7/1/15

So I just completed Little House in the Big Woods. To be honest, I can't claim to have read every single book in this series. When I was a little child, I had a book that contained some of the stories, but unfortunately, I don't recall exactly which ones they were. Nor do I have a very clear memory of the TV series. However, I think this particular book might just be my favorite.

I'm not entirely sure what it is about this book that appeals to me so much, but I really, really liked it. After I finish reading The Raven Boys (as part of the Traveling Book Project), I will definitely continue with this series.

7/12/15

I just finished Farmer Boy this morning. I truly enjoyed it. In fact, I'm quite certain that this was the one book that I hadn't read during my childhood or seen in the form of a TV show (if there is indeed a TV adaptation of it). I think I might actually have a greater affinity for Almonzo's side of the story compared to Laura and Mary's.

I'll have to read further to make a final decision, but I really liked how Farmer Boy detailed how they did things. I'm really into understanding exactly how things work, so this aspect of the book was just AWESOME. There were also all the animals involved, which added an extra layer of interest.

However, I'll probably have to take a break from reading the rest of the books for a while. This is because I'm moving in a few days and then I'm going camping for a week and a half. But hopefully, I'll be able to finish the entire series soon!

Little girls, and perhaps those who are not so little either, who have a longing to experience life in the way that Laura did will truly relish this companion book to the Little House series.

In this Little House treasury, there are not only crafts, recipes, and songs but also biographical information and historical facts. It is a wonderful compilation that offers a wealth of knowledge and entertainment.

It is the perfect choice for the young fan who is eager to obtain more factual details about Laura's childhood days. It can also be extremely useful for teachers who are planning a unit on pioneer times, as it provides a comprehensive and engaging resource.

Moreover, any Laura Ingalls Wilder fanatic will surely find this book to be a treasure trove, filled with interesting and captivating content that will deepen their love and appreciation for the Little House series.

Overall, this companion book is a must-have for anyone who has a passion for the world of Laura Ingalls Wilder and wants to explore it further.

While I read these stories as a young girl, I had never read Farmer Boy or By the Shores of Silver Lake. This was my first time reading these as an adult. I can say that I enjoyed reading those 2 books for the first time. I can also say I enjoyed re-reading the other three books.

I will say that while I understand that these books are a reminiscence of childhood memories and growing up, a lot of details may be overlooked. As for my own experiences, there are things that stand out from my childhood that I remember clear as day. I believe this is what is captured in the books. Though they are partially fictionalized, they are based on the stand out memories of Laura. So, of course, the stories and skipping between books from say the age of 8 or 9 in one book to the age of 12 or 13 in another book is understandable.

However, from reading On the Banks of Plum Creek to By the Shores of Silver Lake, I understand that death is a hard topic but found it odd that Laura left out the birth and death of her brother. Death, though hard, is something that is part of life. It would have been unique to see her viewpoint of it from memory. It also skipped how Mary lost her eyesight when the family got Scarlet Fever, though it was mentioned. There just seem to be so many missed opportunities within these books to explain how things were back in the 1870s to the 1890s (only mentioning young years of like 5 to the teenage years/early adult years). I understand wanting to keep things toned down for children, but I think children need to understand topics that may arise.

Overall, I give these books an average altogether 4 stars. I think my interest gets heightened as Laura gets older and is able to remember more.

Little House in the Big Woods 3.5

Farmer Boy 4

Little House on the Prairie 4

On the Banks of Plum Creek 4

By the Shores of Silver Lake 4.5

I've loved re-reading these books after so many years.

They are just as great as I remembered. It's truly astonishing to think about how skilled people were in those times.

They knew how to perform a wide variety of tasks that most of us in the present day can no longer manage.

They were so self-sufficient, relying on their own knowledge and abilities to get by.

There is an abundance of qualities to admire in them.

I find myself eagerly anticipating the opportunity to read the remaining books in the series.

Their stories and the skills they possessed continue to fascinate and inspire me.

I can't wait to uncover more of the hidden gems within these pages.

It's like embarking on a new adventure with each turn of the page.

These books are truly great classics.

They vividly tell the exciting adventures, valuable lessons, and touching life stories of a little girl named Laura and her family as they grow up.

One of the books, Farmer Boy, offers a fascinating glimpse into the childhood of Almanzo Wilder.

With an ATOS level of 5.2 and a Lexile measure of AD670L, these books are accessible to a wide range of readers.

Their strength lies in the engaging ideas they present, which capture the imagination and interest of both children and adults alike.

Whether it's the exploration of a new frontier, the challenges of family life, or the growth and development of the characters, these classics have something for everyone.

They are not only entertaining but also educational, teaching important values and life skills along the way.

So, pick up one of these books and embark on a wonderful literary journey with Laura and her family.

