Lewis and Clark and Me: A Dog's Tale

Meriwether Lewis's dog Seaman serves as narrator for a fictionalized account of Lewis and William Clark's 1803-1806 journey from St. Louis to the Pacific Ocean in Lewis and Clark and Me: A Dog's Tale by Laurie Myers, illus. by Michael Dooling. Excerpts from Lewis's journals close each chapter, supplying the historical basis for the dog's adventures. Handsome silhouettes ornament the chapter openers, while numerous oil paintings enliven the pages. Copyright 2002 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.

Gr 3-6-Seaman, a highly intelligent and sensitive dog that accompanied the Corps of Discovery, introduces youngsters to this exciting epic of United States history. The chapters are based on accounts in Lewis's journals, from which a relevant quote closes each fictional episode. The focus is on the canine's encounters with other animals: squirrels, bear, buffalo, beaver. Myers is a dog lover, and that respect comes through in the dignified portrayal of Seaman. Attractive, realistic paintings illustrate the book, giving a feel for the period and, most importantly, a visual personality to Seaman. This title is different in focus, and for a younger age group, than Gail Langer Karwoski's Seaman (Peachtree, 1999) and more readable than Roland Smith's The Captain's Dog (Harcourt, 1999).-Nancy Collins-Warner, Neill Public Library, Pullman, WA Copyright 2002 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.