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The Crossing
This young, lyrical picture book reveals the adventure and natural wonders that Lewis & Clark encountered on their Western expedition in the early 1800s. Told from the point of view of Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, the baby on Sacagawea's back, this story offers a fresh perspective of a young country and gives voice to a character readers will already be familiar with--at least visually (the baby is shown on the golden Sacagawea dollar).
40 pages, Hardcover
First published June 14, 2011
1 person is currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Donna Jo Napoli
143 books1,118 followersDonna Jo Napoli is both a linguist and a writer of children's and YA fiction. She loves to garden and bake bread, and even dreams of moving to the woods and becoming a naturalist.
At various times her house and yard have been filled with dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits. For thirteen years she had a cat named Taxi, and liked to go outside and call, "Taxi!" to make the neighbors wonder. But dear dear Taxi died in 2009.
She has five children, seven grandchildren, and currently lives outside Philadelphia. She received her BA in mathematics in 1970 and her Ph.D. in Romance Languages and Literatures in 1973, both from Harvard University, then did a postdoctoral year in Linguistics at MIT. She has since taught linguistics at Smith College, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Georgetown University, the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and Swarthmore College. It was at UM that she earned tenure (in 1981) and became a full professor (in 1984). She has held visiting positions at the University of Queensland (Australia), the University of Geneva (Switzerland), Capital Normal University of Beijing (China), the University of Newcastle (UK), the University of Venice at Ca' Foscari (Italy), and the Siena School for the Liberal Arts (Italy) as well as lectured at the University of Sydney (Australia), Macquarie University (Australia), the University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa), and the University of Stellenbosch (South Africa) and held a fellowship at Trinity College Dublin. In the area of linguistics she has authored, coauthored, edited, or coedited 17 books, ranging from theoretical linguistics to practical matters in language structure and use, including matters of interest to d/Deaf people. She has held grants and fellowships from numerous sources, including the National Science Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Mellon Foundation, the Sloan Foundation.
At various times her house and yard have been filled with dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits. For thirteen years she had a cat named Taxi, and liked to go outside and call, "Taxi!" to make the neighbors wonder. But dear dear Taxi died in 2009.
She has five children, seven grandchildren, and currently lives outside Philadelphia. She received her BA in mathematics in 1970 and her Ph.D. in Romance Languages and Literatures in 1973, both from Harvard University, then did a postdoctoral year in Linguistics at MIT. She has since taught linguistics at Smith College, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Georgetown University, the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and Swarthmore College. It was at UM that she earned tenure (in 1981) and became a full professor (in 1984). She has held visiting positions at the University of Queensland (Australia), the University of Geneva (Switzerland), Capital Normal University of Beijing (China), the University of Newcastle (UK), the University of Venice at Ca' Foscari (Italy), and the Siena School for the Liberal Arts (Italy) as well as lectured at the University of Sydney (Australia), Macquarie University (Australia), the University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa), and the University of Stellenbosch (South Africa) and held a fellowship at Trinity College Dublin. In the area of linguistics she has authored, coauthored, edited, or coedited 17 books, ranging from theoretical linguistics to practical matters in language structure and use, including matters of interest to d/Deaf people. She has held grants and fellowships from numerous sources, including the National Science Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Mellon Foundation, the Sloan Foundation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
February 13, 2017
As I have been reading many of Napoli's alternate fairy tales, I was intrigued to read her picture book about Lewis & Clark's journey through the eyes of Sacagawea's infant son. The illustrations by Jim Madsen were beautiful, showing the Native American tribes they encountered and the regions they traveled, as the expedition journeyed westward from the mountains to the sea and back again. The prose was evocative and had an onomatopoeia rhythm to it, but I do not feel it will appeal to younger youth. This is the book that parents and teachers will enjoy and share with them, as an accompaniment to learning about this time in history. I was also confused to the page about gaining a new brother for I had never heard of that, and further pictures didn't include an older boy. While the author's note mentions it, there is no follow up- so this new info proved to be mysterious to me.
