A Little House Reader

William Anderson, a noted authority on Laura Ingalls Wilder, has compiled a collection of writings, not only by Laura Ingalls [pre-Little House], but also by her family members, i.e. Pa Ingalls, Ma Ingalls, and sisters Mary, Carrie and Grace Ingalls. It was interesting to note that sister Grace was the only one in the Ingalls family to keep a diary, and I was also touched by Mary's poem about her Pa's violin titled "My Father's Violin". Most of the book though is predictably devoted to Laura's writings and musings, and divided into the following sections: "Writing from the Prairie" "The House on Rocky Ridge Farm" "The Missouri Ruralist years" "Mrs Wilder's Nature Songs" "Laura and her Hometown" "Laura and the Younger Generation" "Early Memories" "The Little House Author" "Of Time, Life, and Eternity" The writings are accompanied in some instances by archival photographs such as portraits of Laura and Almanzo, their homestead, a charming photo of Laura in her housewifely garb, etc. These photos certainly add to the charm of the book. I'd recommend this book to all those who are fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder and her Little House Books. I've been a long-time fan, ever since I was a young child sitting in my family room thousands of miles away in Malaysia [where I was raised] and watching the television show with my family. I loved the show so much that I went on to devour the books [buying them used on what little allowance I saved], and as I grew older, I kept up with books to do with LIW. It has been an inspiring and heartwarming journey!

As any LIW fan knows. We want to read everything we can get our hands on that Laura wrote. This is a nice addition to any collection.

Again, William Anderson (who would have to be considered one of the premier authorities on Laura Ingalls Wilder) outdoes himself with this unique collection. This features not only Laura's pre-Little House writings from the Missouri Ruralist and other publications, but a real treat for Ingalls fans - writings from the other Ingalls family members - poetry by young Laura, Carrie and Mary; young Grace's diary, and more. All of this is tied together by Mr. Anderson's editorial commentary and photos. Very nicely done and a good read!