Christmas in the Big Woods: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids

I have loved the "Little House on the Prairie" books since my teacher read them to us at story time in the 4th grade, (which was 50 plus years ago!) but it was the art work is what drew me to these little books. This isn't the whole book, but just a short tale from the original book, but every page is beautiful color drawings of the events! I now enjoy reading them to my granddaughter, who loves them as well!

When we read this book, my daughter kept pointing out the differences between our family and the Ingalls, yet she was fascinated when the characters engaged in common pursuits she enjoys, like the making of snow angels. This story is full of joy, and one of the few books that can be recommended without reservations for all readers. The illustrations are delightful.

I see a lot of reviewers writing that these should not be a substitute for the old Little House books, but why can't they be read in addition to them? The illustrations are lovely, and I like to think that a Wisconsin native is doing them in the spirit of Garth Williams' original pictures.I'm in my 30s and I remember reading these books aloud with my family on cross-country car trips. On one such journey, my mother's calm voice covered the passage where Jack the brindle bulldogs was thought to be lost and we all had tears streaming down our faces. (I'm sure the other drivers on I-70 that day must have thought we were nuts)In my experience, the picture books make a great supplement to the story books, even starting around age 4. Let's face it, you can never go wrong reading MORE books to your kids. Compared to a lot of the other materials available out there, I consider all of the Little House books -- new and old -- to be incredibly enriching. Also, if you're looking for similar items, check out books by Astrid Lindgren, a Swedish author. We love "The Tomten" and the "Tomten and the Fox." Sweet, winter landscapes and soothing storylines perfect for bedtime.

This book is well-designed for young children. Not too many words per page; nice colorful pictures on each page; easy to follow story that keeps a little one's attention.

I grew up reading the Little House on the Prairie books. Now as an adult and a teacher, I find that so many young girls are not reading these books anymore. When I first saw this book I thought it was a wonderful way to interest preschool age children in these books. I plan to buy more for my two and a half year old daughter. Then perhaps when she is old enough to read the actual series on her own she will have an interest in doing so because of these books.

...I don't know Laura either and my 5 year old had never heard of her until we got these books. Let's judge the books on their own merit. They present the simple beauty, and strong family values, of a certain way of life. They are about love and commitment but don't preach to the young reader. They are about living with, and in, nature without an environmental lecture. If the real books are so much better -- hurray!! -- I can't wait until my daughter can read them. In the meantime, she loves these beginner books!!