Book Review: Love Takes Wing by Janette Oke

 

Belinda Davis struggles to find her way in the world in the seventh book in the Love Comes Softly series, Love Takes Wing. 

As Belinda's nursing career evolves, she finds many she's grown up with are getting married and settling into their new lives. But for her, it's just one monotonous day after the other in her small prairie town. Until the unexpected happens: a passenger on the train has fallen ill and needs immediate medical assistance. 

Belinda and her brother, Doctor Luke, care for the woman in the office at his house. When it is deemed Mrs. Stafford-Smythe will require long-term care, Belinda becomes her full-time nurse. Meanwhile, two former classmates return to town and renew their acquaintance with her.

While her day-to-day life keeps her busy, Belinda remains restless, so when Mrs. Stafford-Smythe asks her to join her on her return trip to Boston while she continues her recovery, Belinda jumps at the chance. She struggles to settle into this new life and is surprised when she finds herself equally as restless and lonely despite the exciting life she now lives. Can she discover what is missing to heal her troubled heart?

Loves Takes Wing is Belinda's coming of age story. The youngest of Marty and Clark's children, she watches while her peers and cousins of the same age marry and have children. But she remains unsettled, despite loving her nursing career. Then her life takes an unexpected turn with the introduction of Mrs. Stafford-Smythe. 

Oke did a fine job with this novel. She sprinkled in romance, but that wasn't the focus. The author created a character ahead of her time; a young woman who decides to be true to herself and discover what she wants out of life versus settling for what others might want for her. Belinda goes on a journey of self-discovery, which takes her from her small town to Boston and then traveling through Europe. Meanwhile, the Davis clan experiences a rift, which affects everyone. Oke wraps up most of the story by book's end, but Belinda's adventures will continue into the next and final book in the Love Comes Softly series, Love Finds A Home.

New adventures, faith, family, forgiveness, and a hint of romance await you in Love Takes Wing. 

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bethany House Publishers; Repack edition (February 1, 2004)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0764228544
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0764228544
• 
  

I own a copy of this book. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way. 

Thanksgiving on the Prairie

 

Thanksgiving is upon us, and that makes us think of family, friends, and all of our blessings. Little House on the Prairie didn't feature traditional Thanksgiving Day episodes. A recent article by Michael John Petty, appearing on Collider, discusses why. You can check out his article here.

During Season 6 (1979), a two-part clips movie titled, "The Little House Years" featured the Ingalls and Kendall families sitting around the table on Thanksgiving. Laura goes through her remembrance book and shares stories covering the joys, sorrows, trials, and triumphs of their life on the prairie, like coming to Walnut Grove, the birth and loss of Baby Freddie, when Grandpa Ingalls came to live with them in Walnut Grove after the death of Grandma Laura Colby Ingalls, and some of Nellie Oleson's shenanigans. 

Though this two-parter starts out with a blooper--Laura says she wrote, "We go today," in her remembrance book when they left the Big Woods, while in the pilot Laura's narration says if she had a remembrance book she would have written down about leaving the Big Woods--this is a great episode that featured some of the best and most dramatic episodes from the first five seasons.

Due to a rights issue, "The Little House Years" does not appear on the DVD sets. Not sure if that will change in the future. 

Have you seen these episodes? Which stories were your favorites? 

Melissa Gilbert Shares Why Cast Has Stopped Supporting 50th Anniversary Fan Events

Tell them like it is, Half-pint. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE magazine, Melissa Gilbert (Laura Ingalls Wilder) explained why she and the cast of Little House on the Prairie have stopped supporting the 50th Anniversary fan events coordinated by Gravel Road Markets, LLC. 

Having attended the one in Farmington, Connecticut, I can't say this came as a surprise. Here is the article so that fans are forewarned that the future events throughout 2024 have been canceled: https://people.com/little-house-on-the-prairie-melissa-gilbert-speaks-out-50th-anniversary-events-exclusive-8722293

Proving the LHOP cast remains dedicated to their fans, they are making plans for events in 2025. 

My Most Popular LHOP Fan Fiction Stories

 

A decades-long love of Little House on the Prairie has led to me writing more than 70 fan fiction stories based upon Laura's life and the show--mostly the latter. You can check out all of them on my Fanfiction.net page here. Please be sure to check story ratings first. 

Of the stories I have posted at Laura's Little Houses, these are some of the most popular:

"The Robe" - Laura returns  Manly's robe after she gets into a fight with Nellie - 1259 views

"The Aftermath of Annabelle" - Almanzo confronts Laura about her behavior at the circus - 899 views

"He's Not the Right Man" - Laura is angry when Miss Wilder suggests Perley Day is a more appropriate suitor for her than Almanzo - 806 views

"The Trials of Fatherhood" - Charles struggles with Laura and Almanzo's relationship - 581 views

"Feelings" - Almanzo is angry that Bart Slater's uncontrolled behavior leads to Eliza Jane and him leaving Walnut Grove - 458 views

Have you read any of these? Which of my fan fiction stories is your favorite? What or who would you like to see more of in my fan fiction stories? 

Where Have I Been Lately?

 

This was going to be the year. The 50th Anniversary of Little House on the Prairie was a year I planned to follow along with all the events, listen to the podcasts, keep this blog active and share how much this show meant to me growing up. 

So... how has that turned out? Dismal? Paltry? Lame? 

Thank you to all the loyal readers who keep checking in no matter how often I post. Today, is the first day I've taken off since August 31, when I attended the Little House on the Prairie Cast Reunion in Farmington, CT. Here are some photos.

Dean Butler (Almanzo) signed my copy of Prairie Man

Met Sherri Stoner (Rachel Brown Oleson)

Met Pamela Roylance and David Freidman (Sarah and Jason Carter)

Reconnected with Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle/Mrs. Sims)

This wasn't the most well-run event, but the cast members were amazing. 

Other than that, real estate has been moving swiftly along, taking up a lot of time. I submitted my NaNoWriMo project from 2023 to a publisher. They sent out a thoughtful rejection a week ago. I have a backup plan, but I'm waiting a bit so I can look at the manuscript with fresh eyes. 

I've also begun plotting the second novel in the series. Likely will tackle NaNoWriMo again this year. So, my middle grade historical languishes while I attend to the small town romances I'm writing. My fifth children's book is also languishing, waiting for the publisher to have an artist ready. Life happens. 

Hope you are enjoying fall or spring, depending upon where you are in the world. Here in New England, the fall colors are peeking out from the greens of summer. Enjoy your weekend. 

Book Review: Love's Unfolding Dream by Janette Oke

 

Janette Oke's Love Comes Softly series continues with the sixth book titled, Love's Unfolding Dream. 

Return to Anderson Corner and follow the continuing story of the Davis family in this heartwarming Christian novel. 

Belinda, who was born to Clark and Marty Davis at the end of the last novel, is leaning toward nursing. Her older brother, Luke, is already a doctor, and he can tell her compassionate heart will serve others well. While Marty has her reservations, she and Clark allow Belinda to assist Luke when appropriate. 

Lots of growth and change has come to the Davis household through the years, and in Love's Unfolding Dream, Belinda's neice, Melissa LaHaye, comes to live with the family while she finishes her schooling. Her arrival creates issues in Belinda's friendship with Amy Jo, who is her brother Clare's daughter. And when it seems the girls are taken with Jordan Brown, Marty and Clark are sure to have their hands full.

Love's Unfolding Dream is another wonderful installment of the Love Comes Softly series. We catch up with Clark and Marty's ever-growing family and meet new characters along the way. A new boy in town captures the attention of Melissa LaHaye and Amy Jo Davis, but it seems he has eyes for another young lady. 

Another new family in town, the Simpsons, needs help but aren't open to charity. When their son Drew is hurt in an accident, Belinda joins Luke to tend to him. When it is clear the damage is irreparable, Luke is uncertain if Belinda can face the decision they make to save Drew's life. And as Drew struggles to move on from his accident, Marty and Clark pray for ideas on how to help the Simpsons. 

As with other books in the series., Oke provides family-friendly, faith-based historical fiction to captivate readers. She keeps the series fresh by interspersing new characters alongside many fan favorites. This was an easy, quick read and one of my favorites from the series. 

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bethany House Publishers; Repack edition (February 1, 2004)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0764228536
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0764228537

I own a copy of this book. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Review: Love's Unending Legacy by Janette Oke

 

The Davis family saga continues with Love's Unending Legacy. The fifth book of the Love Comes Softly series brings Marty and Clark back home to their family. This is the first time their children in Anderson Corner have seen their Pa, and many are relieved that Clark is still the same man they knew before the accident that took his leg. All except Nandry, who is withdrawn and quiet. Marty wonders why, but her adopted daughter seems unapproachable. 

