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This is a splendid introductory biography for anyone interested in Laura Ingalls Wilder & her family. The scrapbook layout draws the reader in to examine rare photographs, correspondence, telegrams, textiles & a myriad of other objects that were meaningful in Wilder's life and/or mentioned in her famous autobiographical fictional novels. For example, examples of birthday cards from kids upon her last birthday, two pictures drawn by her pa (Charles) for them when they were children, her first teaching certificate & a young handsome photo of Almanzo (when he first met her) flesh out her world beyond the words.
I had the pleasure of meeting the author when I purchased this book, an expert on Laura Ingalls Wilder. An included introduction and chronology helps fill in some gaps some people commented on in additional reviews on GoodReads. For example, I noted someone asked what happened to Rose's husband and the chronology states they divorced eight years after marriage. The information is in the book, and Anderson has other biographies for older readers that provides more details. Many people don't take the time to check out the appendices and I presume Anderson didn't include every detail in order to stay true to his main topic: Laura Ingalls Wilder. Extraneous information was, however, briefly listed in the chronology and readers can always pursue other biographies for additional information.
As a librarian, I highly recommend this book for elementary school libraries, public libraries & wherever there is an interest in Wilder's books. This is a genuine delight to read for fans of her works, for Anderson clearly has knowledge of her stories and includes information beyond just the facts of her life. He understands that readers will have a natural interest in her family if they love her stories, so he satisfies that craving while honoring her life and work. It is a great introduction and fans will love it.
Perhaps the coolest thing I learned about Mrs. Wilder was that she responded to every fan letter - handwritten, of course. She was popular in her lifetime and at times received over 1,000 letters a year. Amazing. I also would have been thrilled if that young Almanzo picked me up for a buggy ride after teaching. No wonder she called him Manly!
I had the pleasure of meeting the author when I purchased this book, an expert on Laura Ingalls Wilder. An included introduction and chronology helps fill in some gaps some people commented on in additional reviews on GoodReads. For example, I noted someone asked what happened to Rose's husband and the chronology states they divorced eight years after marriage. The information is in the book, and Anderson has other biographies for older readers that provides more details. Many people don't take the time to check out the appendices and I presume Anderson didn't include every detail in order to stay true to his main topic: Laura Ingalls Wilder. Extraneous information was, however, briefly listed in the chronology and readers can always pursue other biographies for additional information.
As a librarian, I highly recommend this book for elementary school libraries, public libraries & wherever there is an interest in Wilder's books. This is a genuine delight to read for fans of her works, for Anderson clearly has knowledge of her stories and includes information beyond just the facts of her life. He understands that readers will have a natural interest in her family if they love her stories, so he satisfies that craving while honoring her life and work. It is a great introduction and fans will love it.
Perhaps the coolest thing I learned about Mrs. Wilder was that she responded to every fan letter - handwritten, of course. She was popular in her lifetime and at times received over 1,000 letters a year. Amazing. I also would have been thrilled if that young Almanzo picked me up for a buggy ride after teaching. No wonder she called him Manly!
