Little Author in the Big Woods: A Biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder by Yona Zeldis McDonough (review)

Abstract

Reviewed by: Little Author in the Big Woods: A Biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder by Yona Zeldis McDonough Jeannette Hulick McDonough, Yona Zeldis Little Author in the Big Woods: A Biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder; illus. by Jennifer Thermes. Ottaviano/Holt, 2014 152p Trade ed. ISBN 978-0-8050-9542-5 $16.99 E-book ed. ISBN 978-1-62779-279-0 $9.99 Ad Gr. 2–4 This appealingly accessible biography starts with family background and goes on to cover the periods of Laura’s life featured in the “Little House” novels as well as some family information absent from the books. Additionally, McDonough explores the controversy over how much influence Rose Wilder Lane had on the Little House manuscripts and chronicles Wilder’s later years after the books’ publication. The smooth-flowing prose is easy to follow, and short sentences, a large typeface, and Thermes’ softly textured monochromatic art (slightly reminiscent of Lois Lenski’s work) make this an attractive choice for newly independent readers. Unfortunately, some of the book’s claims are questionable (for instance, there’s a suggestion that there were no other series of books for children before the Little House books) or unclear, and McDonough too easily glosses over the books’ contemporarily problematic treatment of race and colonialism. Despite those flaws, though, this definitely fills a niche, and younger Laura Ingalls Wilder fans or readers of Anderson’s Pioneer Girl: The Story of Laura Ingalls Wilder (BCCB 4/04) may find this both [End Page 268] informative and engaging. The book closes with recipes, a glossary, a bibliography, and source notes. Copyright © 2015 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois