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My First Little House Books
Winter on the Farm
The Little House books tell the story of a little pioneer girl and her family as they traveled by covered wagon across the Midwest. Laura Ingalls Wilder's classic books, illustrated with Garth Williams' timeless artwork, have been cherished by millions of readers ever since they were first published over sixty years ago.
This My First Little House Book introduces Almanzo Wilder, the young boy from Farmer Boy who would one day marry Laura Ingalls. In Winter on the Farm, Almanzo goes through his afternoon barn chores, and then sits down to eat a hearty farm supper with his family. In this first book about Almanzo, young readers are able to share in the warmth and joy of another Little House family and celebrate new Little House adventures. Winter on the Farm is the first in an ongoing series about Laura’s beloved farmer boy.
This My First Little House Book introduces Almanzo Wilder, the young boy from Farmer Boy who would one day marry Laura Ingalls. In Winter on the Farm, Almanzo goes through his afternoon barn chores, and then sits down to eat a hearty farm supper with his family. In this first book about Almanzo, young readers are able to share in the warmth and joy of another Little House family and celebrate new Little House adventures. Winter on the Farm is the first in an ongoing series about Laura’s beloved farmer boy.
32 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1996
About the author
Laura Ingalls Wilder
493 books5,665 followersLaura Ingalls Wilder was an American author, journalist, and educator whose "Little House" series transformed the arduous reality of the American frontier into a foundational pillar of children's literature. Born in the "Big Woods" of Wisconsin to Charles and Caroline Ingalls, Laura’s childhood was a nomadic journey through the heart of a shifting nation. Her family moved across Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Iowa, and the Dakota Territory—often staying just ahead of legal evictions or chasing the promise of fertile soil. These years were marked by extreme hardship, including the "Hard Winter" of 1880–81 in De Smet, South Dakota, where the family survived near-starvation. Despite the struggle, these experiences provided the raw material for her eight-volume record of pioneer life, a series that has since been translated into over forty languages.
Before becoming a world-renowned novelist in her sixties, Wilder lived several distinct lives. At fifteen, she became a teacher in one-room prairie schools, a job she took primarily to support her family financially. In 1885, she married Almanzo Wilder, beginning a partnership that endured fire, paralysis from diphtheria, and the heartbreaking loss of an infant son. These trials eventually led them to Mansfield, Missouri, where they established Rocky Ridge Farm. It was here that Laura developed her voice as a professional writer, serving as a columnist and editor for the Missouri Ruralist for over a decade.
The Great Depression and the 1929 stock market crash wiped out the Wilders’ savings, providing the ultimate catalyst for Laura to pen her memoirs. Her daughter, Rose Wilder Lane—a successful author in her own right—encouraged her mother to adapt her autobiography, Pioneer Girl, into a format more suitable for children. This resulted in a complex and often rocky literary collaboration; while Lane provided the professional "style," Wilder provided the "substance" and narrative heart. The first book, Little House in the Big Woods, was published in 1932 when Laura was sixty-five.
Wilder’s legacy is a blend of immense literary success and modern historical scrutiny. While her books remain staples in classrooms for their vivid descriptions of 19th-century domestic life, her portrayals of Native Americans and African Americans have led to recent reevaluations. In 2018, the American Library Association renamed the "Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal" to the "Children's Literature Legacy Award" to reflect these evolving cultural sensitivities. Nonetheless, Wilder remains a monumental figure in American letters, a woman who successfully "saved the American soul" by documenting the grit, faith, and unyielding persistence of the pioneer spirit.
Before becoming a world-renowned novelist in her sixties, Wilder lived several distinct lives. At fifteen, she became a teacher in one-room prairie schools, a job she took primarily to support her family financially. In 1885, she married Almanzo Wilder, beginning a partnership that endured fire, paralysis from diphtheria, and the heartbreaking loss of an infant son. These trials eventually led them to Mansfield, Missouri, where they established Rocky Ridge Farm. It was here that Laura developed her voice as a professional writer, serving as a columnist and editor for the Missouri Ruralist for over a decade.
