This week brought to mind many children's literature greats: a mention of Ezra Jack Keats on NPR, the death of my hometown's notable Bill Wallace, and in our current issue, featuring the top 10 women of Missouri, Laura Ingalls Wilder.

I recall reading Keats books in my elementary school library and waiting in line for Wallace to sign my copy of True Friends when he visited the school, but Laura Ingalls Wilder always reminds me of my childhood friend Maggie. She adored the stories devouring every book multiple times and felt a special connection to the author with a shared birthday. In all my little girl excitement, I always found it fascinating that my friend shared a birthday with her favorite author.

After the selection panel finalized the top 10 list, I learned that our office manager Amy Stapleton had an affinity for the Little House books much like Maggie's. There must be something about Wilder's birthday and young fans of the books because Amy's mother held Little House parties for Amy and her friends. She would bake Laura's gingerbread, which was always made on Laura's birthday, just like in the books. Ah, the memories of the books we read as children!

So, in honor of Laura Ingalls Wider's upcoming birthday, February 7, we give you Laura's Gingerbread. Happy birthday, Laura! (And Maggie, too!)