A long time ago, a young girl named Laura lived with her family in a comfortable log cabin. She had two devoted parents, Papa Charles and Mama Caroline, a big sister named Mary, and a newborn sister named Carrie. Papa wanted to relocate to the broad plains so they could have more acreage and freedom to roam, even though they liked their home in the woods.
They filled a large cart with all they possessed one morning. While Papa loaded tools and materials, Mama packed clothes, food, and blankets. As they set out west, Laura and Mary brought their dolls, and their devoted dog, Jack, galloped along the wagon.
Traveling was both thrilling and really challenging. They had to sleep under the stars, traverse rough slopes, and cross rivers. They occasionally encountered other families while traveling, but most of the time it was just the two of them and the vast prairie, which was home to buffalo, deer, and rabbits as well as tall grass.
Weeks later, they discovered the ideal location for their new house. Papa put a lot of effort into building a small cottage and cutting logs. While Mama prepared delectable cornbread and stew, Laura and Mary assisted in gathering firewood. In the warmth of the fire, they sat together at night and listened to Papa play his violin.
The prairie was beautiful but also full of surprises. In the spring, flowers covered the fields, and birds sang in the trees. In the summer, the sun was hot, and Laura loved splashing in the cool stream nearby. Autumn brought golden leaves, and they worked hard to store food for the winter. When the snow finally came, their little house was covered in white, and they stayed inside, playing, telling stories, and eating warm bread by the fire.
Life on the prairie wasn’t always easy. One day, a big fire started in the dry grass, moving quickly toward their house. Papa and Mama worked fast to stop the flames, while Laura and Mary helped carry water. Another time, a terrible snowstorm trapped them indoors for days, but thanks to Mama’s good planning, they had plenty of food and firewood to stay safe.
Laura once witnessed Native Americans on horses, who she had never seen before. They were different from her family, which made her inquisitive and a little anxious. Papa clarified that they should be treated with respect and kindness because they had inhabited the region for a very long time. Laura discovered more about them over time and witnessed their peaceful coexistence with the natural world.
Laura enjoyed her life on the prairie despite the difficulties. She assisted with housework, played with her sisters, and ran around the fields. She felt secure and content in their small home as she listened to Papa’s stories and music every night. Growing up, she consistently recalled those years as a period of exploration, education, and love.
Inspired by Little House on the Prairie.
If you enjoyed the story of The Little House in the Wide Prairie, we invite you to share our bedtime stories with your children. They will learn valuable lessons and develop a love for reading
