Little House in the Big Woods Reviews
Little
House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Publisher: Harper Trophy
Number of pages: 238
Summary:
This is the first book of the Little House series which is based on
the life of the writer. This first episode is set in the period
before the Ingalls family moved to the prairie. This is the place of
Laura’s birth and the beginning of her childhood.
Little House in the Big Woods portrays a little girl with eyes full
of wonder and heart full of love for her Ma and Pa and sister Mary.
The theme of this book is very clear and simple —caring, sharing and
growing up during a time when, even though you are a little girl,
you do your part to help your family. The theme is brought out
simply in each chapter. Laura and Mary had their "chores" each and
every day. They were done —without hesitation or pushing from Ma and
Pa —completely and thoroughly; then and only then would Laura play.
Little House in the Big Woods is one adventure after another in
Laura’s life. It is a book of vivid descriptions of first-time
happenings for Laura. There’s the dance at Grandpa’s where Laura
watches all the "big girls" dress up. There is Laura’s first
experience at seeing a town, and of course the fun at butchering
time roasting the pig’s tail.
Strong points:
The story shows the "togetherness" of the Ingalls family and what
little girls did to help their mothers.
This first episode of the series takes place in Wisconsin. The
second will take place somewhere between Kansas and Oklahoma (Indian
Territory). Later the family will move to De Smet in Dakota
Territory. This is a good opportunity to integrate literature and
geography.
This wonderful series of books gives a vivid picture of farming life
in the 1870’s.
The value of the simple things of home life is emphasized: Ma makes
her own cheese and maple sugar, Pa plays his fiddle and sings to
keep the family safe and cozy when the wind howls through the night.
Conclusion:
One of the functions of literature is to fit the traditions of a
nation into stories of lasting beauty. Laura Ingalls Wilder succeeds
very well in discovering the pioneering spirit of America and
enshrining it in her well-written books. The stories, full of family
warmth and exciting adventures, will appeal to all readers, but more
especially to girls.
Publishers Weekly (audio review)
Wilder's classic autobiographical series about growing up in a pioneer
family in the late 1800s makes its audio debut in the very capable hands
of stage actress Cherry Jones. This first installment introduces the
Ingalls family living in the seemingly endless wild woods of Wisconsin
prior to their eventual move west (to Kansas and later Missouri).
Tennessee-born Jones brings a subtle (never hokey) homespun sound and comfortable pace to her reading; listeners may well imagine gathering in front of the fireplace or around a campfire for one of her storytelling sessions. But what Jones does best here is use her voice to sustain an appropriate childlike point of view. Her performance invites listeners to join in Laura's adventures and see things as she does, even though the books are written in the third person. (With this approach, for example, Jones livens up the occasional descriptive passages that can be slow going for some readers of the novel.)
Award-winning fiddler Paul Woodiel provides lively interludes of "Pa's fiddle music," a joyful sound that was purportedly a staple of the Ingalls home. Ages 8-up.
FYI: Wilder's Little House on the Prairie and On the Banks of Plum Creek are being simultaneously released on cassette and CD, also read by Jones. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
For story hour, Little House in the Big Woods: Special Read-Aloud Edition by Laura Ingalls Wilder, illus. by Garth Williams, expands its trim size (to 8 U x 10 7/8") and type size but retains the classic charcoal drawings and the famous tale of Laura and her pioneer family living in the Big Woods of Wisconsin.
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
Library Journal (audio review)
Gr 3-6-Laura Ingalls Wilder fans will rejoice at the fine presentation of
her novels in audio format. Cherry Jones brings to life Pa, Ma, Laura, and
all the other characters. Performed at the right tempo for the intended
audience, Jones changes her voice just enough for each character so they
can easily be distinguished. Singing period songs as Pa, exclaiming with
delight over some new discovery as Laura, or gently scolding as Ma, Jones
keeps listeners entranced.
Pa's fiddle music, performed by Paul Woodiel, enhances the presentation. As with the print versions, putting the books' content into the context of events which happened over 100 years ago will help intermediate students understand why a song about "darkeys" would be included (Little House in the Big Woods), and why certain attitudes toward minorities, particularly Native Americans, are acceptable to the characters in the books.-.Judy Czarnecki, Chippewa River District Library System, Mt. Pleasant, MI Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
