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Little House #1-2, 4
Laura's Early Years Collection
Three treasured novels in paperback--"Little House in the Big Woods, Little House on the Prairie", and "On the Banks of Plum Creek"--shrink-wrapped together in a beautifully designed package.
First published January 1, 1965
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386 people want to read
About the author
Laura Ingalls Wilder
420 books5,381 followersIngalls wrote a series of historical fiction books for children based on her childhood growing up in a pioneer family. She also wrote a regular newspaper column and kept a diary as an adult moving from South Dakota to Missouri, the latter of which has been published as a book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
January 25, 2021
Check out my reviews on each individual book on their main GR pages. :)
June 21, 2018
This was probably the most read book during my childhood, for I was forever dipping in and out of this tome to re-immerse myself in the adventures of the characters who formed much of my daydreams and play.
April 18, 2008
I'm re-reading several of the Little House books to prepare for a Laura Ingalls Wilder party that Shelley H. and I are doing at work next week.
These books NEVER get old. I mean, they're old, sure, but they never lose their immersive magic.
Even knowing that Laura wasn't actually old enough to experience the Big Woods first-hand and that the Little House on the Prairie was kind of a bust and that the Banks of Plum Creek probably weren't as enchanting as she made them out to be...well, it doesn't matter. Wilder crafted some perfect stories, and I'm so excited to celebrate them with kids!
These books NEVER get old. I mean, they're old, sure, but they never lose their immersive magic.
Even knowing that Laura wasn't actually old enough to experience the Big Woods first-hand and that the Little House on the Prairie was kind of a bust and that the Banks of Plum Creek probably weren't as enchanting as she made them out to be...well, it doesn't matter. Wilder crafted some perfect stories, and I'm so excited to celebrate them with kids!
March 19, 2008
Pa is a grizzly & wonderful guy and Ma is sweet. One of my favorite parts of the book tells of a time when the girls were bored, so for fun Pa blew up a pig's bladder and gave it to the girls. The played with it for days! My other favorite part is when Laura receives for Christmas one shiny penny, a piece of a tasty honeycomb, & her own tin cup-and she was thrilled to have her own tin cup. This book is great but I didn't read the whole series because as a young boy I became bored as Laura grew older. I still think this is the best book of all of them though.
March 4, 2008
I read these books to my kids last year and they loved them. They are full of simple stories of a simpler time and simply delightful. (On the Banks of Plum Creek was our favorite - there are a couple of funny stories in there that we love.) It is intriguing for kids to read of how people used to work, bake, hunt, etc., etc. I was surprised how much I had forgotten since I had read them as a child.
April 22, 2008
When I was in first grade I discovered the Little House series and my love of reading was born. My friend Holly and I used to be obsessed with these books and we would read and act them out together. Santa Clause brought me the entire series for Christmas when I was 7 or 8 and I read these books more times than I can count. I still have all of the books (minus one that I ruined while I was trying to read it while taking a bath) and I am excited to pass them on to my daughter.
November 8, 2008
I spent the summer after kindergarten with my grandparents, and my grandmother used to read these to me at naptime (she'd usually fall asleep and so I would go to see what grandpa was up to). But, as long as she was reading I would stay put and listen as my imagination was filled with the fantastic images of being a girl in those days.
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July 12, 2007I ENJOYED LEARNING ABOUT HER LIFE AND ENJOYING ALL OF THE TECHNOLOGY WE HAVE NOW COMPARED TO THEN. IT MADE ME APPRECIATE THINGS NOW
Currently reading
April 28, 2008I love this book and read when i was child still love it tina
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2008
I used to LOVE these! I read them all the time whenever I stayed home from school sick.
April 28, 2008
This is the best series of books!!!!I recomend it to everyone!
July 19, 2025
I read and reviewed the three books collected here separately, and so this is just for my own records. Of the three, Plum Creek was my favourite - the really appealing depiction of the prairie itself bumped the book up to four stars, whereas Big Woods and Little House on the Prairie only got three. (And why is it I can never type the word "prairie" without getting it wrong? I know how to spell it, but my fingers don't agree.)
