Prairie Day (Little House Picture Book)
My First Little House Books Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Prairie Day, part of the My First Little House Book series, follows Laura and her family as they travel across the flat Kansas prairie. The book captures the excitement of daytime adventures with gophers and rabbits, and the coziness of their camp at night. Featuring full-color artwork inspired by Garth Williams's classic illustrations, this book brings Laura's story to life for young readers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Laura Ingalls
Caroline Ingalls
Charles Ingalls
Discussion points
What do you think life was like for Laura and her family on the prairie?
How do the illustrations help tell the story of Laura’s day on the prairie?
Why do you think Laura and her family moved to the prairie?
How did Laura feel about her adventures on the prairie? Can you find parts of the story that show her feelings?
Tip: Role play these questions
Let your child lead the conversation by asking them to describe their favorite part of Laura's day and why they liked it.
Encourage your child to compare their daily activities to Laura's, discussing both similarities and differences.
Point out specific illustrations and ask your child what they see, helping them connect the images to the story.
Use reflective listening to affirm your child’s thoughts and feelings discussed during the reading to deepen their understanding and connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and Adaptability
Explanation: The characters in 'Prairie Day' face various challenges as they travel across the American frontier. Despite obstacles, their determination and adaptability shine as they continue their journey.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be resilient and adaptable in the face of challenges, whether it's a difficult homework assignment or adjusting to a new school.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Nature
Explanation: The book vividly describes the natural environment of the prairie, capturing its beauty and the challenges it presents to the family. This fosters a deep appreciation for nature.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to observe and appreciate their own surroundings, whether it's a city park or the countryside, promoting outdoor activities and environmental awareness.
Example Lesson: Family Bonding
Explanation: Throughout their journey, the Ingalls family works together and supports each other. Their strong family bonds are evident and crucial to their survival and success.
Real-World Application: This story emphasizes the importance of family support and cooperation, encouraging children to value and contribute to their family unit.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face the Unknown
Explanation: The Ingalls family embarks on a journey into largely unknown territories, demonstrating courage and a pioneering spirit.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of courage when trying new activities or facing uncertain situations, understanding that it's okay to feel scared while embracing new experiences.
Example Lesson: History and Geography Education
Explanation: As the setting of the story is the American prairie during the westward expansion, it provides historical and geographical context that is both educational and intriguing.
Real-World Application: Children gain historical insights and geographical knowledge that can be further explored in school subjects or in discussions about America's past and its landscapes.