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My First Little House Books
Prairie Day
Join Laura and her family on their journey across the flat Kansas prairie. There are gophers and rabbits to play with in the daytime, and a cozy camp awaits at night. Renée Graef's enchanting full-color illustrations, inspired by Garth Williams' classic artwork, bring Laura and her family lovingly to life in this ninth title in the My First Little House Books series, picture books adapted from Laura Ingalls Wilder's beloved storybooks.
32 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1997
About the author
Laura Ingalls Wilder
465 books5,531 followersLaura Ingalls Wilder was an American author, journalist, and educator whose "Little House" series transformed the arduous reality of the American frontier into a foundational pillar of children's literature. Born in the "Big Woods" of Wisconsin to Charles and Caroline Ingalls, Laura’s childhood was a nomadic journey through the heart of a shifting nation. Her family moved across Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Iowa, and the Dakota Territory—often staying just ahead of legal evictions or chasing the promise of fertile soil. These years were marked by extreme hardship, including the "Hard Winter" of 1880–81 in De Smet, South Dakota, where the family survived near-starvation. Despite the struggle, these experiences provided the raw material for her eight-volume record of pioneer life, a series that has since been translated into over forty languages.
Before becoming a world-renowned novelist in her sixties, Wilder lived several distinct lives. At fifteen, she became a teacher in one-room prairie schools, a job she took primarily to support her family financially. In 1885, she married Almanzo Wilder, beginning a partnership that endured fire, paralysis from diphtheria, and the heartbreaking loss of an infant son. These trials eventually led them to Mansfield, Missouri, where they established Rocky Ridge Farm. It was here that Laura developed her voice as a professional writer, serving as a columnist and editor for the Missouri Ruralist for over a decade.
The Great Depression and the 1929 stock market crash wiped out the Wilders’ savings, providing the ultimate catalyst for Laura to pen her memoirs. Her daughter, Rose Wilder Lane—a successful author in her own right—encouraged her mother to adapt her autobiography, Pioneer Girl, into a format more suitable for children. This resulted in a complex and often rocky literary collaboration; while Lane provided the professional "style," Wilder provided the "substance" and narrative heart. The first book, Little House in the Big Woods, was published in 1932 when Laura was sixty-five.
Wilder’s legacy is a blend of immense literary success and modern historical scrutiny. While her books remain staples in classrooms for their vivid descriptions of 19th-century domestic life, her portrayals of Native Americans and African Americans have led to recent reevaluations. In 2018, the American Library Association renamed the "Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal" to the "Children's Literature Legacy Award" to reflect these evolving cultural sensitivities. Nonetheless, Wilder remains a monumental figure in American letters, a woman who successfully "saved the American soul" by documenting the grit, faith, and unyielding persistence of the pioneer spirit.
Before becoming a world-renowned novelist in her sixties, Wilder lived several distinct lives. At fifteen, she became a teacher in one-room prairie schools, a job she took primarily to support her family financially. In 1885, she married Almanzo Wilder, beginning a partnership that endured fire, paralysis from diphtheria, and the heartbreaking loss of an infant son. These trials eventually led them to Mansfield, Missouri, where they established Rocky Ridge Farm. It was here that Laura developed her voice as a professional writer, serving as a columnist and editor for the Missouri Ruralist for over a decade.
The Great Depression and the 1929 stock market crash wiped out the Wilders’ savings, providing the ultimate catalyst for Laura to pen her memoirs. Her daughter, Rose Wilder Lane—a successful author in her own right—encouraged her mother to adapt her autobiography, Pioneer Girl, into a format more suitable for children. This resulted in a complex and often rocky literary collaboration; while Lane provided the professional "style," Wilder provided the "substance" and narrative heart. The first book, Little House in the Big Woods, was published in 1932 when Laura was sixty-five.
Wilder’s legacy is a blend of immense literary success and modern historical scrutiny. While her books remain staples in classrooms for their vivid descriptions of 19th-century domestic life, her portrayals of Native Americans and African Americans have led to recent reevaluations. In 2018, the American Library Association renamed the "Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal" to the "Children's Literature Legacy Award" to reflect these evolving cultural sensitivities. Nonetheless, Wilder remains a monumental figure in American letters, a woman who successfully "saved the American soul" by documenting the grit, faith, and unyielding persistence of the pioneer spirit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 28, 2026
"Every day after that they traveled as far as the horses could go, and every night they made camp in a new place"Little Laura and her family have left the Big Woods of Wisconsin and started their covered-wagon journey to the west.
As the family continues along their way, the reader learns exactly what goes into such a journey. From cooking over an open fire to goodnight tuck-ins in the back of the covered wagon to chasing rabbits, birds, and gophers through the long grasses of the plains.
And throughout all of this, they had each other. Ma to care for the girls, Pa to play the fiddle, and the whole family together all night long.
Ahhh...reading all of these Little House picture books makes me so nostalgic for the series.
