Seaman: The Dog Who Explored the West with Lewis and Clark ANNOTATION
Seaman, the Newfoundland dog belonging to Meriwether Lewis, proves his value as a hunter, navigator, and protector while accompanying the Corps of Discovery, led by his master and William Clark, on its two-year journey exploring the western territories.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
This imaginative retelling of the journey of Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and the Corps of Discovery brings to life an unheralded member of the Corps -- Seaman, a 150-pound Newfoundland dog. As Seaman makes the long trek with the Corps, he serves a key role in the expedition's success. Come along with Seaman and his companions as they explore the vast uncharted lands beyond the Mississippi River. Travel with them as they form friendships with several Indian tribes and welcome Sacagawea to the expedition. Experience with them the many dangers of this wild land. And rejoice with them when they cross the Continental Divide and finally reach their goal -- the rocky shores of the Pacific Ocean. Gail Karwoski's thorough research, her sharp eye for accurate detail, and her engaging portrait of this heroic dog will draw readers into one of the most exciting chapters in American history.
FROM THE CRITICS
Carolyn Phelan - Booklist
Based on a true story gleaned from period journals, this
historical novel
dramatizes the story of Seaman, the Newfoundland dog that
accompanied Lewis and Clark on their expedition. Along the way,
Seaman befriends a member of the Corps of Discovery and proves
itself to be a valuable contributor to their happiness and
success.
Despite the occasional passage of information-laden
conversation, the
story flows well. The appended author's note separates fact from
fiction to some extent and tells what happened to the main
characters
after the events in the book. James Watling's many handsome,
shaded-pencil drawings will help readers visualize the setting,
hardships, and dramatic moments of the story; and two maps will
enable them to follow the explorers' route. An effective,
fictional
introduction to the Lewis and Clark expedition.
Herbert Kupferbeg - Parade Magazine
Gail Langer Karwoski has had the delightful idea of making Seaman the central character in her retelling of the epic story of the famous expedition. Seaman: the Dog Who Explored the West With Lewis & Clark ... obviously is a fictionalized account, but its atmosphere is realistic, its timetable is accurate, and its events and characterizations are grounded in fact. Seaman joins the intrepid explorers in the tale with a personality all his own, hunting and retrieving game, toting supplies, battling against wild animals (once almost losing his life when bitten by a beaver) and frolicking with his companions around the evening campfire.
This soundly researched, smoothly written story will bring the entire expedition alive for readers 8 to 12, adding not only a canine but a human element to a tale that never grows wearisome. Nobody knows what happened to Seaman after his Western adventures, but he has certainly left one good book behind him....
Children's Literature - Rebecca Joseph
This fascinating story describes the experiences of Seaman, a Newfoundland, who participates in the Western exploration of Lewis and Clark. He serves as hunter, navigator, and protector for the men and women on the momentous, dangerous journey. Seaman's adventures are as interesting as those of the famous men accompanying him on the first cross-continental expedition.
KLIATT - Barbara Jo McKee
The Lewis and Clark Expedition is an exciting part of our history that intrigues us all. This fictional account of their journey revolves around Seaman, a huge Newfoundland dog who belonged to Meriwether Lewis and was a real part of this long and hard trip to the Pacific Ocean. Captain Lewis did mention his dog in his journals and some of Seaman's adventures were true, such as being bitten by a beaver, chasing a buffalo out of camp, and being kidnapped by the Indians. Other adventures are fictional but no doubt probable. Lots of notable characters including Captain Clark, translator Charbonneau and his wife Sacajawea and their baby Pomp add to the tapestry. An interesting book for history buffs as well as dog lovers. KLIATT Codes: JﾽRecommended for junior high school students. 1999, Peachtree, 187p. illus. map. bibliog.,
Children's Book Watch
Seaman: The Dog Who EXplored The West With Lewis & Clark is a wonderfully written, very highly recommended historical novel. Young readers will thrill to the story of an epic American saga showcased through Lewis' brave and loyal dog Seaman, the first dog to cross the continent and open up the west for the fledgling country of America. Author Gail Karwoski has given meticulous attention to historic detail and background, always the hallmark of a superior historical novel. She combines this with an impressive gift for storytelling that will engage young readers from first page to last. One special and unique feature is the Q & A format for the "Author Notes" at the end of this remarkable work.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
No story from our nation's history is more enduring - or exciting - than the epic saga of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. In this well-researched and finely written book for young readers, Gail Karwoski brings the story back to life through the expedition's most unlikely and endearing hero: Lewis's brave and loyal companion, Seaman, the first dog to cross the continent. — Dayton Duncan, co-author with Ken Burns of Lewis and Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery
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