Becoming Peculiar

I stumbled across this article on the Fun Books website the other day. Random websurfing? I guess? I don't remember how I got there, but I'm glad I did.

I always figured that someday I would buy the Little House on the Praire Books for my collection, they are classics afterall. Well, I found out I had better hurry if I am to get the books like I remember having on the book shelf at home, and reading from time and time again. My Mom says that Dad bought them for her when she was pregnant with my brother, maybe that's why he almost got named Laura.

When I decided to listen to them on CD with my kids so we could attend a Little House Party I didn't realize the necessity of purchasing the series now. Harper Collins has redesigned the book and put new covers on them. My first reaction was, what, change the beautiful illustrations? I love Garth Williams covers and illustrations throughout the book.

However, I can't complain about the pictures as depicted on the Little House Books website. They look beautiful, and will probably attract this younger generation of children that are so accustomed to TV and computer games that are lifelike. I hope that the Garth William illustrated volumes remain in print for those of us that like the classics, and try to avoid the mainstream society. I want my children to learn that the classics (be it literature, art, music) have shaped who we are and what we are to become.

Christine of The Thinking Mother blog has done an amazing amount of research on this change. Please read her email for lists of the books and more thoughts about this change. Including information about the author of the newer Little House Books.

Newer little House Books - YES. I was surprised to find out that there were books about other members of Laura's family and that they are based on research from letters and diaries. I haven't read many of them, but I have read the book by Cynthia Rylant called Old Town in the Green Groves: Laura Ingalls Wilders Lost Little House Years.

Fun Books is responsible for the publishing of this information and they also still carry the original editions.

I'm planning on buy a piece of my childhood, the Garth Williams illustrated Little House on the Prairie set. There is something to be said for memories, and I hope to create many happy memories with Laura and my children.

I've emailed Harper Collins to find out if the Garth Williams editions will be around for awhile or if they are taking them out of print. (April 16, 2007)

Happy News - Molly O'Neill of Harper Collins emailed me back. Here is her email.

Thanks for your interest. The new paperback editions with photographic
covers are just one option, as our market research among teachers and
librarians told us that many of today's young girls were looking for a
"fresher" look to the books they pick up. However, the classic hardcover
editions with Garth Williams' art on the cover and the interior will
also continue to be available; we certainly respect that the classic
look continues to have many fans as well. Hope this answers your
concern.

Best wishes,

Molly O'Neill
School & Library Marketing Associate
HarperCollins Children's Books
1350 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019