff Country of Minnesota & Iowa, then to the Minnesota River Valley and finally the Prairies of Minnesota & South Dakota. Interesting period history and some geographic information is given on these regions throughout the pages, which also exhibits a good share of black and white pictures. After these chapters come a few notes on Festivals & Pageants in certain towns along the route. Then the author talks about different travel option ideas for interest, such as small convoy camping or large group motor coach tours. At the back of the book is a quick reference list mainly giving phone numbers and some other contact information for towns & cities in each of the previously mentioned areas.

The book is fairly decent but meager and it really may not be what you expect. It provides very little in direct help on planning a trip (recommended places to eat or stay) but does gives a "lengthy" explanation of the Dakota Conflict of 1862. It's just as much, or maybe even more so, a book of U.S. history facts, findings and events as it is of an actual travel guide. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Only Book About Laura Ingalls Wilders Florida years
This is the only book to discuss the period of time that Laura her husband Almanzo and daughter Rose moved from Almanzo's
family home in Spring Valley Minnesota to Westville Florida.While Laura did not feel well in the Florida climate she found her self in a different world. 1891 was so close to the Civil War that northern women were an oddity. Eventually the family moved back to the home town of Laura's parents and then on to Missouri where they spent out the rest of their lives. ... Read more