If you’re new to Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House series, you might be wondering what the best reading order is. With multiple editions, two related companion books, and one standout novel told from a different character’s point of view, choosing the right order can make a big difference in how you experience the story.
Here’s a complete guide to help you decide how to read the Little House books—whether you want to follow Laura’s life chronologically, stick to the original publication order, or include the companion volumes that expand on her later years.
Original Publication Order (1932–1971)
This order reflects when the books were first published and includes the original text and illustrations (initially by Helen Sewell, later by Garth Williams). Many fans enjoy this order because it mirrors how readers first experienced Laura’s story as it unfolded:
- Little House in the Big Woods
- Farmer Boy
- Little House on the Prairie
- On the Banks of Plum Creek
- By the Shores of Silver Lake
- The Long Winter
- Little Town on the Prairie
- These Happy Golden Years
- The First Four Years (published posthumously)
This reading order follows the natural development of Wilder’s writing and storytelling voice and preserves the series’ evolution over time.
Chronological Order (By Events in Laura’s Life)
If you want to follow Laura’s life from childhood to early adulthood in the order that events actually happened, consider this version. It helps readers track her journey step by step, from her log cabin in Wisconsin to her first years as a wife and mother in the Dakota Territory.
- Little House in the Big Woods
- Little House on the Prairie
- On the Banks of Plum Creek
- By the Shores of Silver Lake
- The Long Winter
- Little Town on the Prairie
- These Happy Golden Years
- The First Four Years (published posthumously)
- Farmer Boy
While Farmer Boy takes place before the events of Laura’s life, many readers choose to read it after Little House on the Prairie or between Plum Creek and Silver Lake, as a gentle pause before Laura’s story resumes. Others prefer to save it until the end or skip it entirely, since it’s not told from Laura’s perspective.
Where Do the Companion Books Fit In?
Two additional books—On the Way Home and West from Home—are not part of the main nine-book series but are often read as companion pieces:
On the Way Home: Laura’s real-life diary of her family’s 1894 move from South Dakota to Missouri. Best read after The First Four Years as it continues Laura and Almanzo’s story.
West from Home: A collection of Laura’s letters to Almanzo from San Francisco in 1915, where she was visiting her daughter Rose and writing about the Panama-Pacific International Exposition. It provides insight into Laura’s adult life and writing voice and is often read after the main series and diary.
Garth Williams Revised Order
When the series was re-released with new illustrations by Garth Williams, the reading order was slightly adjusted to place Little House on the Prairie before Farmer Boy. This helped preserve the flow of Laura’s personal narrative, making the books more accessible for new readers:
- Little House in the Big Woods
- Little House on the Prairie
- Farmer Boy
- On the Banks of Plum Creek
- By the Shores of Silver Lake
- The Long Winter
- Little Town on the Prairie
- These Happy Golden Years
- The First Four Years (published posthumously)
This reading order is especially helpful for younger readers who want to stay immersed in Laura’s perspective without interruption.
So What’s the Best Order?
There’s no wrong way to read the Little House books—but here’s a helpful breakdown:
For first-time readers: Follow the chronological order of Laura’s life for a smooth story arc.
For nostalgia and historical context: Stick with the original publication order.
If you’re focusing on Laura’s point of view: Consider reading Farmer Boy after Plum Creek or at the very end.
Want the full experience? Add On the Way Home and West from Home after finishing the main nine books.
