In 1803, the Ward family travels by covered wagon to settle in the dark woods of Ohio. Living in a rough log cabin in an unprotected clearing, the children shiver all winter long. When spring comes, their mother, Betsy Ward, seizes upon a chance to buy eight bedraggled sheep. But despite her best efforts, most of the flock dies. Happily, those that survive give birth to lambs, and Betsy is able to spin wool for clothes to keep her family warm.