A lot has gone on in the year Marty and Clark stayed on Missie and Willie's ranch. Arnie is courting. Luke is heading off to medical school. Clare and Kate are expecting their first child. Clae and her husband Joe are likely taking a church out east. Meanwhile, Ellie has taken care of all the homemaking and housekeeping chores in Marty's absence. 

Marty and Clark are thrilled to be home, but she doesn't seem to be getting her energy back the way she expected to after the trip, and the family silently worries about what might be wrong. Their days are filled with happy preparations for Arnie's wedding and Clare and Kate's baby, and the pain of temporarily saying goodbye to Luke. With unexpected sorrows along the way, the Davis family will need to lean on their faith to get them through. 

Love's Unending Legacy is the fifth book in Oke's Christian historical series. As time goes on, we see that Marty's faith has deepened in the years since meeting Clark. Now, in her forties, Marty enjoys surrounding herself with her family and friends. This family saga updates fans of the series on where the members of the Davis family are in their lives. Told mostly from Marty's perspective, her mother's heart unfolds as she worries about a future with her children and grandchildren spread across the country, experiences joy at the thought of another grandchild, and wonders how long it will take Nandry to accept the loss of Clark's leg. 

If you enjoy faith-based family sagas, Love's Unending Legacy is a good choice. This dramatic novel brings readers through the ups and downs of a family in a small town with some side plots involving other known characters. Like Marty, the faith in this series deepens as it continues. Great story!

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bethany House Publishers; Repack edition (February 1, 2004)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0764228528
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0764228520

I bought this series on e-Bay. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Review: Back to the Prairie by Melissa Gilbert

 

In Melissa Gilbert's second autobiography, Back to the Prairie, fans get the chance to follow along as she and her husband buy and remodel a rustic house in the Catskills during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gilbert chronicles her life during that time, how she rediscovered--like many of us--what mattered most, how she dealt with the lockdowns and how she and her family adjusted to the new normal. 

Having read Gilbert's first autobiography, Prairie Tale, I had high hopes for this book. I found Back to the Prairie to be more relatable than her first book. And as I look back on the creation of her lifestyle brand, Modern Prairie, you can see how this change to aging gratefully developed during this time as they moved to the Cabbage, raised chickens, got back to nature, and explored cooking.

Since politics run close to Gilbert's heart, there is a fair amount of her sharing how she feels about the politics of the day and the administration in power at the time. You'll also find some cursing along the way.

Despite those things, Back to the Prairie is an enjoyable read that I am glad to add to my Little House on the Prairie collection.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Gallery Books (May 10, 2022)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1982177187
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1982177188

I purchased a copy of this book from Amazon when it came out. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way. 

Book Review: A Prairie Faith: The Religious Life of Laura Ingalls Wilder by John J. Fry

John J. Fry, a professor of history and dean of faculty at Trinity Christian College, blends his love and knowledge of the American West with an exploration into the religious life of a cherished American pioneer in A Prairie Faith: The Religious Life of Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Told chronologically, Fry starts with the birth of Laura Elizabeth Ingalls to Caroline and Charles Ingalls in 1867. Chapter by chapter, the author discusses the important events of the time, the daily life of the Ingalls family and those around them, Wilder's writing, her relationship with Almanzo and Rose, her numerous trips, the popularity of the Little House series, Rose's contributions to the books, and the continued fascination with Wilder and her work. Woven through this in-depth narrative is Fry's argument that while Christianity was important to Wilder's life, it was not central, as proven by her practices and her stoic ideas. 

I found A Prairie Faith fascinating and informative. It is a deeply researched, well-written biography of one of America's most beloved children's authors. Having read numerous biographies of Wilder's life, many cited in this book, I found Fry paid great attention to detail. 

The thesis type format created a fair amount of repetition as Fry focused on his point that Christianity was important but not central to Wilder's life. The author reiterated examples to support that point, stating Laura and her family, then Laura and Almanzo, did not attend evening church services; Laura and Almanzo didn't attend services when they were traveling; and that neither of the Wilders became members of local churches despite being involved in civic organizations, some with religious ties. He cited changes between Laura's handwritten manuscripts and the finished product where the editor's hand changed scenes that surrounded some of Laura's experience with church and church members. He discusses that while Wilder prayed and read from the Bible regularly, she did not mention Jesus, and that her stoic ideas fly against the dependence upon God and Savior to bring you through life. 

