Laura Ingalls Wilder Books In Order

Alright, gather 'round, prairie pals! Let's talk Laura Ingalls Wilder, or as I like to call her, the OG homesteader influencer. We're diving headfirst into the Little House series, and I promise, by the end of this, you'll know your On the Banks of Plum Creek from your These Happy Golden Years. And maybe you'll finally understand why everyone was so obsessed with butter churning. (Spoiler alert: It's not as glamorous as it sounds.)

Now, before we get started, let's address the elephant in the room: the chronological order versus the publication order. It's like trying to figure out which came first, the chicken or the ridiculously impractical sunbonnet. We’re going with publication order, because, frankly, it’s less likely to give you a headache.

The Publication Order: Your Guide to Prairie Life (and Dramatic Pa’s Fiddling)

First up, we have Little House in the Big Woods (1932). This is where it all began, folks! We're in Wisconsin, circa 1870s, and Laura is, like, five years old. Think log cabins, bears (oh my!), and Pa’s endless supply of catchy fiddle tunes that probably drove Ma completely bonkers. Fun fact: this book was originally published as a stand-alone, which is why it feels a little...self-contained. Imagine if the whole series was just about Laura's Wisconsin childhood. We'd miss so much drama!

Next, we mosey on over to Little House on the Prairie (1935). Goodbye, Big Woods! Hello, Kansas! (Well, technically, Osage Diminished Reserve, which is important to acknowledge.) This book is all about moving west, building a house, and encountering Native Americans. It's also about contracting malaria. Good times! This one is iconic, the TV show, the bonnets. It even inspired a nation! It is also the reason many children have a crush on a slightly problematic "Pa".

Then comes On the Banks of Plum Creek (1937). Now, we're talking Minnesota! And grasshopper plagues! Seriously, imagine millions of grasshoppers descending upon your crops. It’s like a biblical plague, but with more chewing. I would start screaming and never stop! It is not clear how Laura keeps it together. Plus, Laura goes to school for the first time and has to deal with Nellie Oleson. Oh, Nellie. The original Mean Girl.

Get ready for Little Town on the Prairie (1941). We’re in De Smet, South Dakota, and Laura is growing up! She’s attending school and becoming a teacher! I think there is some romance starting up, but, honestly, I'm too busy worrying about the impending blizzards that are mentioned in the following book.

Brace yourselves, because The Long Winter (1940) is a doozy. Seven months of blizzards! People are starving! It’s basically a survivalist’s dream (or nightmare, depending on your perspective). Pa is a hero, because, of course he is! Spoiler alert: they all survive. But it's a nail-biter. It's basically The Revenant but with less Leonardo DiCaprio and more snowdrifts.

After all that snow, we deserve some sunshine, right? Enter These Happy Golden Years (1943). Laura's teaching, Almanzo Wilder is courting her with horses (because what else?), and marriage is on the horizon. This book is all about growing up and making big life decisions. It's sweet, it's romantic, and it's a nice break from all the near-death experiences.

Finally, we have The First Four Years (published posthumously in 1971). This book covers the beginning of Laura and Almanzo's marriage. It’s filled with the challenges of farming, financial hardship, and the loss of their first child. It is the most realistic and bittersweet of all the novels. It’s a reminder that even happy golden years have their share of struggles. It's also a reminder that farming is HARD work, and maybe we should all appreciate our grocery stores a little more.

Bonus Round: Farmer Boy (1933)

Now, you might be thinking, "Wait a minute! What about Farmer Boy?" Ah, yes. Farmer Boy! This book is technically part of the series, but it's about Almanzo Wilder's childhood in New York. It is not chronologically in order with the other books, because Laura and Almanzo did not meet until Laura was a young woman. It is worth reading. Think of it as a Little House spin-off. It’s all about farming, eating delicious food, and being a generally awesome kid. The food descriptions alone are worth the price of admission. Seriously, Almanzo's meals are legendary.

So there you have it! The Little House books in (mostly) chronological order. Now go forth and read, and maybe try churning your own butter. I dare you. Just don’t blame me when your arms fall off.