Preparing for a Little House Birthday Birthday Party

October 10, 2012

If you read here regularly, you know that we, my oldest daughter especially, enjoys the Little House on the Prairie books. Read to the end for the giveaway!

In fact, we are having a Little House birthday party for her sixth birthday this month. I already showed readers the Little House party invitation. Today I thought I'd share some basic plans for Little House activities we'll do at her party related to the picture book Winter Days in the Big Woods. (I will share more activities in a wrap-up post after the celebration.)

I actually already had all of these ideas, listed below, in mind for Big Sister's birthday party. I just wasn't sure which Little House picture book we would read during the party. Because, really, it would be silly to have a book-related party and not read any books, right?? We borrowed many Little House picture books from the library for the party, knowing some could be browsed by the guests if there was time, and that I would read aloud to the little pioneers from one as well.

Winter Days in the Big Woods is the perfect book for reading aloud during the party! Why? Because we will...

Make butter. We will place heavy whipping cream in a jar with a clean marble and a tad bit of salt. Then we'll shake it while playing to create our own homemade butter.
Collect garden vegetables in our aprons. The guests will be given homemade aprons, providing my sewing machine cooperates. I'll scatter some vegetables in a "garden," and ask the guests to collect them. We may turn it into a race, but it may be fun to just load up the aprons.
Wash clothes using a washboard. The book mentions the song that helped Laura and her family identify which day of the week the work belonged to. They washed on Monday.
Eat homemade bread. Homemade bread will be provided for sandwiches and to enjoy the butter!
Enjoy fiddle music. Pa often took out his fiddle at night to sing to the family. We will enjoy some fiddle music, too.

Another activity related to this book is paper dolls. Though we have some, we have enough other activities planned that I am passing on the paper dolls.

For years I have used our library to introduce my children to the Ingalls family. We have listened to the audio books many times. We have borrowed the picture books. Now that my nearly six year old can read fairly well, she is getting her own nine-book set for her birthday! I actually purchased the set when I was expecting her, hoping-not knowing-I would have a daughter to share them with some day. I have to say, my nearly four year old son also enjoys Little House, too!

(My feeling is that if you introduce YOUNG boys to a variety of books with a good story, they will embrace male and female characters for a longer period of time.)

More Little House Party Ideas
~ Little House Birthday Party
~ Little House Party Invitation
~ Little House Book Activities
~ Little House Dress, Apron, and Bonnet
~ Little House Mercantile Store
~ Felt Costume Braids
~ Little House Birthday Party Food

I am excited to tell you that HarperCollins Children's Books is bringing our party to you! We have two giveaways for you!
GIVEAWAY! Winners are Shannon #41, for the 9 book set and Jenny, #45, for the two picture books.
~~Pick ONE.~~
A) Little House Nine-Book Set! One winner will receive the complete set by Laura Ingalls Wilder!

B) Winter Days in the Big Woods and A Little House Birthday. One winner will receive these two picture books.

~~To enter, please leave a comment below telling me which set you would prefer or if you would enjoy either! Winner must be a US resident. Be sure I have a way to contact you through email!~~

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~~~ Share about this giveaway and leave a link in a comment!~~

Giveaway will run through Monday, October 29th. Winners will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond. Random.org will help to choose the winners. This is open to residents in the United States. Thanks for entering!

Thank you so much, HarperCollins Children's Books for providing this great giveaway for my readers!

~ Annette {This Simple Mom}