The Great Depression and the 1929 stock market crash wiped out the Wilders’ savings, providing the ultimate catalyst for Laura to pen her memoirs. Her daughter, Rose Wilder Lane—a successful author in her own right—encouraged her mother to adapt her autobiography, Pioneer Girl, into a format more suitable for children. This resulted in a complex and often rocky literary collaboration; while Lane provided the professional "style," Wilder provided the "substance" and narrative heart. The first book, Little House in the Big Woods, was published in 1932 when Laura was sixty-five.
Wilder’s legacy is a blend of immense literary success and modern historical scrutiny. While her books remain staples in classrooms for their vivid descriptions of 19th-century domestic life, her portrayals of Native Americans and African Americans have led to recent reevaluations. In 2018, the American Library Association renamed the "Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal" to the "Children's Literature Legacy Award" to reflect these evolving cultural sensitivities. Nonetheless, Wilder remains a monumental figure in American letters, a woman who successfully "saved the American soul" by documenting the grit, faith, and unyielding persistence of the pioneer spirit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
April 16, 2026
"It was wintertime on the farm, and the air was still as ice. ... Almanzo and Royal hurried to the big barn to start their chores."In this picture book, we follow Almanzo (Laura's future husband)'s family as he and his big brother help take care of their farm in winter.
We get to watch Almanzo pet the horses on the nose, then clean out the pig stalls and finally give his calves, Star and Bright, a scratch between the horns.
After the animals are taken care of, the family gathers together for a wonderful winter meal before turning in themselves, ready for the next day.
"Almanzo and Royal waited while Father took the shining tin lantern and made sure that everything in the barn was snug for the night."
This was such a sweet bedtime story!
One thing that really shines about the Laura Ingalls Wilder picture books is the slow and steady pace - the books are definitely wonderful.
I love how they showcase all the farming routines and the cute animals, but they aren't a 'get up and go' kind of book - meaning, they are perfect for bedtime.
I had a lot of fun following Almanzo Wilder as he tucked in the animals, making sure that they were loved and appreciated, before going to spend quality time with his family. It was so nice to see how the family enjoyed eating and talking before they turned in themselves.
An absolutely darling book!
September 24, 2024
Almanzo eating to his heart's content will always be iconic.
February 17, 2021
These scaled down adaptations of Laura Ingalls Wilder's work are wonderful ways to introduce young children to the world of Little House.
November 17, 2018
Chores for boys, all in the barn caring for the animals. Meal time. After dinner entertainment.
This series appeals to the kids. I wonder if they'll read the original books.
This series appeals to the kids. I wonder if they'll read the original books.
May 9, 2024
Winter on the Farm, adapted from Farmer Boy, by Laura Ingalls Wilder, c. 1996. Part of the Little House Picture Book series. Wonderful illustrations by Jody Wheeler and Renee Graef, in the style of Garth Williams (and with his permission) make these books very special.
Kudos to whomever created the Little House Picture Books for the youngest set of Little House fans. The stories are faithful to the original and the full-page, full-color illustrations help children picture the pioneer lives of Laura Ingalls, her family, and Almanzo Wilder, her future husband.
In Winter on the Farm, young Almanzo helps his family with chores around the farm, enjoys a hearty supper, and spends a cozy evening with his family around the stove, eating apples and popcorn.
Winter on the Farm is part one of three books featuring Almanzo. In County Fair, Almanzo and his family travel to the fair, bringing their contributions of pickles and jellies and sewing. Almanzo's huge pumpkin was sent on ahead because it was too big to fit in the buggy, and he can't wait to see if it wins a prize. In book three, A Farmer Boy Birthday, Almanzo gets to stay home from school on his birthday and gets a wonderful surprise from his father. Other events make his birthday a very special day.
"My First Little House Books" is a series that is comprised of at least 24 outstanding picture books adapted from Wilder's writings that your youngest readers, ages 3-6 years, will love.
