Wilder was born in Pepin, Wisconsin on February 7, 1867. She is best known as the author of the Little House books. There are eight original Little House books with The Little House in the Big Woods as the first book in the series. Little House in the Big Woods starts with four year old Laura's perspective of living in the big woods with her ma, her pa, her sisters Mary and Carrie, and her brindle bulldog, Jack.
There is much to learn about pioneer life within these pages. You would either grow or kill what you ate. The threat of wolves, a panther, or becoming lost in a blizzard was always a threat, but these threats teach the reader about the hardships of pioneer life. Nevertheless, their evenings were filled with warmth from the fireplace and Pa's stories. After Pa told stories, he would pull out his fiddle and entertain the family until bedtime.
As a child, I was introduced to the Little House books by my second grade teacher, Mrs. Franke. Every day, she would read a chapter or two during reading time. I was learning more words as I became a book lover, and I soon started reading the books on my own. I was entranced by Laura and her family, and as she grew older in her books, I was growing up as well.
I would become incensed at Nellie Olsen and her mean pranks. I also wanted to know more about those Wilder boys and why they had come to the area. I wondered what it would be like to live in a sod house. Why did Mary become blind? Did Laura really love Almanzo? How did their real lives compare with the stories of the author?
The books were my friends, and I wanted to be friends with their author. Sadly, Laura Ingalls Wilder died before I was born. I have traveled to DeSmet, South Dakota to see where Laura spent part of her life, and I have also been to Mansfield, Missouri. Someday, I will make a stop near Pepin, Wisconsin to see where it all began. There have been many books that have made a significant impact on my life, but the Little House books were the start of a lifelong love of reading.
Happy 148th birthday, Laura Ingalls Wilder. You've changed my life.
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