“A long time ago, when all the grandfathers and grandmothers of today were little boys and little girls or very small babies, or perhaps not even born, Pa and Ma and Mary and Laura and Baby Carrie left their little house in the woods of Wisconsin.”

From Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie.

Leaving their family, home, and life in Wisconsin behind for the opportunity to create a new life in Kansas, the Ingalls family sets off on an adventure that is more amazing than any of them ever imagined.  Making the long trip by covered wagon, the family packs up the limited possessions that they can, and head off for a new life.  Arriving in Kansas is a bit scary for the Ingalls, but when they meet fellow settler, Mr. Edwards, he provides both a helping hand and a solid friendship.  With the help of some neighbors, Pa is able to complete the log cabin that will be help protect them from a wide variety of elements. The long winter is brightened by Mr. Edwards’ kindness and the arrival of spring dawns the family’s small farm into a bustle of activity.  While their family faces many different dangers from people, animals, weather, and sickness, Laura and Mary also find that as long as the family is together, their new home can be full of just as many good things.

Wilder’s popular Little House series continues with a book that does well to create settings and characters that are relatable, captivating, and timeless.  The illustrations are simple, yet powerful when coupled with the unfolding story.  While there are some more mature ideas presented from the lifestyle of the characters and world at the time, the details are never gory, but realistically descriptive.  Little House on the Prairie is a captivating look at life in the past that made the series so popular for readers of all ages.