Kudos to whomever created the Little House Picture Books for the youngest set of Little House fans. The stories are faithful to the original and the full-page, full-color illustrations help children picture the pioneer lives of Laura Ingalls, her family, and Almanzo Wilder, her future husband.
In Winter on the Farm, young Almanzo helps his family with chores around the farm, enjoys a hearty supper, and spends a cozy evening with his family around the stove, eating apples and popcorn.
Winter on the Farm is part one of three books featuring Almanzo. In County Fair, Almanzo and his family travel to the fair, bringing their contributions of pickles and jellies and sewing. Almanzo's huge pumpkin was sent on ahead because it was too big to fit in the buggy, and he can't wait to see if it wins a prize. In book three, A Farmer Boy Birthday, Almanzo gets to stay home from school on his birthday and gets a wonderful surprise from his father. Other events make his birthday a very special day.
"My First Little House Books" is a series that is comprised of at least 24 outstanding picture books adapted from Wilder's writings that your youngest readers, ages 3-6 years, will love.
January 30, 2020
What's not to love? Farm animals, lots of food, and a sweet farmer boy.
This series is perfect for mamas who just can't wait to introduce the Little House books to their children.
1/7/19 Read with Naomi and Julia
1/29/20 Read with Julia
This series is perfect for mamas who just can't wait to introduce the Little House books to their children.
1/7/19 Read with Naomi and Julia
1/29/20 Read with Julia
January 5, 2017
It crazy when tou compare and contrast Almanzo and Laura's lives.
September 19, 2018
Summary
The book Winter on the Farm is a book from the series "Little House on the prairie." This story followed the day of a boy named Almonzo. I would guess that Almondo was around eight years old. Throughout the story, it showed how life was back in the early 1910s. During the story, he milked his cow and helped with the farm chores.
Opinion
Growing up I loved these book in chapter book form but I was not very engaged in this particular book. Maybe children who have not read a book from a different time period would be engrossed. That is why I rated it a three.
Teaching Idea
I believe that this would be a good text for a student who is reading on a 2nd-grade reading level. It might also be a good one to use for a guided reading lesson. I would expand on the text by talking more about the time period, how people lived, and what a school room looked like. Maybe I would even run my classroom as the classrooms were run back then for a day to give my students the full experience.
The book Winter on the Farm is a book from the series "Little House on the prairie." This story followed the day of a boy named Almonzo. I would guess that Almondo was around eight years old. Throughout the story, it showed how life was back in the early 1910s. During the story, he milked his cow and helped with the farm chores.
Opinion
Growing up I loved these book in chapter book form but I was not very engaged in this particular book. Maybe children who have not read a book from a different time period would be engrossed. That is why I rated it a three.
Teaching Idea
I believe that this would be a good text for a student who is reading on a 2nd-grade reading level. It might also be a good one to use for a guided reading lesson. I would expand on the text by talking more about the time period, how people lived, and what a school room looked like. Maybe I would even run my classroom as the classrooms were run back then for a day to give my students the full experience.
January 21, 2019
We have a few of these on the shelf, and as a Little House fan, it’s gratifying that my 5-year-olds seem to love these picture book adaptations of some of the stories and vignettes from the original books. In this one, they get a “slice of life” view of a winter day at Almanzo’s childhood farm. It’s fascinating to them to read about what his chores were, and what the family ate for dinner. The illustrations in these picture books are beautiful, two-page spread, full bleed, which makes it easy to really get absorbed by the story.
July 19, 2019
This book is lovely. The story is a MUCH abridged version of Wilder's Farmer Boy, yet does a nice job introducing Almanzo, his family and their farm. The illustrations are exceptional complete with vast detail.
January 10, 2024
Artwork by Jody Wheeler (in the style of Garth Williams) enhances these short episodes taken from the Little House books proper, this time taking a look at young Almanzo on the family farm in New York.
