LAURA INGALLS WILDER
by Alexandra Wallner & illustrated by Alexandra Wallner
A picture-book biography, in the format of Wallner's Beatrix Potter (1995), that includes naive, highly patterned scenes of the pioneer girl many readers will already know from the Little House books, if not the television show. The fairly straightforward recapitulation of the ups and downs of Wilder's life pales next to the charming, decorative illustrations. Softly colored pen-and-ink illustrations, done in a flat primitive style, use repeated designs to create the prairie grasses, wood floors, and fabrics of the times. After this visual overview, readers are certain to turn to the list Wallner thoughtfully includes of Wilder's books, for a more adventure-filled version of her life. (Biography. 6-8)