County Fair (Little House Picture Book)
Little House Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Now there are two more My First Little House picture books in paperback format. In County Fair, Almanzo Wilder experiences an exciting day at the county fair with contests, races, and delicious food, eagerly awaiting the judges' opinion on his special pumpkin. In A Little House Birthday, the Ingalls family celebrates Laura's fifth birthday in the Big Woods of Wisconsin. The books feature full-color artwork by Doris Ettlinger and Jody Wheeler, inspired by Garth Williams's classic illustrations, bringing the characters lovingly to life. These picture books allow the youngest readers to enjoy Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House series through beautifully illustrated adaptations.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the county fair and why?
How do you think Laura felt when she saw all the different exhibits and animals at the fair?
If you could enter a contest at the fair, what would you choose to show or do?
How do the colors and pictures in the book make you feel about the fair?
What have you learned about how people celebrated and came together in Laura's time?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the fair by relating it to their own experiences at similar events. Ask them to imagine what it would be like to live in Laura's time and visit a county fair back then. Use descriptive language from the book to enrich your conversation and help your child visualize the scenes. Discuss the different kinds of contests and shows mentioned in the book and ask your child which ones they would like to participate in or watch.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Hard Work
Explanation: In 'County Fair,' Almanzo Wilder works diligently to prepare his young colts for the fair, showing dedication and commitment.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the importance of consistent effort in achieving goals, whether in school projects, sports, or other activities.
Example Lesson: Pride in Accomplishments
Explanation: Almanzo's pride in his efforts and the accomplishments of his colts at the fair demonstrates a healthy sense of self-esteem and satisfaction.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to take pride in their own achievements and to celebrate their own hard work and successes.
Example Lesson: Coping with Disappointment
Explanation: Despite his hard work, things at the fair do not go entirely as Almanzo had hoped. His resilience in handling disappointment is clear.
Real-World Application: Children learn that not every effort will result in a win or a reward, and that resilience is key in dealing with life's letdowns.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Support
Explanation: Almanzo’s family attends the fair and supports him, showing the importance of family encouragement and presence.
Real-World Application: This can foster an appreciation for family bonding and support among children, prompting them to value and seek support from their own families.
Example Lesson: Enjoyment of Simple Pleasures
Explanation: The excitement and enjoyment that Almanzo experiences at the fair, from preparing his colts to participating in events, highlights the joy of simple pleasures.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to find joy in non-materialistic experiences and to cherish moments of simple happiness and fun.