Warm as Wool

by Scott Russell Sanders

Living in the Ohio wilderness in 1804, Betsy Ward sets out to build a flock of sheep and, despite predation, illness, and death, manages to create warm clothing for her children. By the author of Aurora Means Dawn.

Genres: Picture Books, Historical Fiction, Childrens, 2nd Grade, 1st Grade, Read For School

Library Binding

First published September 30, 1992

About the author

Scott Russell Sanders is the award-winning author of A Private History of Awe, Hunting for Hope, A Conservationist Manifesto, Dancing in Dreamtime, and two dozen other books of fiction, personal narrative, and essays. His father came from a family of cotton farmers in Mississippi, his mother from an immigrant doctor’s family in Chicago. He spent his early childhood in Tennessee and his school years in Ohio, Rhode Island, and Cambridge, England.

In his writing he is concerned with our place in nature, the practice of community, and the search for a spiritual path. He and his wife, Ruth, a biochemist, have reared two children in their hometown of Bloomington, in the hardwood hill country of southern Indiana. You can visit Scott at www.scottrussellsanders.com.

In August 2020, Counterpoint Press will publish his new collection of essays, The Way of Imagination, a reflection on healing and renewal in a time of climate disruption. He is currently at work on a collection of short stories inspired by photographs.

Reviews

[McKayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brings to life the real story of Betsy Ward, who was the first person to own sheep in Randolph Township, Ohio. Ward relies on her own resilience and tenacity to keep her family warm during the frigid Ohio winter. It is really refreshing to see a historical fiction book where the mom is the hero.

You can really tell both author and illustrator did their research, as the illustrations are historically accurate for the time period. I love how the first few pages have an overall cold color tone, but when the mother comes upon the sheep the colors in the pictures become warmer and more vibrant.

I would use this book to teach about the pioneers of America, and the struggles they faced. Scholastic recommends this book for grades 3-5, and because of the lengthy amount of text on each page, I would agree.

[skcocnaH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful story and beautiful illustrations.

[Linda Lipko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Based upon the true life story of pioneer woman Betsy Ward who was the first to own sheep in an obscure village in Randolph Township, Ohio.

Living in a warm, well-lit house, surrounded by wonderful books and personal items, it is difficult to imagine the hard life of pioneers. Living in cabins where the wind whips through the clay between the logs, where hard work is a supreme necessity, and where the family unit hopes fate does not deal a cruel blow, somehow, these brave people survived.

With last year's clothes patched and thread bare, the mother saved coins to purchase sheep. Because wolves killed two, the sheep then lived in the cabin with the family. Even so, of the eight original, only three survived. One, a ewe, gave birth to lambs which then grew to have more lambs. Eventually, the mother was able to make wool into clothes.

While the story is simple, the illustrations are lovely.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice story for elementary age readers about a struggling family in the Ohio wilderness. Facing cold and freezing temperatures in their meager cabin, the mother negotiates to buy a ragged flock of sheep with their last savings. Her goal is to shear the sheep and use the wool for warmer clothing. Her goal is nearly defeated due to problems, but one pregnant ewe survives and eventually the family not only has warm woolen clothing, but also a thriving sheep flock.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book explains the hardships suffered by those moving west and a mother's plan to keep her family warm. A cute book for elementary students but it wouldn't be a perfect fit in a middle school classroom.

[Yarrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picture Book. Sheep.Good for Ohio history

[Cindi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent simple story about the hardships of pioneer life and a mom wanting to provide warm clothing for her children.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Based on a true story, Betsy Ward saves up enough money to purchase sheep to raise for wool to cloth her family to survive the winter.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

46 months - Thought this would be a good read to follow a Little House book. Based on a true story of pioneer hardship.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

based on a true incident. great historical fiction! My girls were astounded that the sheep would sleep in the house at night to stay safe.

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Based on actual events. Saw original artwork at Strathmore's exhibit: Turning the Page: Children’s Book Illustrations

[Jacob]

Historical Fiction