Some of us (myself included) love quotes. And quotes from some of our favorite people always make us smile. Across the internet people have attributed a memorable quote to Laura Ingalls Wilder: "Home is the nicest word there is." But did Laura Ingalls Wilder say those words?

The short answer: No. 

Laura Ingalls Wilder never wrote or said "Home is the nicest word there is." 

When I was writing The Laura Ingalls Wilder Companion: A Chapter-by-Chapter Guide (affiliate links), I knew I wanted to include a few quotes from Wilder's writing outside of the Little House books. (I was not allowed to include quotes from the Little House books--even short ones--without paying a fee despite copyright laws. And I was already using a large portion of my small advance to pay for rights and permissions to include some historical photographs.) I'd seen this home quote attributed to Wilder around the internet world, but I couldn't find the actual source. So I began asking around and quickly learned from others that the quote was likely said by the fictional character Laura Ingalls on the television show Little House on the Prairie. Though, honestly, at that point I only knew that was likely the source. As a nonfiction writer, a likely source isn't good enough. Nor would my book be an appropriate place to credit a fictional television character for the quote (though someone else's book might be fine). 

I don't typically write a blog post dedicated to pointing readers elsewhere, but this is important. Sarah Uthoff is the creator of Trundlebed Tales and a Laura Ingalls Wilder expert (and all-around great resource). I fully agree with her concerns about WHY it's important to credit the right source for this quote. She also directs readers to a source I wasn't familiar with until she shared it. If you're curious for more details, please read her blog post titled "Home Is NOT the Nicest Word There Is." While you're there, poke around and stay awhile. It's worth it!

And if you want more of Laura Ingalls Wilder's wisdom, you can read her Missouri Ruralist columns in Laura Ingalls Wilder, Farm Journalist: Writing From the Ozarks. It's one of my favorite books related to Laura Ingalls Wilder!

Annette Whipple writes nonfiction books for children, including The Laura Ingalls Wilder Companion: A Chapter-by-Chapter Guide which includes history, discussion, photographs, and 75 activities so readers can "live like Laura." Learn more about her books and presentations at www.AnnetteWhipple.com.