Anyway. I find, when reading this series, that the books are more appealing as I go along. I think it's because Laura's growing up in them, and so her understanding of the world and the events around her is a little more mature. Given I never read these books as a child, and am only reading them some decades later, the slowly more realistic depiction of pioneer life is just more interesting to me.
Anyway. I find, when reading this series, that the books are more appealing as I go along. I think it's because Laura's growing up in them, and so her understanding of the world and the events around her is a little more mature. Given I never read these books as a child, and am only reading them some decades later, the slowly more realistic depiction of pioneer life is just more interesting to me.
June 14, 2018
I enjoyed this children book. The story made you feel for the Ingalls family as they survive out on the prairie. There were a few scenes in the story that matched the movie I saw many years ago. This is a good story for third graders on up as well as for adults.
I think everyone needs to read it.
I think everyone needs to read it.
April 5, 2021
Finished reading Little House in the Big Woods with the kids on April 4, 2021.
Still need to read Little House on the Prairie and On the Banks of Plum Creek with them.
Still need to read Little House on the Prairie and On the Banks of Plum Creek with them.
May 18, 2023
Still love this!! The christmas scenes…💖 and the cover?!
January 26, 2009
A childhood pleasure revisited!
My fondest memories of elementary school were of Ms. Call, the librarian, and her bookish domain. My favorite times at grade school were those hours sitting at Ms. Call's feet while she read aloud to the class, then the ten minutes or so after "storytime" when we were allowed to pick out books for our personal reading. For some reason, I was a huge series fan - would pick one author and then read all of his/her books: Walter Farley's Black Stallion series, Judy Blume, the Anastasia series (no, not about the Russian princess), the Boxcar children (important note: I despised both Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys), and my two favorite authors: Marguerite Henry - she wrote Misty of Chincoteague, King of the Wind, Brighty of the Grand Canyon, etc. - and Laura Ingalls Wilder, whose books I read and reread like they were going out of style.
Thus, when I stumbled into the library and saw these books, I couldn't help myself. It's been years since I last visited with Laura and her family, first in The Big Woods, and later at the Shores of Silver Lake, but reading her words was like being with an old friend. Adding to the delight was the self-sufficiency, both subliminal and direct, that Wilder preaches - more meaningful now as I've been studying such subjects. Wilder talks about the once a year process of processing pork, the seasonal diet her family sustains itself upon, their reliance on the foods of the forest and plains, as well as all that they grow themselves (nope, ain't no grocery stores in The Big Woods). The idea that children be well behaved at all times (seen and not heard at the dinner table, minding their manners and not being selfish with their ONE personal toy) is almost a bizarre concept now. When Laura gets her beloved Charlotte (a rag doll) for Christmas, her one and only present, she is completely beside herself with awe and glee. And it was a freakin' rag doll - it didn't come with batteries, blinking lights, a game console... I mean, do children today read these books and think, What the hell? Possibly. I found it refreshing, though.
The concept of Americans and what we are as a people, what we stand for, etc. has been recently bandied about (it always happens in election years), but when I read Wilder's works, I can't help but feel proud of the self-reliance, the pioneering spirit, the resourcefulness and delight at simple pleasures that her family embraces. It's something I hope more Americans will consider.
**FASCINATING TIDBIT: a seed-savers exchange - Baker Seed Company - is located next door to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Homestead and Museum in Missouri... check out their website (www.rareseeds.com).
My fondest memories of elementary school were of Ms. Call, the librarian, and her bookish domain. My favorite times at grade school were those hours sitting at Ms. Call's feet while she read aloud to the class, then the ten minutes or so after "storytime" when we were allowed to pick out books for our personal reading. For some reason, I was a huge series fan - would pick one author and then read all of his/her books: Walter Farley's Black Stallion series, Judy Blume, the Anastasia series (no, not about the Russian princess), the Boxcar children (important note: I despised both Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys), and my two favorite authors: Marguerite Henry - she wrote Misty of Chincoteague, King of the Wind, Brighty of the Grand Canyon, etc. - and Laura Ingalls Wilder, whose books I read and reread like they were going out of style.
Thus, when I stumbled into the library and saw these books, I couldn't help myself. It's been years since I last visited with Laura and her family, first in The Big Woods, and later at the Shores of Silver Lake, but reading her words was like being with an old friend. Adding to the delight was the self-sufficiency, both subliminal and direct, that Wilder preaches - more meaningful now as I've been studying such subjects. Wilder talks about the once a year process of processing pork, the seasonal diet her family sustains itself upon, their reliance on the foods of the forest and plains, as well as all that they grow themselves (nope, ain't no grocery stores in The Big Woods). The idea that children be well behaved at all times (seen and not heard at the dinner table, minding their manners and not being selfish with their ONE personal toy) is almost a bizarre concept now. When Laura gets her beloved Charlotte (a rag doll) for Christmas, her one and only present, she is completely beside herself with awe and glee. And it was a freakin' rag doll - it didn't come with batteries, blinking lights, a game console... I mean, do children today read these books and think, What the hell? Possibly. I found it refreshing, though.
The concept of Americans and what we are as a people, what we stand for, etc. has been recently bandied about (it always happens in election years), but when I read Wilder's works, I can't help but feel proud of the self-reliance, the pioneering spirit, the resourcefulness and delight at simple pleasures that her family embraces. It's something I hope more Americans will consider.
**FASCINATING TIDBIT: a seed-savers exchange - Baker Seed Company - is located next door to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Homestead and Museum in Missouri... check out their website (www.rareseeds.com).
May 4, 2010
So apparently Little House in the Big Woods is a deep book. Or at least Megan thought so. When we finished it, she immediately started asking me why all kids have a mom and a dad and how it is that kids a long time ago had a mom and a dad, and who fed them (she determined that Jesus must have fed them).
We finally figured out that she was referring to Adam and Even and how they were able to grow up without a mom and dad.
It was an interesting conversation, all sprung from Laura Ingalls Wilder reflecting on what was past and what was present. Weird.
Anyway, at certain points I wanted to quit reading, and at other points I thought it was mildly interesting. It's not a book I would have found worth my time as a kid, but Megan really enjoyed it and even read it on her own at times, leaving me out of the loop and having to catch up to get to where she was. And boy does that girl read fast. I had no idea she could read so fast and retain so much.
Anyway, it was an ok book. If I could give it another half star to make it 2.5, I would. It did spark other interesting conversations about what life was like back then for kids and families. I think Megan appreciates some things more now.
I'm not sure who to recommend the book to. I guess if you like quaint histories, this book's for you.
We finally figured out that she was referring to Adam and Even and how they were able to grow up without a mom and dad.
It was an interesting conversation, all sprung from Laura Ingalls Wilder reflecting on what was past and what was present. Weird.
Anyway, at certain points I wanted to quit reading, and at other points I thought it was mildly interesting. It's not a book I would have found worth my time as a kid, but Megan really enjoyed it and even read it on her own at times, leaving me out of the loop and having to catch up to get to where she was. And boy does that girl read fast. I had no idea she could read so fast and retain so much.
Anyway, it was an ok book. If I could give it another half star to make it 2.5, I would. It did spark other interesting conversations about what life was like back then for kids and families. I think Megan appreciates some things more now.
I'm not sure who to recommend the book to. I guess if you like quaint histories, this book's for you.
November 28, 2016
I read these stories as a kid, but I'm so glad I read it a second time as an adult. It really opened my eyes! First of all, life back then was soooo different than it is now.
Kids got excited over peppermint sticks as Christmas gifts from Santa Claus. Tin cups, red mittens, things of this nature were gifts kids received at Christmas, and they were very happy to receive them. Living was all about survival, about building your own home, shooting animals for food, growing your own vegetables. Clothes were made by moms, food was all prepared and cooked every day at home, animals were there as pets, used as food, and to plow the land.
Exercise was done outdoors, playing was done in the creeks, doing chores at home had to be done by everyone, resting on Sundays, and not complaining was part of that life. It makes you think twice about how much "convenience" has shaped our society now and it also makes you realize how lazy we really are to some degree too (for some people).
It wasn't about pursuing the almighty dollar back then. It was about survival. Reading this book made me thankful I do not have to worry about bears, shooting animals, and bearing blizzards in a wood home with no heating. I think all adults and children alike ought to read this book, even though the picture of Laura Ingalls eating a pig tail was a bit too much for my taste.
