County Fair

My First Little House Books

by Laura Ingalls Wilder, Jody Wheeler (Illustrator)

It’s an exciting day for Almanzo as the Wilder family visits the county fair in this second My First Little House Book adapted from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s classic Farmer Boy. There are contests, races, and good things to eat, and Almanzo can’t wait to see what the judges think of his special pumpkin. Jody Wheeler’s luminous illustrations bring Laura’s beloved farmer boy to life.

Genres: Picture Books, Historical Fiction, Childrens, Fiction, Summer, Historical, Kids

32 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1997

About the author

Laura 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.

Reviews

[Miranda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

"...Almanzo's pumpkin had gone to the Fair the day before in the wagon. It was too big to fit in the buggy."

Almanzo Wilder and his family are all ready for the County Fair. His sisters have been busy preserving, pickling and making jam while Almanzo spent all summer growing his giant pumpkin.

Before the pumpkin judging, Almanzo and his father go to see the animals - beautifully stocky grey horses and even a surprisingly loud mule! From there the family has dinner together and then it's time for the big judging.

"He tried not to care too much about the prize. But he wished everyone knew that the biggest pumpkin was his."

But there's more to the pumpkin contest than just having the biggest one. Will Almanzo win? Or will another fairgoer take home the coveted prize?

Ahhh. I just adore these picture book versions of Laura Ingalls Wilder's books.

This is the second of the picture books to follow her husband's childhood story from her book Farmer BoyFarmer Boy (the other picture book being A Farmer Boy Birthday).

I really adore the easygoing nature of the story - we get a light adventure as Almanzo explores the fair and we can see how some things are different and some things are the same between then and now.

The illustrations are so wonderfully matched to the story and the popular book series. Wonderfully drawn characters, gentle color palette and plenty of interesting details on each page.

All in all, a fabulous addition to the series!

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I really haven't wanted to read these My First Little House books because I'm rather against adaptations and just feel like, why not wait until the kids are ready for the original? I don't want someone else deciding what is important and watering it down. That said, I am currently looking for picture books about county fairs and how could I pass this up? The county fair chapter is one of my favorites in Farmer Boy and we've already read the novel as a family read-aloud so I figured there couldn't be any harm. Well, I'll be honest--I was charmed! The illustrations are very much in Garth Williams' style (apparently done with his permission) and the story, while yes very much lacking compared to the actual chapter in the book, along with the illustrations, manages to capture the festive atmosphere of the county fair and Almanzo's feelings as he experiences it, most notably, his love of horses, his enthusiasm for the food, and his anxiety and elation about the pumpkin competition.

[Kim♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

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. :)

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like this series for introducing little ones to historical fiction and a well-known author, but this one was a little drier than some of the others. It focuses on accomplishment and pride in your work, so you can use it as a teaching point about that.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read-Aloud Revival Recommendation for September Picture Books.

[Cheryl A. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sorry. I just was bored. And Farmer Boy has always been my favorite Little House book. And the art, imo, just has a loose acquaintance w/ Garth Brooks, and definitely suffers in comparison. At least they had the obligatory catalog of foods the boy enjoyed... the original almost gives me a tummy-ache to read!

I wonder, would I like this more if I were reading it as a complete stand-alone? I think, maybe, just a little bit. Really not that great a book imo.

[LeAnn Sigafoose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the little house on the prairie books! I read the full series as a kid and did several book reports on them and to see there is adaptions for younger kids to be able to enjoy those stories as well made my heart so happy.
This book is on Almanzo, which grows up to be Laura's husband. This book talks about Almanzo's fair winning pumpkin and the fun he had at the fair and the donkey scaring him.
A great read for younger children to start learning these characters to prepare them for the Little house on the Prairie chapter books!

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore these Little House Picture Books. We've read a couple of the ones about the Ingalls family, but this one is about Almanzo and his family's day at the county fair. Just like the others, it has beautiful illustrations. It will be fun, I think, when my little ones get older and start reading the Little House chapter books, for them to recognize some of the stories from these pictures books. I love how they capture such an innocent and family-focused time.

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this with Alex, I can’t wait until he’s old enough to read the full “Farmer Boy” novel. He liked the pictures of the animals. For now, I think we need to make a trip to our county fair this year :)

[Danette · Rating 4 out of 5]

12/26/17 Read with Naomi & Julia.

[Linda Klinedinst · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dearly love this book...it is really good. I do love Picture Books.

I give this book 5/5 Stars.

[Sarah Daniluk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check this out for an interesting look into the past during harvest season!

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

An elementary level picture book based on the Little House on the Prarie books where Almanzo and his family attend the county fair when Almanzo was a child.

[Chelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these little books! This one was about Almanzo and his family going to the county fair. Almanzo had entered a pumpkin and anxiously awaited it to be judged.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved getting to read about an old county fair

[Kristy]

Haven't read

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

These Little House picture books are a must for your child’s library!!❤️

[PottWab Regional Library]

SM

[kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

solid

[Michell Karnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful short story about Almanzo Wilder going to the County Fair.

[Jessika Hoover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous illustrations! Recommended for fans of children's books and the Little House series.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

These "My First Little House Books" are a perfect way to introduce your special little one to Laura Ingallas Wilder and her stories. My 3 year old granddaughter and I have been enjoying these books since she was old enough to sit in my lap and look at the wonderful illustrations!

In this one Almanzo is the main characters and his family. They are all excited to be going to the county fair. They all have special things they've made and raised to put in the exhibits. They are all enjoying their day and all get a special ending.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was wonderful for my preschoolers to read as my older children and I were listening to Farmer Boy on audiobook. It tells one of the best parts of the story, and the illustrations feel very true to the book. I really recommend the entire My First Little House picture books for little ones just getting to know the Ingalls and Wilder families!

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across this book and some others like it at the library. I was excited to read them to the kids because we have been listening to the Little House audiobooks in the car. This story comes right out of Farmer Boy and it was fun to listen to it and then read and see pictures as well. I liked the illustrations as well.

[Jessica Bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book about a boy who goes to the fair with his family and his pumpkin won first prize. Since this little boy won a prize for his pumpkin, I feel that this book will show children that they can do anything they set their minds too!

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Scarlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course, the actual chapter is a must read, but, due to the brilliance of the series, this is one of the best “fall” books around. It is completely authentic, not overly nostalgic like all newer fall books are, and still is brimming with all the feelings you want to feel when fall hits.

[Melea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely illustrations. Gentle story which portrays a past time. Of course, I love Laura Ingalls Wilder and always have, so that probably influences my rating.

[Mandy J. Hoffman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute window into what fairs use to be like...and what they should be like today! :-)

[Jodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the original series and never realized that they turned this into a picture book series too. I adore the beautiful illustrations of the stories that I have come to love.