Where to start
Little House on the Prairie
2 versions · originally a book, 1932
These stories chronicle the resilience and intimate daily struggles of a pioneer family carving a life from the American frontier.
✦ Most fans start here
Little House on the Prairie (1932)
The original novel
✦ Start hereLittle House on the Prairie
Laura Ingalls Wilder · Book · 1932
Little House on the Prairie (1932) serves as the foundational text, offering a deeply personal, descriptive account of the Ingalls family's westward migration and their arduous labor in Kansas Territory.
1974 series
Little House on the Prairie
Ed Friendly · Series · 1974
Little House on the Prairie (1974) reimagines the source material as a serialized television drama, expanding the narrative scope to explore the long-term community dynamics and challenges faced in Walnut Grove.
Common questions
What order should I read or watch Little House on the Prairie?
The Little House on the Prairie book was published in 1932 as part of a series. If you are following the television adaptation, the Little House on the Prairie series premiered in 1974. You can enjoy the original 1932 book text or the 1974 television series independently.
Is the Little House on the Prairie television series based on the 1932 book?
Yes, the Little House on the Prairie television series that began in 1974 is an adaptation of the source material. It draws its title and thematic inspiration from the original Little House on the Prairie book published by Laura Ingalls Wilder in 1932.
How long has Little House on the Prairie been around?
The original Little House on the Prairie book was first published in 1932. The subsequent television adaptation of Little House on the Prairie debuted decades later in 1974. Both versions remain recognized parts of the franchise today.
Should I read the 1932 Little House on the Prairie book before watching the show?
You do not need to read the 1932 book to understand the 1974 television series. While the Little House on the Prairie television show is adapted from the source material, each version functions as a standalone experience for the audience.