December 4, 2013
This stunning new picture book, written by Donna Jo Napoli and majestically illustrated by Jim Madsen, tells the story of the Lewis and Clark expedition from the point of view of its youngest participant, baby Jean Baptiste, son of Sacagawea. Strapped onto his mother's back in a cradle board, the baby comments on the various sights and sounds of the expedition. The narrative is written in free verse. Here is an example from the book's opening:
"Rolled in rabbit hide/I am tucked snug/in a cradle pack/in the whipping cold/of new spring./Roar, roar! Grizzlies stand tall in my dreams."
The vibrantly colored two page illustrations effectively capture the grandeur of the American wilderness that is all around the expedition's participants. Jean Baptiste observes eagles, cougars, grizzlies, salmon, elk, birds, and other wildlife that were abundant at the time, as the group makes its way to the Pacific and then back to their home.
An author's note provides some historical context on the journey tiny Jean Baptiste and Sacagawea embarked upon from Fort Mandan, North Dakota to the Pacific and back again. While this book does not give young readers a complete picture of the Lewis and Clark expedition, it would make an excellent class read-aloud or supplement for home schoolers studying Lewis and Clark, allowing students to imagine the journey from an unusual point of view. The illustrations are also wonderfully evocative of another time and place in American history, a time when the frontier was vast and the country ripe for exploration.
"Rolled in rabbit hide/I am tucked snug/in a cradle pack/in the whipping cold/of new spring./Roar, roar! Grizzlies stand tall in my dreams."
The vibrantly colored two page illustrations effectively capture the grandeur of the American wilderness that is all around the expedition's participants. Jean Baptiste observes eagles, cougars, grizzlies, salmon, elk, birds, and other wildlife that were abundant at the time, as the group makes its way to the Pacific and then back to their home.
An author's note provides some historical context on the journey tiny Jean Baptiste and Sacagawea embarked upon from Fort Mandan, North Dakota to the Pacific and back again. While this book does not give young readers a complete picture of the Lewis and Clark expedition, it would make an excellent class read-aloud or supplement for home schoolers studying Lewis and Clark, allowing students to imagine the journey from an unusual point of view. The illustrations are also wonderfully evocative of another time and place in American history, a time when the frontier was vast and the country ripe for exploration.
March 10, 2018
This book it’s recommended by the local librarian. It has Kirkus reviews and The New York Times book Review. Sacagewea’s baby son Jean Baptiste provides a new perspective on Lewis and Clark’s historic journey. His mother carries him across to different lands and experience nature such as waterfalls, mountains, forests, ocean, and river from a new point of view. The text style includes short phrase, single word, large print, bold, repetition, and sound affect (hush, thump, chop, sing, buzz, snap..etc.). The double page spread illustrations capture the life of the American west. This is an interesting story to compare students’ life in the city versus nature. This lyrical picture book is recommended for preschool – 3.
December 4, 2013
A gorgeous retelling of the Lewis and Clark story, told through the eyes of Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, the infant that Sacagawea carried on her back during their explorations. Readers will see mountains, rivers and forests. They will also meet bear, elk, cougars and more. Napoli’s poem captures the rhythm of the journey, the stroke of the oars, the moments of quiet. It is an immersive book where readers get to see the glory of the land that makes up our country, unspoiled by man-made structures.
Napoli’s verse incorporates many senses. There are the sounds of the animals and humans that work to bring the entire setting to life. There are the views that the baby sees, a wildness that is a large part of the story, a sense of expanse and freedom. The author’s note adds much to the book, including the duration and length of the journey.
Madsen’s illustrations have a depth to them that adds much to this title. He uses deep colors and uses the beauty of the land as the perfect inspiration for his work. There are small moments of a child growing from infant to toddler, but also moments where the world is spread before them and reveled in.
A beautiful and creative look at Sacagawea’s journey with Lewis and Clark, this book is a luminous look at the origins of our country. Appropriate for ages 5-7.
Napoli’s verse incorporates many senses. There are the sounds of the animals and humans that work to bring the entire setting to life. There are the views that the baby sees, a wildness that is a large part of the story, a sense of expanse and freedom. The author’s note adds much to the book, including the duration and length of the journey.
