Little House in the Big Woods (Little House, No 1)

Based on the real-life adventures of Laura Ingalls Wilder, Little House in the Big Woods is the first book in the award-winning Little House series, which has captivated generations of readers. This edition features the classic black-and-white artwork from Garth Williams. 

Little House in the Big Woods takes place in 1871 and introduces us to four-year-old Laura, who lives in a log cabin on the edge of the Big Woods of Wisconsin. She shares the cabin with her Pa, her Ma, her sisters Mary and Carrie, and their lovable dog, Jack.

Pioneer life isn’t easy for the Ingalls family, since they must grow or catch all their own food as they get ready for the cold winter. But they make the best of every tough situation. They celebrate Christmas with homemade toys and treats, do their spring planting, bring in the harvest in the fall, and make their first trip into town. And every night, safe and warm in their little house, the sound of Pa’s fiddle lulls Laura and her sisters into sleep.

The nine books in the timeless Little House series tell the story of Laura’s real childhood as an American pioneer, and are cherished by readers of all generations. They offer a unique glimpse into life on the American frontier, and tell the heartwarming, unforgettable story of a loving family.

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Published Apr 8, 2008

256 pages

Average rating: 7.85

41 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

emroo
May 08, 2025
9/10 stars
Solid read— for a young children’s book. My rating might inflated by the nostalgia it brings because my parents read it to me. My 3 and 6-year-old were captivated by it. It had good life lessons. I also enjoyed comparing and contrasting to the differences in today’s materialistic world, today’s medicines, and how indigenous cultures at the time would have also been present and not exploiting the land in the same way. Lots of mention of “Pa’s gun” which I substituted with “weapon” since we didn’t need to read about guns before bed. Overall pleasant family read. Would recommend, going to get the second one in the series.
E Clou
May 10, 2023
8/10 stars
Takes place in the semi-wilderness of 1870s in Wisconsin, US. Takes us through a year in the life of a middle sister age 4 (celebrates her 5th birthday during the book). There are at least 4 stories just about bears in this book.

I think I like this book even better as an adult. It's like a survival guide for the zombie apocalypse or a pandemic.
Karen Henry
Jan 06, 2023
8/10 stars
W/ Maggie

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