IDA AND THE WOOL SMUGGLERS Sue Alderson. Illustrated by Ann Blades. Vancouver, BC: Douglas & McIntyre, 1987. unpaged, paperbound boards, $11.95. ISBN 0-88894-790-9. CIP. Subject Headings: Sheep-Fiction. Smuggling-Fiction. Grades 1-3 / Ages 6-8 Reviewed by Pearl Herscovitch. Volume 16 Number 5 1988 September As the middle child on a turn-of-the-century Gulf Island farm, Ida is never quite old enough to take on any major responsibilities - she is even too young to help herd the sheep in the annual sheep run. However, when the Springmans have a new baby, Ida proudly accepts the responsibility of delivering a loaf of bread to their distant farm. After a warning about possible encounters with sheep smugglers in the woods, she sets off, visiting her favourite pet ewe and baby lambs along the way. Here she hears the smugglers' whistle and with great determination Ida herds her sheep to the farm, creating her very own sheep run. In a particularly satisfying ending Mrs. Springman applauds Ida's bravery and even asks her to hold the baby. Alderson provides a very warm depiction of pioneer life with a strong balance of historical detail. Ann Blades' soft full-page water-colours complement each page of text. Pearl Herscovitch, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB.