*The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton

*The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton. Houghton Mifflin, 1969. 44 pages.

Reading Level: Picture Books, Ages 4-8
Recommended for: Ages 4-8

littlehouse

A little house living out in the country is curious about life in the big city. She observes the seasons, the playing of children, and the passage of life going on around her. Little does she imagine that the growing metropolis will gradually swallow up her beloved hillside view of apple trees and stars and finally crowd in beside her until she becomes a dilapidated, abandoned, broken-down house. “Everyone and everything moved much faster now than before.” But she is a sound, well-built little house, and all hope is not lost.

Burton’s nostalgic writing has resonated through generations of readers. Her pictures are so broad and sweeping that there is always something to look at both in the illustrations and in the text design. Study the details, and you will find greater pleasure and richness in the story. A favorite of many, it’s a book worth owning and reading over again.

See also our celebration of Virginia Lee Burton here, and reviews of Katy and the Big Snow, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, Choo-Choo and The Little House.

Cautions: none

Overall Value: 5 (out of 5)

  • Moral/worldview value: 5
  • Artistic value: 5

Categories: Picture Books, Starred Review, Classics, Retro Reads, Older Books, Living Books, Award Winners

Cover image from

Stay Up to Date!

Get the information you need to make wise choices about books for your children and teens.

Our weekly newsletter includes our latest reviews, related links from around the web, a featured book list, book trivia, and more. We never sell your information. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.

Support our writers and help keep Redeemed Reader ad-free by joining the Redeemed Reader Fellowship.

Stay Up to Date!

Get the information you need to make wise choices about books for your children and teens.

Our weekly newsletter includes our latest reviews, related links from around the web, a featured book list, book trivia, and more. We never sell your information. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.

FREE Bible Guide!

Get a guide to the Best Bibles for Children and Teens. Perfect for an Easter gift.

Megan Saben

Megan is Associate Editor for Redeemed Reader, and she loves nothing more than discovering Truth and Story in literature. She is the author of Something Better Coming, and is quite particular about which pottery mug is best suited to her favorite hot drinks throughout the day. Megan lives with her husband and five boys in Virginia.

We'd love to hear from you!

Our comments are now limited to our members (both Silver and Golden Key). Members, you just need to log in with your normal log-in credentials!

Not a member yet? You can join the Silver Key ($2.99/month) for a free 2-week trial. Cancel at any time. Find out more about membership here.

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.