This book is as epic as the vast western landscape it describes. Reading it, I was overwhelmed with nostalgia for old John Wayne films. In fact, the protagonist reminded me of another spunky heroine, Mattie, from the film True Grit. This story of her perseverance and survival stands out from a crowd of bubbly and glittery picture books for kids. It captures the romance of the wild west without disguising how truly difficult it was. And somehow, this picture book still seems age appropriate. Successfully finding that balance, The Little Pioneer is a gem that should not be missed.