The Laura Ingalls Wilder Companion: A Chapter-by-Chapter Guide

This book is destined to be one of the standard purchases for anyone who loves the Little House series, whether they've been reading the books for decades or are just now being introduced to the Ingalls family. While aimed at younger readers, this book will satisfy people of all ages.Each chapter in Annette Whipple's book focuses on a single Little House novel. There is a delightful mix of highlighted bullet-points per Little House chapter, "did you know?" sidebars, fact-vs-fiction comparisons, and lots of illustrations and photographs. As a Wilder researcher myself, I was excited to catch things via Annette's bullet points that I'd glossed over during my own readings, and was able to appreciate with a fresh eye. The "House Talk" questions at the end of each chapter encourage deeper thinking about what took place within each novel. And I very much appreciated the glossary, which taught me there were at least two words that I've misunderstood all these years!For as interesting as the breakdowns of each novel are, it's the activities that steal the show. I've never been one to want to do pioneer activities, or reenact scenes from the books (aside from having made ginger water and vinegar pie for my Book Club, when we read The Long Winter).But upon reading Whipple's book, there are several activities that I've tagged to try! I wish I'd had this resource when my own daughter (yes, named Laura!) was a child.This is a wonderfully well-rounded book, with information and activities for everyone!

This book is the perfect companion guide to the series. I loved how thoughtful it was-- helping the reader to navigate terms, stereotypes, and societal norms that are in the book, but that most readers don't experience today.Each chapter ends with recipes and crafts that are pertinent to the books. I adored the Little House books when I was a child, and I still love them. This book is perfect for helping navigate tough topics and fun activities with modern families.

We recently chose a homeschool curriculum that was supposedly based on the Little House books, but in fact had no additional information to build on the books. This book has been a great addition to our daily readings and it is lovely. It doesn’t have something for every chapter, however, so we have supplemented with additional free pages that we have found online,etc. In hindsight, I should have skipped the curriculum and just used this book and my other resources. I am very happy that I bought this book!

Read this along with all nine books of The Little House on the Prairie Series. Info on each book, and chapters. Recipes to feel like you are them. Crafts for kids. And some Fact or Fiction tidbits throughout. This book would be great in a school setting or Homeschooling to enhance learning thru hands on activities. I have never heard of this author before, but I will look at more of her stuff. And I want to delve more in the real history of Laura Ingalls Wilder. There are tons of pics in the book as well as places to go see and read more about. And a dictionary of terms used in olden times. What a great book!

This slim volume is chock-full of insights into the world in which Laura Ingalls Wilder lived. Curious about a game mentioned in Little House? Rules for playing that game are detailed. Wondering how the family made snow maple candy or sour milk biscuits? Recipes are included, as are details on various arts and crafts, hair curling and laundry techniques, and so much more. Fans of the Little House books as well as those interested in the era's history and lifestyle will find this a fascinating addition to their library.

The companion book is a perfect addition for any Little House fan but especially useful for children to follow as they read. The author explains terminology Laura used while writing the Little House books as well as fact or fiction sidebars. There are 75 fantastic activities where you can “Live Like Laura or Almanzo”. The book would also be a useful tool for those who home school and would make an excellent addition to the boxed set for anyone.

I LOVE this book. I’m not even a huge Little House or Laura Ingalls fan but I love this book. There are so many fun activities and recipes included. Plus if you homeschool, this is an AMAZING supplement for learning about pioneer times. Whipple does a lot of research and it shows.

This is the perfect book to use while reading the Little House series aloud to your kids. They have been my favorite read alouds and I love the discussion questions in each chapter of this companion guide. I can imagine my kids and I snuggling together reading before bed and not wanting the chapter or book to end but when it does we can have these questions and tidbits of info and loads of activities to do together to make the Little House fun last. Then we can make our own memories to share just like Laura shared hers!

I'm enjoying the activities more than the commentary but if anyone is reading through the Little House series this book would be a good companion.I made the vinegar pie recipe and it was pretty good. Has hints of apple and raisin from the vinegar and sugar and spices I think.