As part of our ongoing Little House on the Prairie Unit Study, I wanted to start reviewing some of the hands-on learning items we’re using this summer. I’m not usually very confident writing reviews, but this product is so charming (and so full of learning potential) that I felt it deserved a closer look. My goal here is simple: show you what the book includes, how it can be incorporated into a Little House-style curriculum, and whether My Book of Little House Paper Dolls is worth buying.
Spoiler: it absolutely is.
A Beautifully Designed Book Full of Pioneer Play
My Book of Little House Paper Dolls is roughly A4 in size and packed with carefully illustrated cardboard punch-out dolls representing each member of the Ingalls family. The dolls come modestly dressed, no awkward undressing required! This is both helpful for children and keeps the set true to the tone of the Little House world.
Another great DIY! Click here and learn how to make your own DIY prairie mattress to go in your little house.
The dolls themselves are made from sturdy card, and while not indestructible, they hold up reasonably well to gentle play. Younger children who tend to be rougher may bend them quickly, but with proper supervision, they can last a good amount of time.
Check it out! Click here to find out how we made some prairie nightdresses from a couple of pillowcases
Detailed Clothing Sets for Every Pioneer Occasion
The rest of the book contains beautifully illustrated paper clothing and accessories. These pieces are printed on thick paper, not card, and are grouped by activities or occasions. For example:
- Doing the chores
- Visiting town
- Bedtime
- Playtime
- Seasonal wear
Each page includes a short paragraph describing the clothing and hinting at the activity the Ingalls family might be doing. This little touch makes the set especially valuable for homeschool families. Not only does the child enjoy imaginative play, but they also absorb bits of social history and practical information from the Little House era.
Another Pioneer Recipe! Click here to find out how to make some prairie cornbread
I cut out all the clothing pieces one evening while watching a movie, which made the prep easy and relaxing. Once ready, the pieces were perfect for:
- Sorting activities (matching clothes to occasions)
- Vocabulary building (apron, bonnet, petticoat, etc.)
- Storytelling prompts
- Fine motor skills practice
For families using a Little House on the Prairie Unit Study, these cards offer a natural way to explore pioneer chores, seasons, and social customs.
Click here for another prairie recipes – making sweet prairie pancakes
Durability: The Good, the Bad, and the Fixable
While the dolls can withstand moderate play, the clothing is more delicate. My younger child bent several pieces within minutes, though my older child handled them beautifully. I recommend this set for ages 4 and up, or slightly younger children if they have fine motor control and understand how to handle paper carefully.
Each doll comes with a cardboard standing frame, and this is the one feature I wish the publisher had made sturdier. The stands simply don’t hold up well after repeated use. Ours began to tear after a day, especially under enthusiastic hands.
However, these stands can be reinforced:
- Cover both sides with clear tape
- Laminate the stands before folding
- Glue the stand to a slightly thicker card base
Had I strengthened ours right away, they would have survived much longer.
Pioneer Recipe! This was an incredibly tasty pioneer recipe of prairie crispy fried salt pork
Included Bonus: A Reversible Play Scene
One delightful addition inside My Book of Little House Paper Dolls is a reversible cardboard scene. One side shows the familiar Little House in the Big Woods exterior; the other shows a cozy interior view. Additional cardboard accessories such as a table, a cradle, and other small furnishings, also come in the book.
These pieces stand beautifully and turn the set into a full miniature play world. If only the dolls stood upright as well as the scenery, it would be a nearly perfect package.
Educational Value for a Little House on the Prairie Unit Study
This paper doll set adds tremendous depth to any Little House on the Prairie Unit Study. Children can:
- Explore historical clothing
- Learn about pioneer chores and daily routines
- Reenact scenes from the books
- Create their own imaginative stories
- Compare past and present lifestyles
- Develop fine motor skills through cutting, clipping, and arranging
In our home, the dolls served beautifully during quiet time. My daughter happily played with them for a full hour, dressing and undressing the dolls, arranging scenes, and inventing stories about the Ingalls family.
They also sparked discussions about how clothing has changed over the centuries and what daily life looked like for pioneer children versus modern ones.
Final Verdict: Worth Buying? Absolutely.
Even though the stands are a weak point, the educational and play value far outweighs this small flaw. Reinforce the stands, store the clothes in a small basket or envelope, and you’ll have a charming, enriching activity for your child.
My Book of Little House Paper Dolls has become one of our favorite additions to this summer’s Little House on the Prairie Unit Study, and I expect it will continue to inspire imaginative play and historical learning for months to come.
For more activities please do visit my MEGA Little House on the Prairie Unit Study page, which contains all ten weeks of our summer building our own Little House on the Prairie!
C10 has her first post up about clearing and painting our Little House
Discover more from ANGELICSCALLIWAGS
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.