January 6, 2018
A wonderful book to introduce children to Almanzo Wilder and winter farm life
March 1, 2018
A short story from the Little House on the Prairie series. Great to start the littles off on this great series!
October 4, 2021
Love this story and the beautiful illustrations. This book tells us of what Winter is like on the farm and what Almanzo does to help out in the barn. Love this one!
December 14, 2021
A good look at life on the farm as a young pioneer.
January 3, 2022
J read this book aloud to me (3rd grade) - we love this series, short easy to read books, we love the illustrations too
January 29, 2022
Another picture book for Laura Ingall's Wilder. Almonzo and his upper New York state farm. Sweet glimpse into farm life in winter time.
September 11, 2023
Join Almanzo as he does chores around the farm. Don't miss the yummy food for supper! We absolutely love these books! Follow @bronteandwilder on Instagram for more fun book recommendations!
March 9, 2024
Another adorable picture book for Little House fans!
July 8, 2024
A great way to introduce young readers to the Little House books.
August 3, 2024
We really enjoyed the story with my son.
January 11, 2025
Winter on the Farm (My First Little House Books #4) by Laura Ingalls Wilder – If you love the Little House books, these picture books are a sweet intro for little readers! Happy Reading!
March 1, 2025
This is such a great way to illustrate how varied life could be in historical times when compared with Laura’s log cabin in winter.
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January 11, 2022This book was actually from Farmer Boy!
July 14, 2011
I've been scouring the local thrift stores looking for copies of "My First Little House" books for my son Peter. They are picture books for children which are based on the Laura Ingalls Wilder stories, and even feature illustrations similar to those done by Garth Williams.
"Winter on the Farm" is definitely Peter's favorite in this series, as it features "Farmer Boy" Almanzo Wilder and all the animals he takes care of in the barn. Almanzo milks the cows, and cleans the stalls, and loves to look at his father's beautiful horses . After all his hard work Almanzo sits down to a large meal with the family, and concludes that, "It's good to be a farmer boy."
I love the important lessons and moral messages found in this series. "Winter on the Farm" is a great book for young kids who are learning to take care of animals and help with household chores.
"Winter on the Farm" is definitely Peter's favorite in this series, as it features "Farmer Boy" Almanzo Wilder and all the animals he takes care of in the barn. Almanzo milks the cows, and cleans the stalls, and loves to look at his father's beautiful horses . After all his hard work Almanzo sits down to a large meal with the family, and concludes that, "It's good to be a farmer boy."
I love the important lessons and moral messages found in this series. "Winter on the Farm" is a great book for young kids who are learning to take care of animals and help with household chores.
December 5, 2008
Much to my delight, my boys who are five and two absolutely love these books! The "My First Little House" series takes stories out of the original little house books and illustrates them beautifully. My boys love to point out each family member and my five year old asks lots of questions. These books have become a wonderful way to introduce history and "the simple life" to my little ones. These books have great family values. :)
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October 10, 2018I loved the book. It was a cute story with educational benefits. It helps bring history to life for young children/early readers. I didn’t think she would like it as much as she did since it was about a little boy. She liked it because it showed her how a boy her age might have lived.
To read our full review, go to the Reading Tub.
To read our full review, go to the Reading Tub.
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May 26, 2015A great segmented series that breaks out smaller stories from the series. This series is a great introduction to the Laura Ingalls Wilder series to move the young reader onto once they are ready. This book focuses on Almanzo Wilder. BTW..see no mention of a Pearly Day Wilder or a younger brother...figment of tv imagination???
January 3, 2011
With warm illustrations and simple, pleasant text--this is not a bad book. As a vegetarian, though, it didn't work out well with the focus being on milking cows and eating pigs. I won't be sharing this with my animal-loving son.
February 22, 2012
I really enjoy these books! This is part of the My First Little House Books Series and tells the story of Almanzo Wilder's childhood days on his farm in New York during the winter. My boys, who are big farm story fans, really enjoyed this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews