Customer Reviews

Christmas in the Big Woods (Little House)

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

My nearly 3-year old son and I both love this book, and read it daily, even though Christmas is long past! As a long time fan of the "Little House" books, I really enjoy sharing these books with him and introducing him to these favorite characters. I particularly recommend the Christmas book because it is a wonderful story and beautifully illustrated, and focuses on many non-material aspects of the holiday. Laura's special Christmas involves a visit with her cousins, baking with her mother, playing in the snow, and waiting for Santa--who brings candy and mittens. I think this book has a very good message for today's kids---that there are alot of wonderful things about Christmas besides the presents. My son is enchanted with this book and requests it again and again--the best recommendation of all.

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 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.

...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!!

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 have to laugh at those reviewers who seem so offended by these books! Have you actually read the originals?! These books simply take small exerpts from the originals and simplify them for a younger audience. I too absolutely loved the original books and still do. But I'm not going to be able to read them to my 3 year old without her losing interest. Therefore, I share these shorter versions with her and she loves them. When she's older (the originals are recommended for 8-12 year olds) I'll give her the originals. In the meantime these are fabulous and I very much doubt Laura Ingalls Wilder would take offense to them. Seriously, calm down!!

They are perfect for young readers. Beautiful pictures, engrossing stories, strong messages. Cannot praise them highly enough. They are treasured.

My favorite character is Laura. These are all great books. I have read almost all of them. I just need one more. I really REALLY like the books.
--Elora

The whole entire "My First Little House Books" series is a wonderful way to introduce little ones to the Little House series! The pictures are absolute feasts for little and big eyes alike!
This story in particular is a great illustration of how Christmases used to be. It tells and illustrates the simple joys the children would experience at Christmas time - like candy canes, mittens, and for Laura - her own precious rag doll, Charlotte!
Definately a book you will want to add to your little ones collection!

I loved the origional Little House books and have tried several times to read the first in the series to my 4 year old daughter. She has some interest, but just cannot sit for much. We get about a fourth of the way through the book and then she won't come listen any more. My 3 year old daughter is completely turned off by large, pictureless books. We have borrowed several of the "My First Little House" series from the library. These are my 3 year old's favorite books. The pictures are great and really help the children to see what life was like in the old days. The stories are simple enough that my 3 year old can understand and will listen. She will also "read" the book to herself. I hope these books will spark interest in my daughters so that when they are ready we can read the origionals. My 17 month old son also enjoys the Farmer Boy books.