Past LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE BOOKS have contained one large story. While those have always been enjoyable, there's a chance that the newest release from Laura Ingalls Wilder, A LITTLE HOUSE CHRISTMAS TREASURY, is the most enjoyable LITTLE HOUSE release in years. A LITTLE HOUSE CHRISTMAS TREASURY is made up of six short stories, and one Christmas carol. Each short story features Laura as a young child, except for two - which both star Almanzo.
CHRISTMAS IN THE BIG WOODS - This story takes place in the Big Woods of Wisconsin. In this story, Laura is a mere four-years-old, and is eagerly awaiting the arrival of her relatives and Santa Claus. 5/5 stars.
CHRISTMAS ON THE PRAIRIE - This story takes place in Indian Territory, when Laura is six-years-old. This Christmas, rain has fallen non-stop, but there has been no sign of snow, and everyone knows that Santa and his reindeer can only find children if there is snow to guide their sleigh, so Mary and Laura think that Santa won't be visiting them this year. That is, until a surprise greets them on Christmas morning. 5/5 stars.
CHRISTMAS ON PLUM CREEK - This story takes place in Plum Creek, Minnesota. Laura is now eight-years-old, and she and Mary are worried that Santa won't be visiting them, because their new home has no fireplace. After all, how can Santa leave you presents, if there is no fireplace for him to enter your home by? Luckily, Ma assures the girls that Santa will find them, and helps them realize the true spirit of Christmas. 5/5 stars.
CHRISTMAS FOR FARMER BOY - This story takes place in Malone, New York, but doesn't star Laura and her family. This story is all about Almanzo Wilder, and his time dining with his family over a Christmas feast, and making merry with his aunts, uncles, and cousins. All of whom have decided to spend the holidays at the Wilder family farm. 5/5 stars.
CHRISTMAS DURING THE LONG WINTER - This story takes place in De Smet, in the Dakota Territory. Laura is quickly growing up, and is now helping her Ma and Pa take care of her younger sisters, along with Mary. The winter is too harsh for Christmas celebrations, so, when the weather turns a bit cooler, and Christmas is long over, the girls and their family, along with a few special neighbors, celebrate Christmas in May. 5/5 stars.
CHRISTMAS IN THE GOLDEN YEARS - This is the only other story in the treasury that features Almanzo Wilder. Laura is now all grown up, and is engaged to Almanzo Wilder, who is away in New York working. Mary is away at the school for the blind, so it's just Ma, Pa, Laura, Carrie, and baby Grace. Laura is upset because Christmas doesn't feel the same without the ones she loves by her side, but when a surprise visitor arrives at the door, the Christmas spirit bites Laura in the side, and puts a smile upon her face. 5/5 stars.
I haven't read a book from the LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE series for years, but being a huge fan of Christmas, and writings of Laura Ingalls Wilder, I knew that I had to have A LITTLE HOUSE CHRISTMAS TREASURY. I was not disappointed. While I enjoyed the stories CHRISTMAS IN THE BIG WOODS and CHRISTMAS ON THE PRAIRIE the most, each story brings such a large dose of Christmas spirit along with it, that they will all be cherished by readers. If you are going to purchase one holiday treasury this year, make it be this one. You won't be sorry.
Erika Sorocco
Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper |
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