Dog of Discovery: A Newfoundland's Adventures with Lewis and Clark by Laurence P. Pringle

Publishers Weekly

Readers encounter Seaman, the canine that accompanied the men who charted an inland route to the Pacific, in Dog of Discovery: A Newfoundland's Adventures with Lewis and Clark by Laurence Pringle, illus. by Meryl Henderson. Culled from "every incident from [their] journals involving Seaman," Pringle's narrative details the expedition from conception to close (1803-1806). Informative sidebars, maps and photographs give readers a feel for the period.

Eileen Callery - Alan Review

This informative book recounts the 1804-1806 Lewis and Clark expedition from St. Louis to the Pacific Ocean and back. The book details the expedition's planning, its adventures and discoveries, and its aftermath, focusing especially on the exploits of Seaman, Meriweather Lewis's Newfoundland dog. Seaman was a faithful companion and guard dog as well as a hunter and retriever. He underwent the same hardships as the other members of the Corps of Discovery: insect bites, fatigue, hunger, Indian and grizzly attacks, to name a few. Information is presented in a non-threatening way, utilizing sidebars, maps, historical illustrations, as well as actual journal entries from Lewis and Clark. Dog of Discovery is an ideal entry into non-fiction for younger readers. Nature and animal lovers of all ages will enjoy it, and learn a great deal about this uniquely American adventure into the Wild West. 2002, Boyd's Mill Press, 149 pp.,

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6-In 1803, a small group of men set out to explore the unmapped territories west of the United States extending all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Despite many hardships and encounters with grizzly bears, rattlesnakes, and wild rapids, the Corps of Discovery traveled more than 8000 miles and returned triumphantly in the summer of 1806. Among this group was a most unusual member-a Newfoundland dog. As a hunter, retriever, and guard dog, Seaman was a valuable member of the expedition. In this book, he serves as an unusual focus as events unfold. This is a richly detailed and historically accurate account of the expedition, told as dated entries, with clarity and descriptive language. Pringle closely follows and highlights the adventures of Seaman as they appeared in the journals of Lewis and Clark, and the loyalty and devotion he exhibited as he risked his life many times. Selections from their journals appear throughout the story, and Pringle also offers evidence, first discovered in 2000, about what happened to the animal after the expedition came to an end. Intriguing sidebars, maps, historical illustrations, and original art make this a treasure trove of information about the expedition, and the dog that was its most unusual participant.-Janet Gillen, Great Neck Public Library, NY

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