Booklist Review

Gr. 5 and up. This expanded version of Little House Country [BKL D 15 89] is lavishly illustrated with old family photos and reproductions of the Little House illustrations as well as Kelly's stunning full-color photographs. Anderson gives a brief account of this revered author's life and travels, noting especially those points that differ from the fictionalized and televised versions. He also includes a few excerpts from Wilder's unpublished autobiography, "Pioneer Girl," as well as some of her poetry. Of particular interest are the sections describing Burr Oak, Iowa (where the Ingalls family spent two years not covered in the novels), Pa Ingalls' DeSmet house on Third Street (where the elder Ingallses lived after they left the homestead in 1887), and Rocky Ridge Farm in Missouri (where Laura and Almanzo spent the last years of their lives). Appended with a map of relevant homesites, their addresses, and a chronology, this will be welcomed by Little House devotees. ~--Kay Weisman