With the limited amount of information available on this topic, Fry did a superb job of creating this biography of Wilder's life. Though I'm not sold on supporting the author's thesis, I'm happy to add A Prairie Faith to my collection of resources about Laura Ingalls Wilder. 

Publisher:‎ Eerdmans (February 6, 2024)

Language: ‎ English

Paperback: ‎ 240 pages

ISBN-10: ‎ 0802876285

ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0802876287

I received a copy from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Thoughts on Little House Life Hacks by Angie Bailey and Susie Shubert

 

I reviewed Little House Life Hacks by Angie Bailey and Susie Shubert on my book blog. You can find that review by clicking here. I will briefly summarize this book for our readers, but since the TV show, Little House on the Prairie and the books it is based upon are the inspiration for Little House Life Hacks, I'll be sharing different thoughts at Laura's Little Houses.

During the pandemic, the authors began streaming episodes of Little House on the Prairie, which is how this book was born. After the authors' note, they introduce the Ingalls family and neighbors. They talk about Charles, Caroline, Mary, Laura, Carrie, and Albert Ingalls. They also make note of Grace and adopted siblings Cassandra and James Cooper. The neighbors include: Isaiah Edwards, Nels and Harriet Oleson, Nellie Oleson, Willie Oleson, Nancy Oleson, Doc Baker, Reverend Alden, Miss Beadle, Miss Eliza Jane Wilder and the Garveys. Almanzo Wilder is only mentioned in this section as Laura's future husband. 

There are ten different hacks in this book surrounding the topics of family life, community life, faith, romantic life, friendships, work life, self-care, resourcefulness, sustainability, and gratitude. The authors blend things about the show and some of its actors, historical tidbits from the time period and about the Ingalls family, quotes by Laura Ingalls Wilder, quotes from the Little House books and Wilder's articles, a recipe or two, and a good dose of humor to create a book to help modern readers create more balance, wellness, and fun in their lives.

Little House Life Hacks allowed me to wander through several of my favorite Little House on the Prairie moments. It's no surprise the show remains popular five decades after it first aired. And with all the 50th Anniversary Cast Reunions happening across the country, the timing of this book couldn't be better.

This is a book I wish I had been wise enough to write; though I'm not sure I could have done the content justice. Again, it validates why the show continues to attract new viewers. The book talks about a variety of subjects that all tie into Little House on the Prairie in one way or another. I think of it as another way to celebrate a show I've loved since childhood. 

What is some wisdom you've taken away from Little House on the Prairie and applied to your own life? 

Reading Now: A Prairie Faith by John J. Fry

 

What role did Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Christian faith play in her life and writing?

The beloved Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder have sold over 60 million copies since their publication in the first half of the twentieth century. Even her unpolished memoir, Pioneer Girl, which tells the true story behind the children’s books, was widely embraced upon its release in 2014. Despite Wilder’s enduring popularity, few fans know much about her Christian beliefs and practice.

John J. Fry shines a light on Wilder’s quiet faith in this unique biography. Fry surveys the Little House books, Pioneer Girl, and Wilder’s lesser-known writings, including her letters, poems, and newspaper columns. Analyzing this wealth of sources, he reveals how Wilder’s down-to-earth faith and Christian morality influenced her life and work. Interweaving these investigations with Wilder’s perennially interesting life story, A Prairie Faith illustrates the Christian practices of pioneers and rural farmers during this dynamic period of American history.

Book Review: Love's Abiding Joy by Janette Oke

 

Welcome back to the Davis family saga with the fourth book in Janette Oke's Love Comes Softly series, Love's Abiding Joy.

Marty Davis has missed the oldest daughter she shares with her beloved husband Clark in the years since Missie married Willie LaHaye and moved farther west to start his cattle ranch. Letters aren't nearly enough to bridge the miles between them. But thanks to the Transcontinental Railroad and tons of support from their family, Clark surprises Marty with a birthday present of tickets to see their darling daughter. 

The train ride seems like it will never end, but one day Marty and Clark get to see Missie, Willie and their grandsons, Nathan and Josiah, along with all the ranchers that have helped to make the LaHayes successful ranchers. 

Clark and Marty settle in for a few weeks' visit, but when tragedy strikes, they must stay with the LaHayes longer than expected, bringing changes for the entire family. The Davis and LaHaye families must lean on their faith to get them through, and as tragedy turns to a renewed need to seek a closer relationship with God for the residents of this western town, Clark is called to help.

What a wonderful addition to this Christian historical series Loves Abiding Joy is. A parents' joyful reunion with their daughter and her family turns to tragedy when Clark is critically injured rescuing children. Oke portrays this family in crisis well: Marty and Missie's different approaches to praying for and helping Clark in the days after his accident; Clark adjusting to a different way to approach the physical aspects of his life; strong, silent Willie who bears a change in his family dynamic; and Missie's guilt over believing this tragedy happened because her parents were visiting. 

Love's Abiding Joy further strengthens Clark's personality as a strong man of faith guiding his loved ones as the patriarch of the Davis family. His thoughtful insights into situations viewed through the ever-loving grace of God also help members of the community Missie and Willie call home. And when Clark and Marty finally board the train back to their own hometown, it goes without saying that the entire community will miss them. 

This book gave me greater insight into why the movie plots changed dramatically as the series continued. They are both great ways to enjoy inspiring Christian fiction.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bethany House Publishers; Repack edition (November 1, 2003)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 076422851X
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0764228513

I purchased this book in 2023. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Love Comes Softly Inspired Fanfiction: Grown Ups

 

Photo credit Hallmark Channel

Grown Ups

Love Comes Softly inspired fan fiction by Cheryl C. Malandrinos

Disclaimer: This story follows the television movie characters, not the books. I do not own the Love Comes Softly television movies, book series, or any of the characters. I used some of the dialogue from the Love Comes Softly movie. 

Missie stood in the doorway of their cabin. She clutched the locket Marty had given her this morning. I hope Pa catches the wagon train in time. 

Grown ups made no sense. Wouldn’t it have been easier for Pa to ask Marty to stay in Anderson Corner with them rather than go chasing after her? They had all been so sad this morning as they loaded up Marty’s trunk and baby Aaron’s cradle into the wagon bed. Then they drove into town without saying anything, just like the day Pa brought Marty to live with them.

Missie ran her fingers over the locket. As she looked into the store glass this morning, struggling to keep the tears from spilling down her cheeks, she felt Marty’s hand on her back. She didn’t want to turn around. If she kept staring the opposite way, she wouldn’t have to see Marty and Aaron leave. Maybe she could even ignore the sounds of the wagon wheels against the dirt road as they rolled out of town.

Once Marty left, Pa and Missie drove home in silence. Somehow, she knew Pa would miss Marty just as much as she would. She once said to Marty that she wondered if her Pa could ever love someone again.

“He could, I guess,” Marty said, but her voice sounded sad, like she wasn’t sure it was possible.

Then one day, Missie found Marty and Pa standing in the yard together, out of breath and laughing. He laughed in a way she hadn’t heard in a long time. For the first time since Mama died, Pa looked happy. That’s why she got so angry when Pa told her Marty was heading back East with the wagon train. How could she just leave them? Weren’t they a family now?

When Pa and Missie returned home, she snuck over to play with the dollhouse Pa had made her for Christmas. At least the pretend people in her house could live happily ever after, like the people in the books Marty shared with her.

Pa had walked out to the lean-to to get his things. Now that Marty was gone, he would move back into the bedroom Pa and Missie had shared before Marty came to live with them. She wanted to scream no, but all she did was mumble, “Okay.”

Moments later, Pa barged back into the house screaming her name. “I’m going to bring Marty back.” He warned her not to leave the cabin. Then he turned away. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.” He was already racing out to the yard to grab his horse.

It seemed like hours had passed as Missie waited in her tree house. She fingered the locket, praying Pa would reach Marty in time. When the sound of wagon wheels pulling into the yard reached her ears, Missie climbed down. On the wagon seat, sat Pa with Marty alongside him, cradling Aaron in her arms. 

Missie’s heart swelled. Marty’s trunk and Aaron’s cradle sat in the wagon bed. They were home to stay. 

“Mama,” Missie whispered to herself.

Then she ran into Marty’s outstretched arms and squeezed her as tight as she could. Marty kissed her forehead. As they hugged, Missie could hear Marty’s heartbeat, and she knew everything would be all right.

With her arm around Missie, Marty walked into the house, followed by Pa, who carried little Aaron. As they sat around the kitchen table, drinking tea and nibbling on this morning’s bread, Missie smiled. This was her family. This was her home. This was forever. 

