Little Author in the Big Woods - by Yona Zeldis McDonough (Paperback)

About the Book

Many young schoolgirls fall in love with the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. What they may not realize is that the books are autobiographical. This narrative biography describes more of the details of the young Laura's real life as a young pioneer, homesteading with her family on many adventurous journeys. Illustrations.

Book Synopsis

Many girls in elementary and middle school fall in love with the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. What they don't always realize is that Wilder's books are autobiographical. This narrative biography describes more of the details of the young Laura's real life as a young pioneer homesteading with her family on many adventurous journeys. This biography, complete with charming illustrations, points out the differences between the fictional series as well as the many similarities.

Little Author in the Big Woods: A Biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder by Yona Zeldis McDonough, with illustrations by Jennifer Thermes, is the fascinating story of a much-celebrated writer.

Review Quotes

"This condensation of the long, peripathetic life of Laura Ingalls Wilder will intrigue fans of the Little House series." --Kirkus Reviews on Little Author in the Big Woods

"This biography draws parallels between Wilder's life and writing, featuring both hardships and joys of her experiences as a pioneer in the late 1800s and early 1900s . . . 'Little House' fans will find a lot to love here." --School Library Journal on Little Author in the Big Woods

"McDonough, appropriately for the audience, places the development of Louisa's character over literary exegesis, and her words are harmoniously both accessible and expressive. . . . While too dense for the littlest of women (and men), middle-graders will be charmed by this first look at one of America's most beloved authors." --Kirkus Reviews on Louisa: The Life of Louisa May Alcott

"Mix one part Rumer Godden's The Story of Holly and Ivy and many parts Sydney Taylor's All-of-a-Kind Family and you create a standout family-and-doll story." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review on The Doll Shop Downstairs

"McDonough gives us a wholly original story. . . . Dolls and doll parts, a resourceful Mama and Papa and an appealing heroine and her sisters are all deftly drawn. . . . The Doll Shop Downstairs will become a classic." --Jewish Book World, starred review on The Doll Shop Downstairs

About the Author

Yona Zeldis McDonough is the author of many books for children, including Sisters in Strength, Anne Frank, and Louisa: The Life of Louisa May Alcott. Ms. McDonough lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Jennifer Thermes is the author and illustrator of When I Was Built and Sam Bennett's New Shoes, which was a Bank Street College Best Children's Book. Her books as illustrator include the middle-grade novel Maggie & Oliver and The Iciest, Diciest, Scariest Sled Ride Ever! Jennifer also creates illustrated maps for magazine and book publishing clients.