Wolves and panthers and bears roamed the deep Wisconsin woods in the 1870's. In those same woods, Laura Ingalls lived with her Pa and Ma, and her sisters, Mary and Baby Carrie, in a snug little house built of logs. Pa hunted and trapped. Ma made her own cheese and maple sugar. All night long, the wind howled lonesomely, but Pa played his fiddle and sang, keeping the family safe and cosy.You know those favorite childhood books that leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside during every re-read? This is definitely one of those.It's a classic. I mean what else is there to be said? I can't truly speak for the rest of the series because, for whatever reason, I never read any of the other Little House books besides this one and On the Banks of Plum Creek. I definitely intend to finish out the series now as an adult.I think what makes Little House in the Big Woods so unique and so good is that this is not a story written with an overarching plot or some subliminal message. It is Laura Ingalls Wilder's memories of her own childhood. Granted, whether it is entirely factual, I do not know. What I do know is that this is a nice, wholesome tale to relax with. It would be perfect to read while cuddle up next to a fireplace. Maybe it's because she tells of a simpler time, or maybe it's because as a kid I was obsessed with all things "pioneer" (Kirsten was my favorite American Girl, hands down), but this has always been one of my favorite books.Another great thing about Little House in the Big Woods is its readability. When I was young, once I hit the chapter book phase, I pretty much did my own reading, but I know of lots of people who have had this read to them or who have read it with their own children. Heck, I remember I loved reading this out loud on my own! It's easy to read without feeling like it's dumbed down, even for an adult.The thing is, too, that this book is educational, which I didn't notice as a kid. Every so often different cultural/historical practices, that might be unknown to someone from the present day, are explained in basic terms. As a reader, you really get a feel for what daily life would have been like throughout all of the seasons for someone living back then.This story, told with the innocence of a child, is a story to last the ages. Easily accessible at any age, Little House in the Big Woods is a book to be read, enjoyed, and shared many times over. I can't wait to read the rest of the Little House books!5 / 5Check it out:Happy reading and until next time,
1 comment:
I read these books over and over when I was little. They are so wonderful in their simplicity...yet so much drama as well.
Post a Comment