Copyright Cheryl C. Malandrinos – All Rights Reserved

Reading Now: Little House Life Hacks by Angie Bailey and Susie Shubert

A humorous yet practical book of life lessons from the seminal Little House on the Prairie, blending Laura Ingalls Wilder’s timeless teachings with her surprisingly timely penchant for homesteading, crafting, and the lifestyle we now call Cottagecore.

Little House on the Prairie was a childhood TV classic for a generation of kids, and Laura Ingalls Wilder’s novels have never gone out of style for young bookworms. Her stories of her family’s life in the 1870s offer countless gems of wisdom, and many facets of their lifestyle and the skills they relied on have become some of the hottest trends of today, from sourdough bread and modern pioneering to DIY prairie dresses and needlepoint.

Little House Life Hacks playfully compiles the most crucial takeaways from that world, practical enough to work for pioneering stock and updated for today’s evolving world. The Ingalls are the perfect reminders of what’s love, family, community, honest work, and integrity. Alongside the life advice are selected inspirational quotes from the Little House books and show and fun pop culture tidbits (like that The Rock’s first celebrity crush was original mean girl Nellie Oleson), as well as with meaningful takeaways for creating more balance, wellness, and fun in all aspects of your life.

Book Review: Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder

 

"Once upon a time, sixty years ago, a little girl lived in the Big Woods of Wisconsin, in a little gray house made of logs." 

With those words, Laura Ingalls Wilder invites young readers into her world, which included Pa, Ma, Mary, and baby Carrie. The Ingalls family has a Little House in the Big Woods, which is also where her aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents live. 

Little House in the Big Woods opens the Ingalls family saga, which will span nine books, one of which will be published after Wilder's death (The First Four Years). Four-year-old Laura Ingalls shares what it is like growing up deep in the woods of Wisconsin: the industrious days getting ready for winter; visits with the cousins for Christmas; the stories her Pa tells her and her older sister, Mary, as they sit upon his knees; the thrill of going to town; the days of the growing season and harvesttime, and the nights falling asleep to the sound of Pa's fiddle. Readers follow Laura as she wanders through this year in her life as a child growing up on the American prairie. 

A beloved classic in children's literature, Little House in the Big Woods can often be found in classrooms and is popular with homeschooling families. Geared toward ages 5 - 9, Wilder's keen eye for detail, coupled with the delightful illustrations by Garth Williams, continue to engage young readers many years after it was published. 

Publisher: ‎ HarperCollins; 1st edition (January 1, 1971)

Language : ‎ English

Paperback: ‎ 256 pages

ISBN-10: ‎ 0064400018

ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0064400015

Reading age: ‎ 5 - 9 years, from customers

Lexile measure: ‎ 930L

Grade level: ‎ 4 - 7

This book is from my childhood book collection. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way. 

Reading Little House in the Big Woods

Over at Modern Prairie, we are reading Little House in the Big Woods for our book discussion on February 7th. I have the same book cover, with illustrations by Garth Williams, except that my copy was only $1.50 in the States and $1.70 in Canada (see upper left corner). 

I used to read the Little House series and the Anne of Green Gables series once a year, but since I have taken to blogging, there has been no time for that. I'm often turning books away because I don't have time to read them. 

Have you read Little House in the Big Woods lately? What is your favorite book of the series?

The Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum Launches Quarterly "Plum Creek Crossing" Newsletter

 

Photo From my 2014 trip to Walnut Grove

I just received my email newsletter from the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum in Walnut Grove. They have launched a quarterly newsletter called "Plum Creek Crossing."

The banks of Plum Creek in 2014

Stacey Ulferts reflected on her first year as Museum Director. Palmer Hittesdrof introduced himself as the new curator. Other items of interest included information about items at the Gift Shop and an author event coming up in March. 

To find out more about the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, you can visit them online.

Modern Prairie

 

Photo from wirestock at freepik.com

In case you hadn't heard, Melissa Gilbert and trusted content creators have teamed up to create Modern Prairie. Its brand is centered around the needs of modern, mature women. They focus on topics, activities, and products by women who come from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. 

Modern Prairie also has an app that allows members of the MP community to interact with each other in a way that empowers women to learn, share, and grow. 

I love being part of the Modern Prairie community. If you want to check it out, you can find it at www.modernprairie.com

2024 - The Year of Cast Reunions

It is finally 2024! There are 50th Anniversary and Cast Reunion celebrations across the country. Don't miss them!