Kids got excited over peppermint sticks as Christmas gifts from Santa Claus. Tin cups, red mittens, things of this nature were gifts kids received at Christmas, and they were very happy to receive them. Living was all about survival, about building your own home, shooting animals for food, growing your own vegetables. Clothes were made by moms, food was all prepared and cooked every day at home, animals were there as pets, used as food, and to plow the land.
Exercise was done outdoors, playing was done in the creeks, doing chores at home had to be done by everyone, resting on Sundays, and not complaining was part of that life. It makes you think twice about how much "convenience" has shaped our society now and it also makes you realize how lazy we really are to some degree too (for some people).
It wasn't about pursuing the almighty dollar back then. It was about survival. Reading this book made me thankful I do not have to worry about bears, shooting animals, and bearing blizzards in a wood home with no heating. I think all adults and children alike ought to read this book, even though the picture of Laura Ingalls eating a pig tail was a bit too much for my taste.
November 3, 2008
We finally finished reading these after many prolonged months. Not to say we did not enjoy them, we did. It just took us a long time reading them aloud here and there. I am pleased as punch that Annelise has been exposed to the goodness of Little House on the Prairie and that she enjoyed listening to the adventures of Laura and her family. We decided to take a break from the prairie for a while, but hope to read more. As Annelise gets older she can relate to an older Laura as well.
September 19, 2008
I adore these books, I just keep coming back to them again and again.... particularly 'Little House in the Big Woods'. They capture an era so beautifully, a time that is lost forever, when pioneers struggled to survive, but maple syrup flowed sweet, meats were smoked with hickory chips and wolves bayed outside your door. These stories are absolute magic, and firmly planted in many of my childhood dreams.
August 24, 2008
While Anne of Green Gables beat out Little House on tv, the Laura Ingalls Wilder books beat out Anne in print. The early years were my favorite out of all the collections. On the Shores of Silver Creek, which come in the next box set has this chapter about Jack that made me really think about Buster. With Buster dying, all I could think of was Jack and how it was time.
May 28, 2009
I read this to my kids at night. I loved it the first time I read it last year, and enjoyed reading it to my kids. But I did censor some of it for the kids, ie. some of the hunting/butchering stuff, and the comments of how Laura thought her brown hair was ugly. Didn't want my 4 year old to get that kind of talk stuck in her head. But the kids enjoyed the book and want to read the next one.
December 31, 2009
I really used to enjoy reading Laura Ignalls Wilder's books when i was younger..
Don't get me wrong, i still like them, it's just that, i think i read all of her books in the series already...
They really seemed to calm me down and i loved the different plots that the family had to deal with.
It gave me the feeling of living in a world back then.. =)
Don't get me wrong, i still like them, it's just that, i think i read all of her books in the series already...
They really seemed to calm me down and i loved the different plots that the family had to deal with.
It gave me the feeling of living in a world back then.. =)
May 26, 2017
I read this aloud to Logan. I had always loved all the Little House books. I read them often as a child. Re-reading now, with my five year old (Laura is also five in this book), was a very fun experience.
Always a wonderful read!
Always a wonderful read!
November 7, 2008
I loved the Laura Ingalls story and her childhood memories, with out the stress of growing up on the prairie. Her day to day life is so different and interesting, the things that she looks forward to, the things that entertain and excite her, it is so entiging.
February 27, 2009
I first read these books when I was seven. I loved them. I enjoyed reading them to my children. The only thing I didn't care for was Laura's negative attitude about church. Not wanting my children to adopt the negative views of church I grew up with, I just skipped those portions of the book.
May 10, 2009
this is a good book so far and I still like reading her books their are many other laura ingalls wilder books and they are really really easy to read this one is good so far only because I havn't finished it yet.
September 15, 2009
I've actually only read the first two so far, but I love them so far. I love how much detail she puts into describing everything. It makes me thing that perhaps I should re-work how I keep a journal.
November 21, 2009
Such a wonderful reminder of my childhood! These books are classics that every little child should read. They make me smile thinking about some of the wonderful stories and places that Laura lived in.
December 22, 2009
My kids read this book for their library book club...I enjoyed hearing them reading out loud to one another. These books never lose their joy for me and I absolutely love that my kids are reading and loving them too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews