Laura Elizabeth Ingalls Wilder (February 7, 1867 – February 10, 1957) was an American writer known for her Little House on the Prairie series of children's novels, published between 1932 and 1943. These novels were based on her childhood in a settler and pioneer family and have become a significant part of American children's literature.

The Little House on the Prairie television series, which aired from 1974 to 1983, was loosely based on the books. It starred Melissa Gilbert as Laura and Michael Landon as her father, Charles Ingalls. This adaptation brought Wilder's stories to a wider audience, further cementing her legacy in American culture.

In addition to her beloved children's series, Wilder also wrote a regular newspaper column and kept a diary as an adult. Her experiences moving from South Dakota to Missouri were later published, offering insights into her life beyond the prairie. Wilder's work remains influential, capturing the imagination and hearts of readers across generations.