The Little House facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Virginia Lee Burton |
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| Illustrator | Virginia Lee Burton |
| Cover artist | Virginia Lee Burton |
| Country | United States |
| Genre | Children's picture book |
| Publisher | Houghton Mifflin |
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Publication date
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1942 |
| Media type | Hardback |
| Pages | 40 |
| ISBN | 0-395-18156-9 |
| OCLC | 1347325 |
The Little House is a famous children's book from 1942. It was both written and drawn by Virginia Lee Burton. This classic story teaches young readers about how time passes and how the world changes around us.
Contents
The Story of The Little House
The book tells the tale of a small house built in the countryside in 1900. She sits on a pretty hill, surrounded by nature. Her builder says she is strong and will last for many generations. The house loves watching the seasons change. She also wonders about the bright lights of the city far away. As years pass, the city lights get closer and closer.
How the City Grows Around Her
By 1915, a road is built right in front of the house. Soon, small shops and gas stations appear. More and more houses are built nearby. Then, around 1925, these small homes are replaced by bigger buildings. These include tenements and apartments.
By 1930, the house is surrounded by city life. Streetcars, elevated railroads, and even a subway are all around her. Finally, in 1940, two huge skyscrapers rise up on each side. The little house is now deep in the city. She feels sad and looks old and worn. She misses her peaceful life on the hill.
A Happy Ending
One day, the great-great-granddaughter of the house's original builder sees her. She remembers stories her grandmother told about a similar house in the country. She realizes this is the very same house! She arranges to have the little house moved. The house is carefully taken out of the busy city. She is placed back on a quiet hill in the countryside. There, she can once again enjoy the changing seasons and live happily ever after.
Inspiration Behind the Book
Virginia Lee Burton, the author, said the story was inspired by her own home. She moved her house from a street to a field of daisies and apple trees. Burton wanted to show how time passes to young readers. She didn't mean for the book to criticize how cities grow.
Burton believed that good illustrations were very important. She often changed the words to fit her drawings. She felt that beautiful pictures help children appreciate art. She thought this would help them develop good taste.
The Little House in Film
The popular book was also made into a short animated film. Walt Disney created this cartoon in 1952. Wilfred Jackson directed it, and Sterling Holloway narrated the story. The film has also been released as an audio book. You can even spot the apartments and skyscrapers from the Disney film in Toontown in the movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
The 1952 Animated Film
The film also starts with a little house built on a country hill. She is happy when a new couple moves in. But at night, she feels lonely. She wonders what it would be like to have neighbors. She often looks at the distant city lights, which keep getting closer.
Eventually, two grand Victorian mansions are built next to her. The little house is happy to have neighbors. But the mansions are rude and look down on her. One night, both mansions burn down. The little house feels it's a shame, even though they weren't friendly.
The cartoon then jumps to 1896. The little house sees parades as people go to vote for William McKinley. Two tall tenement buildings are built on either side of her. Her family moves away because of the noise. The house reminds herself to stay strong. Years pass, and the tenements are torn down. Three huge skyscrapers replace them. By now, the little house is old and worn. She misses her peaceful life in the country.
One day, a wrecking crew arrives. The little house thinks they are there to tear her down. She doesn't mind, thinking she's "just in the way." But to her surprise, they are there to move her! They take her to the country and fix her up. A new couple moves in, and she is happy again.
