"A long time ago, when all the grandfathers and grandmothers of today were little boys and little girls or very small babies, or perhaps not even born, Pa and Ma and Mary and Laura and Baby Carrie left their little house in the Big Woods of Wisconsin"

This quote, from Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little House on the Prairie", works as a nostalgic intro to the story, evoking a sense of familial family tree and history. It invites readers to carry themselves to a bygone era, highlighting the passage of time by referencing the ancestors of today generation. By pointing out "all the grandfathers and grandmas of today", Wilder establishes a direct connection between the past and present, recommending that the journey of the Ingalls family is part of a continuous human narrative. This connection to ancestry enhances the theme of household heritage, which is central to the series.

The phrase "little boys and little women or extremely small babies, or possibly not even born" paints a vivid picture of the cycle of life, reminding readers that the characters were as soon as young and innocent, full of potential and possibility. This might stimulate a sense of wonder and curiosity about the characters' lives and the pivotal experiences that shaped them. By illustrating the passage from youth to adulthood, Wilder subtly nods to the universal nature of growth and modification.

Additionally, the mention of "Pa and Ma and Mary and Laura and Baby Carrie" right away personalizes the quote, introducing the family members with their familiar colloquial titles. This fosters a sense of intimacy and familiarity, welcoming readers to become part of the family's journey. The specificity of the names, juxtaposed with the vastness of the "Big Woods of Wisconsin", stresses the small, close-knit family venturing into a wider, unidentified world.

The phrase "left their little house" symbolizes a turning point of transition, hinting at both the excitement and unpredictability that accompany such a decision. Leaving home suggests a journey driven by hope, ambition, or need, resonating with the American leader spirit of exploration and resilience. This sets the phase for the household's adventure, stimulating styles of courage, adaptability, and the pursuit of new beginnings. Wilder's story therefore welcomes readers to explore these themes while being anchored in the reassuring familiarity of family connections and shared histories.