Little House of the Prairie: The Legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder

 

 To say that our family is a Little House on the Prairie fan is an understatement.  So when I got an opportunity to review Little House on the Prairie: The Legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder DVD from Legacy Documentaries I jumped at the chance. We own several seasons of Little House on DVD and borrow others from family members who own the series as well.  We know the stories well as depicted by the TV show but to know the story behind the story is icing on the cake.
There were many aha moments as we viewed the life story of Laura Ingalls Wilder.  Understanding her upbringing, family relationships, hardships and victories makes you appreciate her books so much more.

As the DVD mentions, the stories written by Mrs. Wilder tell of a simpler time where family, courage, hope and love were important.  Little House stories are heartwarming and inspiring.  I dare say they offer many lessons we can use today in teaching our children.  Lessons based on truth and love and where church and community played a central role in people's lives.

Here is one of my favorite quotes from the DVD:

"If you have no one raising the children you have no transfer of culture." - Tanya Hart, Asst. Professor of History, University of Kansas.  Professor Hart was speaking of the role pioneer women played on the American frontier alongside their husbands.  Mrs. Wilder brought this character to life in her books.

The DVD is approximately 75 minutes in length and takes you through:

• the beginning of Mrs. Wilder's life with her husband, Almanzo Wilder, which was marked by struggle & hardship as they attempted to live as farmers
• their eventual success at farming in Mansfield, Missouri 
• her success as a newspaper columnist about agriculture and farm life in Mansfield
• her up and down relationship with her daughter Rose who edited her writing
• the motivation and influence of each book written in the Little House series
 

After writing the final book in the Little House series, Mrs. Wilder spent her latter years traveling with Almanzo and entertaining guests at Rocky Ridge farm.  Her books were translated for readers around the world and adapted for TV and stage.  What I find most remarkable is the US government used her final book to help foreigners understand American values.  What a testament to Mrs. Wilder's ability to capture the American spirit in her novels.

Although we enjoy the TV series, the DVD motivates me to read every book in the series.  It is highly recommended for fans of all ages.  It is $24.95 and can be purchased at Legacy Documentary.

Click to read more reviews from the Schoolhouse Review Crew.