Archive for the ‘Non-Fiction: Juvenile’ Category

Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder

ISBN: 0060581808
238 pages
published in 1932.

What is there to say about this book / series that hasn’t already been said over the years? I was watching something on the History Channel a few days ago that got me thinking about these books again and I had a very strong urge to reread them. Of course the last time I had I think I was in second grade or something and the ones that weren’t read aloud to me in class I checked out from the school library, so I didn’t actually own them. I took a walk to Barnes & Noble and slipped into the children’s section (I always feel so self-conscious shopping in there, does anyone else?) and noticed that they had been republished recently in a full-color version. Not only that but the paper the book is printed on is EXCELLENT quality. I was very pleased. I didn’t mind laying down $9.00 for something that will obviously last a very long time. I’m sure my partner will agree that this is a series we’d like any future children of ours to have access to, so I think these excellent quality editions of the series is a great investment.

Anyway, the story was just as heartwarming and wholesome and all of those other slightly embarrassing words that are applied to it as I remembered it. The writing style, though simple, was adorable and innocent and the very thinly veiled fact that the author of the story is the little girl described adds wonderfully to its magic.

I remember being so captured by the descriptions of food and hunting and building and things and how each and every aspect of their lives seemed so special and appreciated. These really are excellent books for children to read, as long as the context of the story is explained to them properly (what with the roles given to men & women and how that was how things were back then). I remember reading about how Laura appreciated the little ragdoll she got for Christmas one year so much and feeling a bit angry at myself for not appreciating the things I got as much as she did – for something so simple, too! The way Ingalls describes her life really does make everything sound so special.

So, I’ll definitely be re-reading the entire series again and buying them in this wonderful new format as I do so.