When I was little, my mother and I would engage in a wonderful activity.

We would read these books together while I gently brushed her hair.

It was truly a magical time.

That was the very first time in my life that I found myself completely unable to wait to read the next chapter.

The anticipation would build up inside me, making my heart race with excitement.

As I grew older, this trend seems to have continued into my adult life.

Even now, I still have that same eagerness and enthusiasm for reading.

It has become a part of who I am, a source of joy and knowledge.

Whether it's a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming romance, or a thought-provoking non-fiction book, I can't get enough of the written word.

Reading has the power to transport me to different worlds, introduce me to new ideas, and expand my horizons.

It is a passion that will stay with me forever.

I've truly lost count of the numerous times I've delved into these books throughout the years. Laura and Mary have become such dear old friends to me.

A few years ago, I made the decision to purchase this full-color set. It was a replacement for my childhood copies that were slowly falling apart, held together only by the memories and love I had for them.

I have always had a great affection for the illustrations in these books. However, with the addition of color, they have taken on a whole new level of beauty. They seem to come alive on the pages, transporting me back to the magical world of Laura and Mary with every turn.

The colors bring out the details and emotions in a way that black and white illustrations simply couldn't. It's like seeing these beloved stories in a whole new light.

I cherish this full-color set and continue to revisit it time and time again, finding new joys and insights with each reading.

What can I say?

I grew up on a farm, and I am a Daddy's Girl through and through. There is something truly special about this upbringing that has made me have a deep and abiding soft spot for these books.

Every time I pick up one of these books and start reading, it's like I'm transported to another world. I enjoy the experience immensely, getting lost in the stories and the characters.

But it's not just enjoyment that these books bring. They also have the power to move me to tears. The emotions they evoke are so strong that I can't help but cry.

And that, my friends, is what the best things in life are made of: a combination of joy and tears. I don't care what anyone else thinks. (Diane) I know that these books are special to me, and I will continue to cherish them always.

I like them, and that's all that matters.

I read these books when I was younger and absolutely adored them.

When I chanced upon the first five books neatly collected in a stunning new binding, I simply couldn't resist picking it up and delving into them once again.

Now, with a better understanding of the complex politics of the frontier and the numerous perils that people endured during the 1870s - 1880s, I have an even deeper appreciation for these works.

Laura possess an extraordinary gift for storytelling. She has the remarkable ability to paint vivid pictures with her words, just as her sister Mary had attested to after losing her sight due to scarlet fever.

I truly hope that the other books in the series will also be gathered in another equally beautiful binding.

This collection is highly recommended for people of all ages, young and old alike. It offers a captivating glimpse into a bygone era and is sure to charm readers with its engaging narratives and richly detailed descriptions.

I have a deep affection for these books.

They are truly remarkable and offer an abundance of value.

The moment I laid my hands on them, I knew they were special.

The stories within their pages are captivating, transporting me to different worlds and introducing me to a diverse range of characters.

Each book has its own unique charm, whether it's the thrilling plot twists, the beautiful prose, or the profound messages it conveys.

I find myself completely immersed in the reading experience, forgetting about the outside world.

These books have not only entertained me but also broadened my horizons and enriched my mind.

They are a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration, and I am truly grateful to have discovered them.

Without a doubt, they are well worth the investment, and I would highly recommend them to anyone who has a love for reading.

I truly relished my reread of Little House in the Big Woods as part of the Book For all Seasons challenge to reread the first chapter book we read as a child. Just like numerous kids of my generation, I adored these books!

What impressed me the most as an adult rereading this classic (apart from the charming and familiar illustrations by Garth Williams, which were etched in my mind from countless readings as a girl) was the enormous amount of work Ma and Pa had to undertake to survive in the secluded Big Woods of Wisconsin. Every single thing they ate and wore had to be grown, crafted, or hunted. Adults needed to possess a wide range of skills, including farming, hunting, making tools, furniture, clothing, linens, cheese, baking, cooking, and so on. Moreover, everyone, from children to adults, had to pitch in if possible and manage with far less than what we have today. Even for adults, this is a captivating book! I set it aside for a few days to delve into a library book that I couldn't renew, but I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself back into Wilder's lovely, warm world.

Childhood Favorite!

I have cherished these books for a significant number of years. They are truly sweet and hold a special place in my heart. These books offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of people long ago. We can see how they lived, the challenges they faced to survive, and ultimately how they managed to thrive. It's like taking a journey back in time and experiencing their world through the pages of these wonderful books. The stories are not only entertaining but also educational, teaching us valuable lessons about perseverance, courage, and the human spirit. Every time I pick up one of these books, I am transported to a different era, filled with wonder and excitement. They are a true treasure of my childhood and continue to bring joy to my life even today.