"... Ma tied on their nightcaps and tucked them into bed. Tomorrow they must be on their way again to find their new little house on the prairie."
Laura Ingalls Wilder is one of my absolute favorite authors and I have so much fun rediscovering her world as I read aloud to my little one.
I absolutely love the pacing of these books - there's no "big bad" or any real tension. The stories focus on little snippets into Laura's life.
We learn interesting things about what they did differently (and the same) compared to our own lives and experience the love that stands the test of time.
All in all, this was a wonderful read.
September 24, 2024
A look at life in a covered wagon. I love prairies and the way Graef illustrates the Great Plains here is just *chef's kiss*
May 6, 2023
Buat romantisme, yang ingin mengenalkan anak pada kisah klasik Little House on the Prairie. Dikemas dalam picturebook dengan cerita singkat dan ilustrasi yang cukup cantik.
March 10, 2021
This is an exciting book about what it was like to live life going to the prairie. This book is based on the Little Prairies Series.
The illustration of this book stands out; warm colors, soft lines, and detailed figures fill this book's pages.
This would be an excellent book for any grade level. It would go with the study of travels to the western plains.
I believe this book would be a great Caldecott Winner because it meets all the requirements to win. The artistic technique fits perfectly with the story. The pencil shading and warm tones make it feel realistic. The style illustration plays a crucial role in making the concept of the book come to life.
Throughout the story, the illustrator does the art in a way for younger and older readers.
The illustration of this book stands out; warm colors, soft lines, and detailed figures fill this book's pages.
This would be an excellent book for any grade level. It would go with the study of travels to the western plains.
I believe this book would be a great Caldecott Winner because it meets all the requirements to win. The artistic technique fits perfectly with the story. The pencil shading and warm tones make it feel realistic. The style illustration plays a crucial role in making the concept of the book come to life.
Throughout the story, the illustrator does the art in a way for younger and older readers.
November 28, 2017
11/28/17 Read with Naomi & Julia.
I always love Little House books.
I always love Little House books.
November 27, 2018
Describes, for early elementary, the journey of the Ingalls family across the prairie.
June 27, 2021
What a cute version of the classic Little House story. Great book.
March 20, 2024
3.5 stars
A day in the prairie as the Wilder family makes their way to what will be their homestead.
A day in the prairie as the Wilder family makes their way to what will be their homestead.
July 8, 2024
A great way to introduce young readers to the Little House books.
August 27, 2025
We had put some fall leaves into the pages of this book at some point.
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December 21, 2015• Summarize the book
The book is about the story of Laura Ingalls Wilder and how her family headed west in a covered wagon. It talks about the many adventures and obstacles that the family faced along the way. It is written for young readers and is the first book in the series. It talks about what they did and what they ate as they were travelling across the plains to find a place to settle.
• Identify the characteristics from the text that support the specific genre (What makes it traditional literature? What makes it historical fiction?)
This is historical fiction because it talks about how life was for people who lived during that time. It also describes real events that happened or could have happened during that time.
• Identify specific literary or educational concepts that could be integrated into the classroom. (eg. This book is a good text to use when teaching how to make inferences, or This books deals with bullying and would be useful when beginning a discussion about bullying in the classroom.)
This book would be a great introduction to a unit about the prairie and the people who travelled west in search of land to use for farming. It also talks about themes such as courage and not giving up when it is hard so it could be used to discuss those themes as a whole class or in guided reading groups.
• Provide any other suggestions that would be useful regarding literary content, reading level, and other ways in which the book might be integrated.
This book is much shorter than the original books by Laura Ingalls wilder so it is perfect for younger student and would be a great way to get them interested in reading the longer chapter books.
The book is about the story of Laura Ingalls Wilder and how her family headed west in a covered wagon. It talks about the many adventures and obstacles that the family faced along the way. It is written for young readers and is the first book in the series. It talks about what they did and what they ate as they were travelling across the plains to find a place to settle.
• Identify the characteristics from the text that support the specific genre (What makes it traditional literature? What makes it historical fiction?)
This is historical fiction because it talks about how life was for people who lived during that time. It also describes real events that happened or could have happened during that time.
• Identify specific literary or educational concepts that could be integrated into the classroom. (eg. This book is a good text to use when teaching how to make inferences, or This books deals with bullying and would be useful when beginning a discussion about bullying in the classroom.)
This book would be a great introduction to a unit about the prairie and the people who travelled west in search of land to use for farming. It also talks about themes such as courage and not giving up when it is hard so it could be used to discuss those themes as a whole class or in guided reading groups.
• Provide any other suggestions that would be useful regarding literary content, reading level, and other ways in which the book might be integrated.
This book is much shorter than the original books by Laura Ingalls wilder so it is perfect for younger student and would be a great way to get them interested in reading the longer chapter books.
