Summertime in the Big Woods (My First Little House) [Paperback]

Laura Ingalls Wilder (Author), Renee Graef (Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: February 2, 2000 | Age Range: 4 - 8 years | Series: My First Little House

Summer is here!

The warm days of summer have arrived, and that means Laura gets to spend fun-filled days outdoors!

The winter is finally over, and now it is summertime! Laura and Mary are busy all day helping Ma in the garden and playing outside. Renée Graef’s enchanting full-color illustrations, inspired by Garth Williams’ classic artwork, bring Laura and her family lovingly to life in this sixth title in the My First Little House book series, picture books adapted from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s beloved storybooks.The winter is finally over, and now it is summertime! Laura and Mary are busy all day helping Ma in the garden and playing outside. Renée Graef’s enchanting full-color illustrations, inspired by Garth Williams’ classic artwork, bring Laura and her family lovingly to life in this sixth title in the My First Little House book series, picture books adapted from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s beloved storybooks.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Laura Ingalls Wilder was born in 1867 in the log cabin described in Little House in the Big Woods. She and her family traveled by covered wagon across the Midwest. Later, Laura and her husband, Almanzo Wilder, made their own covered-wagon trip with their daughter, Rose, to Mansfield, Missouri. There, believing in the importance of knowing where you began in order to appreciate how far you've come, Laura wrote about her childhood growing up on the American frontier. For millions of readers Laura lives on forever as the little pioneer girl in the beloved Little House books.

Renée Graef received her bachelor's degree in art from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. She is the illustrator of numerous titles in the Little House publishing program, as well as Rodgers and Hammerstein's My Favorite Things and E.T.A Hoffman's The Nutcracker, adapted by Janet Schulman. She lives in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, with her husband and two children.

Product Details

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
  
• Paperback: 40 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins; Reprint edition (February 2, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0064434974
• ISBN-13: 978-0064434973
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 0.1 x 9.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #12,131 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #9 in Books > Children's Books > Travel & Cultures > Where We Live > Farm Life
  • #94 in Books > Children's Books > Literature & Fiction > Historical Fiction > United States

More About the Author

Laura Ingalls Wilder was born in 1867 in the log cabin described in Little House in the Big Woods. As her classic Little House books tell us, she and her family traveled by covered wagon across the Midwest. She and her husband, Almanzo Wilder, made their own covered-wagon trip with their daughter, Rose, to Mansfield, Missouri. There Laura wrote her story in the Little House books, and lived until she was ninety years old. For millions of readers, however, she lives forever as the little pioneer girl in the beloved Little House books.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous illustrations, nice introduction to the series for younger children August 18, 2010

By HeatherHH

Format:Paperback

This short children's picture book adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House in the Big Woods perfectly captures the feel of a summer day for a little girl living rurally in the mid-1800s. The text would be appropriate for a child to read on their own at a 3rd or 4th grade level. It's a smooth read aloud to those of younger ages.

We read about and see Laura and Mary playing with friends (including tree climbing), visiting a neighbor and getting cookies, helping with the dishes, etc. So, there is a sense in which the reader is struck by similarities with the modern child. But, of course, we also are struck by the differences as they eat honey Pa has gathered and watch Ma make cheese, and of course, dress differently. These similarities and differences juxtaposed together are captivating.

The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous, and just the style I prefer. They are very rich and vibrant and imbue an idyllic charm to Laura's summer day in the Big Woods. However, I do have a bit of a complaint, in that I wish they had been just a bit more realistic. For one thing, Laura and Mary sport haircuts that are about halfway between chin and shoulder. Their hair would have been longer, as it would have been uncut. Also, they sport short-sleeved dresses, and I know adult women would wear long-sleeves even in summer, but there is a chance that didn't apply to children. Still, in the grand scheme of things, these are relatively minor complaints.

My three girls, ages 7, 5, and 3, enjoyed reading this book, and the older two have flipped through it quite a bit on their own. Of course, they've already heard many of the Little House books as I've read them aloud, but they still enjoy these short stories and the illustrations.... I would definitely recommend this book to those with children in the 3-8 year-old range, especially girls. I will be looking into other titles in this series. Read more ›

5.0 out of 5 stars big hit April 8, 2013

By azbird

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

these books were recommended as a younger version of the Little House books. Bought it as a gift for my niece for her 6th birthday. Her parents were pleased.

5.0 out of 5 stars Another great story February 23, 2013

By Kathryn Malone

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I love that these picture books have made the Little House characters and stories accessible for our young kids. We love these books.

5.0 out of 5 stars summmertime in the big woods December 25, 2012

By purple lady

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

i ordered this book for my grandaughter,who is learning to read,the words and pictures was just
perfect for her to read and understand,she truly enjoys the book.

5.0 out of 5 stars My first little book November 28, 2012

By Gma

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Requested by great granddaughter. Only just turned 4 she is an avid reader already and enjoys
receiving new books from Grandma and Grandpa.

5.0 out of 5 stars My daughters loved it! November 24, 2012

By musicalmom26

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This oversized book is perfect for young readers and listeners a like ! The illustrations are beautiful. My two daughters love it!

3.0 out of 5 stars abridged short story September 18, 2012

By suzn

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book is more of a First Reader book. Short & easy but with wonderful illustrations.
I thought it would be more in depth so was disappointed in that.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book July 24, 2011

By Laura Lynn

Format:Paperback

This is a great book. The pictures are beautiful and the story is well written. My 4 year old daughter really enjoys the book. It is just the right length for a bedtime story. The other books in the series are also great.