Madsen’s illustrations have a depth to them that adds much to this title. He uses deep colors and uses the beauty of the land as the perfect inspiration for his work. There are small moments of a child growing from infant to toddler, but also moments where the world is spread before them and reveled in.
A beautiful and creative look at Sacagawea’s journey with Lewis and Clark, this book is a luminous look at the origins of our country. Appropriate for ages 5-7.
August 10, 2011
Remember what I said about me and Napoli books? This is a 'hate' for me. And more importantly, for Julia.
I assumed, from just looking at this that Julia was in the target audience. Well, she's not apparently. She's pretty far ahead of her peers in the whole reading thing and she loves learning. She's always loved learning. She has her favorite things to learn about of course but she's always open to new things. (I'm lucky, I know.)
But we started this and I immediately knew she wasn't going for it. This doesn't appeal to children! How does this grab a child? Someone please tell me. This appeals to the parents of children - maybe.
Napoli's note in the back explains the story she'd just written. But IMO, if that is necessary for someone to understand the story then you didn't do your job. The author's note should add to the story, maybe explain it in a little more detail. It should not be absolutely necessary.
Besides that large part I didn't like how it was written in general. It doesn't read well, you can't read it out loud well, it's just not well done.
I'm perplexed at my love-hate emotions with Napoli's books sometimes.
I assumed, from just looking at this that Julia was in the target audience. Well, she's not apparently. She's pretty far ahead of her peers in the whole reading thing and she loves learning. She's always loved learning. She has her favorite things to learn about of course but she's always open to new things. (I'm lucky, I know.)
But we started this and I immediately knew she wasn't going for it. This doesn't appeal to children! How does this grab a child? Someone please tell me. This appeals to the parents of children - maybe.
Napoli's note in the back explains the story she'd just written. But IMO, if that is necessary for someone to understand the story then you didn't do your job. The author's note should add to the story, maybe explain it in a little more detail. It should not be absolutely necessary.
Besides that large part I didn't like how it was written in general. It doesn't read well, you can't read it out loud well, it's just not well done.
I'm perplexed at my love-hate emotions with Napoli's books sometimes.
December 4, 2013
Although some of the words used in this story of the Lewis and Clark expedition are lyrical and help the readers see and hear what parts of the journey might have been like--the "flit, flit" of the salmon and the "clip, clop" of the mountin goats, for instance--other parts of the story are a bit confusing. Reading the Author's Note helps relieve some of the confusion, but there are still parts of the journey that seem disorienting, which may be because the author is telling the story through the eyes of Sacagawea's baby son, Jean Baptiste. The idea of focusing on what a baby might have noticed is a good one, but it also limits the narrative's possibilities and leaves holes in the story. The digital media illustrations are drenched with colors that celebrate the beauty of the land, but that last illustration just seemed odd to me since the expedition lasted from April, 1805 to August, 1806, and Jean Baptiste seems awfully big for a child as young as he was. I also wondered about the presence of his father and of York on this expedition. Where were they?
January 15, 2020
I always have a hard time rating children's books, but my task is especially more complicated when those books deal with American Indian peoples. In this case, if you're rating this book entirely on the gorgeous illustrations then a 5-star review would be in order. If you're rating this book entirely on the dialog, then I think a 4-star rating would be in order. Where my rating of this book becomes complicated is in its depiction of American Indian peoples and, unfortunately, the questions the story leaves open-ended.
Yes, this is a children's book, so perhaps it is not the best place to discuss whether or not Sacagawea wanted to be a participant in the Lewis and Clark expedition. It may not be the place to delve into whether or not Sacagawea wanted to wed Toussaint Charbonneau (based on the fact she was sold to Charbonneau, I'd say not -- there's some significant discussion about this elsewhere). I mean, we're still arguing about how to spell Sacagawea's name, after all. So as you can imagine, the children's book doesn't delve into a lot of the more complex issues of the Lewis and Clark expedition. It even gets to a point where they say that Charbonneau and Sacagawea "adopt" a sibling for Jean-Baptiste (who is relaying the story to us). Yeah, they really just skim over this... which is problematic for me because it is likely that Charbonneau purchased this child just as he had purchased Sacagawea.