July 23, 2011
When I first found one of these Little House books I immediately wanted to introduce the series to Julia. I remember loving, loving, loving Little House on the Prairie when I was younger and I'll still watch it on t.v. if I happen to catch it. That being said, I was worried they wouldn't be dramatic or colorful enough for Julia. Little did I know - she ended up loving each one we've read so far.
We've read a few in the past three or four days, including Prairie Day.
Even though it get slightly repetitive if you read them one after the other I do like the first page of every book and how it outlines the players. Julia has it memorized and by the time I get to "...her baby sister..." she's chiming right in with me.
I think the allure for Julia is that this represents something so unknown to her. Her life is so different from Laura's of course that she just can't stop watching. In this case, listening.
Prairie Day follows the usual routine, with the family traveling to and through Pepin to Kansas where they stop for the night in their journey to find their new little house on the prairie.
I think it's interesting that as much as Julia and I love the comforts of our modern life, this type of life is tempting. The book portrays such peace and happiness - they all do.
Renee Graef's illustrations are just beautiful, absolutely stunning.
We've read a few in the past three or four days, including Prairie Day.
Even though it get slightly repetitive if you read them one after the other I do like the first page of every book and how it outlines the players. Julia has it memorized and by the time I get to "...her baby sister..." she's chiming right in with me.
I think the allure for Julia is that this represents something so unknown to her. Her life is so different from Laura's of course that she just can't stop watching. In this case, listening.
Prairie Day follows the usual routine, with the family traveling to and through Pepin to Kansas where they stop for the night in their journey to find their new little house on the prairie.
I think it's interesting that as much as Julia and I love the comforts of our modern life, this type of life is tempting. The book portrays such peace and happiness - they all do.
Renee Graef's illustrations are just beautiful, absolutely stunning.
December 5, 2008
Much to my delight, my boys who are five and two absolutely love these books! The "My First Little House" series takes stories out of the original little house books and illustrates them beautifully. My boys love to point out each family member and my five year old asks lots of questions. These books have become a wonderful way to introduce history and "the simple life" to my little ones. These books have great family values. :)
April 1, 2014
These "first" books are absolutely wonderful! The illustrations are very nice and so eye catching for non readers. I LOVE "My First Little House Books", am so glad I found them now I won't have to wait until my 2 year old granddaughter is older to share with her the wonderfully sweet stories of Laura and History back in pioneer days! LOVED THIS BOOK!
In this book they are setting out on the prairie in the covered wagon. Traveling over rivers and over bridges etc. 'camping' out. etc.
In this book they are setting out on the prairie in the covered wagon. Traveling over rivers and over bridges etc. 'camping' out. etc.
June 8, 2011
I have been obsessed with these stories since I was a little kid. I always wanted to be a part of this life. The images and illustrations captured in this series are just wonderful. You can almost smell the prairie.
March 22, 2012
The pictures are great to introduce little ones to Little House though not as accurate as the Garth Williams classics. I didn't notice it in the "full length" Little House books, but the word "and" is used way too much in this particular short story.
May 25, 2012
Notes:
All the books in this series are beautiful.
Great intro to pioneer life, but may not connect to preschoolers with no frame of reference.
Son read them after he first learned to read.
Excerpted from Wilder's actual books.
All the books in this series are beautiful.
Great intro to pioneer life, but may not connect to preschoolers with no frame of reference.
Son read them after he first learned to read.
Excerpted from Wilder's actual books.
November 5, 2012
My five year old love this and asked to read all the Little House books of the series. The illustrations are as warm as in the original series and the text is easy but still true to the original. We'll keep reading more of these.
December 19, 2013
This is another book in the My First Little House Books series that is an easy read for my elementary students who can't quite handle the regular series yet. My 7 year old son just loves these stories about life "in the old days."
March 16, 2014
A wonderful intro to the Little House series. These books are snippets of the longer books to give young readers a nice bite. I loved the simplicity of the illustrations to the story. These stories give a nice education to life in the early US prairie life.
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August 14, 2018My First Little House Books work well for pre-school and elementary storytimes.
Adapted from the Little house books by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Subject: Frontier and pioneer life -- Juvenile fiction
Subject: Wilder, Laura Ingalls, 1867-1957-Juvenile fiction.
Adapted from the Little house books by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Subject: Frontier and pioneer life -- Juvenile fiction
Subject: Wilder, Laura Ingalls, 1867-1957-Juvenile fiction.
December 19, 2007
it was good.
August 1, 2008
Beautiful Pictures...very simplified version of the little house book.
January 27, 2009
Really sweet, and fun for little girls. Ellie loved it, she wants to make a bonnet.
January 24, 2009
Simple and sweet. This book is 1 of a series and it's great for a peak into the past in terms the kids can grasp.
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October 9, 2009Little House On The Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder (1975)
July 27, 2016
Very brief recap of the Little house on the prairie books in picture book form.
March 18, 2012
a short retelling of part of the books for younger readers
October 17, 2012
This is a very good book by Laura IngAlls Wilder. This is a story that describes family life in the old days.
February 24, 2014
Great!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews