Little House in the Big Woods Author:Laura Ingalls Wilder The novel describes the homesteading skills Laura observed and began to practice during her fifth year. It does not contain the more mature (yet real) themes addressed in later books of the series (conflicts with Native Americans, serious illness, death, drought, and crop destruction). Hard work is the rule, though fun is often made in the midst... more » of it. Laura gathers wood chips, and helps Ma and Pa when they butcher animals and preserve the meat. This is all in preparation for the upcoming winter. Fall is a very busy time, because the harvest from the garden and fields must be brought in as well.« less