The Long Winter (Little House on the Prairie Book 6)
#6 of 16 in My First Little House Books Series
What’s inside...
The old Indian's warning predicted a harsh and extended winter, prompting Laura's father to relocate his family from their claim to his house in town for better protection against blizzards. The winter proved to be brutal with relentless storms, isolating the town and cutting off supplies as trains could not get through. The Ingalls family survived on minimal resources, burning hay for warmth and using a homemade button lamp for light. It wasn't until May that the snow melted enough for the first train to arrive, bringing with it their long-awaited Christmas turkey, still frozen. Meanwhile, on the desolate winter prairie, the townspeople faced severe conditions from October to April with no relief as trains failed to deliver essential food and coal, leading to starvation. Almanzo Wilder realized the gravity of the situation and knew he had to risk his life to save the town.
Character compass
Laura Ingalls
Cap Garland
Almanzo Wilder
Carrie Ingalls
Mary Ingalls
Pa (Charles Ingalls)
Ma (Caroline Ingalls)
Discussion points
How do you think the Ingalls family felt during the long winter? What clues in the story help us understand their feelings?
What are some ways the family worked together to overcome challenges? Can you think of a time when our family worked together like that?
Why is it important to stay hopeful and resourceful in difficult times, just like Laura's family did?
What did you learn about life in the 1800s from this book? How is it different from today?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on the family's perseverance and teamwork. This can encourage your child to open up and express their views.
Link discussions to your child’s experiences, such as moments when they had to be resourceful or work as a team, to make the story more relatable.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or solutions to the challenges faced by the Ingalls family, fostering creative thinking.
Discuss the historical aspects of the book, prompting your child to think about how life has changed over time and the lessons we can learn from the past.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Throughout 'The Long Winter,' the Ingalls family faces harsh winter conditions with limited resources but maintains their hope and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to remain positive and steadfast, even when faced with challenges, whether in their academic pursuits, sports, or relationships.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and community support
Explanation: The Ingalls family and their neighbors rely on each other for survival, demonstrating the strength and necessity of communal support.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of helping and collaborating with others, nurturing a sense of community and teamwork in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Innovation and problem-solving
Explanation: Faced with the relentless cold and dwindling supplies, the characters come up with creative solutions such as twisting hay into sticks for burning.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to think creatively and develop problem-solving skills that can be applied in overcoming obstacles at school or in social situations.
Example Lesson: Gratitude for simple pleasures
Explanation: Despite their hardships, the family often finds joy in simple things, whether it's a modest Christmas celebration or a rare treat like oranges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the small joys in life, fostering an attitude of gratitude and contentment.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to changing conditions
Explanation: As the winter progresses, the Ingalls family adapts to their increasingly dire circumstances, becoming more resourceful with each challenge.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of adapting to changes, such as moving to a new school or dealing with changes within the family.