So, while this book is offering a new perspective, and while I do appreciate that authors in the children's literature realm are working to include American Indian peoples and stories in the genre... there are still problems with these stories. This one has great illustrations, the story itself is interesting, but it still skims over a lot of problematic representations of American Indian peoples.
Yes, this is a children's book, so perhaps it is not the best place to discuss whether or not Sacagawea wanted to be a participant in the Lewis and Clark expedition. It may not be the place to delve into whether or not Sacagawea wanted to wed Toussaint Charbonneau (based on the fact she was sold to Charbonneau, I'd say not -- there's some significant discussion about this elsewhere). I mean, we're still arguing about how to spell Sacagawea's name, after all. So as you can imagine, the children's book doesn't delve into a lot of the more complex issues of the Lewis and Clark expedition. It even gets to a point where they say that Charbonneau and Sacagawea "adopt" a sibling for Jean-Baptiste (who is relaying the story to us). Yeah, they really just skim over this... which is problematic for me because it is likely that Charbonneau purchased this child just as he had purchased Sacagawea.
So, while this book is offering a new perspective, and while I do appreciate that authors in the children's literature realm are working to include American Indian peoples and stories in the genre... there are still problems with these stories. This one has great illustrations, the story itself is interesting, but it still skims over a lot of problematic representations of American Indian peoples.
August 30, 2023
This is a vibrantly illustrated book, absolutely stunning. I feel it does not perhaps do the journey justice as it glosses over what must have been a very challenging time for a wee one through all types of weather, needing diapering/elimination care, teething, and the like. I did not appreciate how the Shoshoni leader (the baby’s mother) was not portrayed as such but rather through the lens of the men (of the men standing at the beach with their guns while she was sitting in an awkward position on the beach is one such example). A typical male-dominated portrayal of the feat it was that the baby’s mother accomplished, saving the men’s lives/livelihoods.
That being said, I admire with new eyes a mother who led a successful team while mothering 24/7.
And it was not new or uncharted territory but rather well-traversed terrain, used and loved by people for thousands of years by people who have always been here, and still are here.
But it was not at that time charted by the newcomers, of which the men were and thus charged with the task of charting.
Without baby’s mother, whose name I’ve found is spelled many various ways, this long journey would likely had most not return.
That being said, I admire with new eyes a mother who led a successful team while mothering 24/7.
And it was not new or uncharted territory but rather well-traversed terrain, used and loved by people for thousands of years by people who have always been here, and still are here.
But it was not at that time charted by the newcomers, of which the men were and thus charged with the task of charting.
Without baby’s mother, whose name I’ve found is spelled many various ways, this long journey would likely had most not return.
December 31, 2022
What I love about this are the inventive point of view on Lewis & Clark, and the many, many animals who are appreciated as they live freely.
Bees, owls, frogs, cougars, ermine! 💕
Humans need to learn to let animals be free.
It is a wee bit confusing about who's who and what's actually happening, but there's an explanatory note in the back about the history.
Bees, owls, frogs, cougars, ermine! 💕
Humans need to learn to let animals be free.
It is a wee bit confusing about who's who and what's actually happening, but there's an explanatory note in the back about the history.
July 13, 2017
Biography; Story of Lewis and Clark with Sacagawea helping them. The story is told from the perspective of Sacagawea's baby boy who is strapped into a bundle on her back. Gorgeous illustrations. Highly recommended for Gr. 2-5.
October 3, 2018
Beautiful way to summarize the explorations of Lewis & Clark... through the eyes of a baby. Loved the animal sounds and sights included. Wished the historical summary at the end had included a good map!
October 6, 2018
I loved how this book used poetry and lyrics to tell a challenging story. I found the illustrations very engaging as well, and this would be a great book to read-aloud to my future class. I would classify this book as poetry, and it was publsihed in 2011.
April 20, 2019
The journey of Meriweather Lewis and William Clark as they search for a passage to the west coast with help from Sacagawea, a woman of the Shoshoni tribe, as seen through the eyes of her son Jean Baptiste as he travels strapped into a cradle board on his mother's back.
March 5, 2020
The art in this is beautiful, but it is the same old glorified Lewis and Clark tale, romanticized and unacknowledging of the problems of their story. It could have been a good idea to tell the story from the perspective of Sacajawea's baby, but it is an opportunity wasted instead.
July 21, 2022
Beautiful book about the journey of Lewis and Clark, from the viewpoint of Sacagawea's son in his cradleboard on her back. The pattern of animals and their sounds making an imprint on Jean Baptiste was lovely.
July 14, 2024
Beautifully illustrated children’s book telling the story of Lewis and Clark’s expedition through the eyes of a Sacagawea’s young child, Jean Baptiste. The text is a bit confusing— highly recommend reading the author’s note at the end before reading the book. It helps all of the events make sense!
December 15, 2017
A delightful story of the journey of Sacagawea, Lewis and Clark through the eyes of her baby. Very poetic. Beautiful illustrations
October 7, 2018
Published 2011
This is a beautifully illustrated picture book that even comes with a historical story line to it.. what a great combo for a great book!
This is a beautifully illustrated picture book that even comes with a historical story line to it.. what a great combo for a great book!
August 20, 2019
3.5 stars
September 2, 2023
I loved this book. It’s an easy read but it did have some challenging words that brought discussion.
December 11, 2023
Illustrations were beautiful, but overall it was forgettable and didnt touch on anything that might have actually been interesting or valuable to know about this true event.
October 16, 2017
How I rate/review:
5 star: I would re-read several times; I would recommend to another; I consider this a must-read; I loved this book
4 star: I would recommend to another; I enjoyed this book; I would re-read
3 star: I enjoyed some parts of the book; most likely not a re-read
2 star: I did not enjoy most of the book; I would not re-read
1 star: I hated the book; I didn't bother finishing the book; I can't give 0 stars
5 star: I would re-read several times; I would recommend to another; I consider this a must-read; I loved this book
4 star: I would recommend to another; I enjoyed this book; I would re-read
3 star: I enjoyed some parts of the book; most likely not a re-read
2 star: I did not enjoy most of the book; I would not re-read
1 star: I hated the book; I didn't bother finishing the book; I can't give 0 stars
December 19, 2011
The Crossing by Donna Jo Napoli, illustrated by Jim Madsen is a picturebook look at the Lewis and Clark expedition from the point of view of the baby on Sacagawea's back, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau.
The tale follows the expedition's crossing of the west with an emphasis on animals, including grizzly bear, buffalo, salmon, cougars, elermines, mountain goats, nutcrackers, owls, deer, dogs, tree frogs whale bones, bees, stolen horses, and rabbits with an emphasis on their sounds. Sounds of dancing, baby hushing, log chopping, singing, flower picking, and leaping are also emphasized. Scouting, sailing, portaging, greeting tribes, riding, making canoes, building winter camp, and exploring are highlighted. The story ends with Sacagawea and son back home in Manadan territory.
The story is told in lyrical language from the point of view of young Jean Baptiste Charbonneau. The Author's Note at the back of the book gives factual data about the journey and explains key points in the journey.
Madsen's luminous illustrations are rendered in digital media. They feature animals, some expedition members and the varying landscapes using some different perspectives.
I have been interested in the Lewis and Clark expedition for many years and have followed parts of the trail. For someone less familiar with the story, the Author's Note will be essential and should have been inserted at the beginning. The text didn't always flow for me, with the parts emphasizing the sounds jarring a couple times. Not identifying key people such as Lewis and Clark, or naming Sacagawea in the text, seemed odd.
I preferred the beautiful illustrations over the text, yet not showing York, Clark's slave, or Seaman, the famous Newfoundland dog, or focusing on Sadajawea's husband seem to be glaring ommisions. Showing the variety of wildlife is a plus.
I do appreciate this for the illustrations, the lyrical language used and the unique point of view. As a supplemental book in an exploration unit, or a historical look at the continent, this has value.
For ages 5 to 7, Lewis and Clark expedition, exploring, travels, native americans, animals, and fans of Donna Jo Napoli and Jim Madsen.
The tale follows the expedition's crossing of the west with an emphasis on animals, including grizzly bear, buffalo, salmon, cougars, elermines, mountain goats, nutcrackers, owls, deer, dogs, tree frogs whale bones, bees, stolen horses, and rabbits with an emphasis on their sounds. Sounds of dancing, baby hushing, log chopping, singing, flower picking, and leaping are also emphasized. Scouting, sailing, portaging, greeting tribes, riding, making canoes, building winter camp, and exploring are highlighted. The story ends with Sacagawea and son back home in Manadan territory.
The story is told in lyrical language from the point of view of young Jean Baptiste Charbonneau. The Author's Note at the back of the book gives factual data about the journey and explains key points in the journey.
Madsen's luminous illustrations are rendered in digital media. They feature animals, some expedition members and the varying landscapes using some different perspectives.
I have been interested in the Lewis and Clark expedition for many years and have followed parts of the trail. For someone less familiar with the story, the Author's Note will be essential and should have been inserted at the beginning. The text didn't always flow for me, with the parts emphasizing the sounds jarring a couple times. Not identifying key people such as Lewis and Clark, or naming Sacagawea in the text, seemed odd.
I preferred the beautiful illustrations over the text, yet not showing York, Clark's slave, or Seaman, the famous Newfoundland dog, or focusing on Sadajawea's husband seem to be glaring ommisions. Showing the variety of wildlife is a plus.
I do appreciate this for the illustrations, the lyrical language used and the unique point of view. As a supplemental book in an exploration unit, or a historical look at the continent, this has value.
For ages 5 to 7, Lewis and Clark expedition, exploring, travels, native americans, animals, and fans of Donna Jo Napoli and Jim Madsen.
July 21, 2012
My review on The Crimson Review of Children's & YA Literature:
Have you ever wanted to travel across the country with Lewis, Clark and Sacagawea? It’s possible to envision the journey through the eyes of her infant son, Jean Baptiste, in Napoli’s wonderful picture book for children. Recreating the journey with exquisite illustrations, readers are treated to the sights and sounds of nature and man as Jean Baptiste travels across the country strapped to his mother’s back. Children can relate to the details of onomatopoeia and visual perspective that Napoli and Madsen have used to invoke the sense of exploration inherent in the subject. Accurate portrayal of the different Native American tribes encountered throughout the journey is a true highlight of this book. Madsen has clearly conducted the research necessary to make sure children are able to understand the differences between tribes. Together, Napoli and Madsen have created one of the best children’s books about Sacagawea and her son. Highly Recommended.
Have you ever wanted to travel across the country with Lewis, Clark and Sacagawea? It’s possible to envision the journey through the eyes of her infant son, Jean Baptiste, in Napoli’s wonderful picture book for children. Recreating the journey with exquisite illustrations, readers are treated to the sights and sounds of nature and man as Jean Baptiste travels across the country strapped to his mother’s back. Children can relate to the details of onomatopoeia and visual perspective that Napoli and Madsen have used to invoke the sense of exploration inherent in the subject. Accurate portrayal of the different Native American tribes encountered throughout the journey is a true highlight of this book. Madsen has clearly conducted the research necessary to make sure children are able to understand the differences between tribes. Together, Napoli and Madsen have created one of the best children’s books about Sacagawea and her son. Highly Recommended.
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July 28, 2011I had serious problems with the illustrations in this book. So much so that I didn't pay enough attention to the text to rate it.
Where in the world in Clark's slave, York, in this book? He was on the expedition. He was kinda important. He existed--this is not up for debate, it's a historical fact. How can you then illustrate a picture book about this expedition and LEAVE HIM OUT? Unacceptable.
On a less angry note, I now want to go research the little boy Sacajawea adopted during the journey. He's mentioned once in this book (text and illustration). Did he stay where he was living to be picked up on the way back? Or did he join the expedition?
Where in the world in Clark's slave, York, in this book? He was on the expedition. He was kinda important. He existed--this is not up for debate, it's a historical fact. How can you then illustrate a picture book about this expedition and LEAVE HIM OUT? Unacceptable.
On a less angry note, I now want to go research the little boy Sacajawea adopted during the journey. He's mentioned once in this book (text and illustration). Did he stay where he was living to be picked up on the way back? Or did he join the expedition?
Read
April 24, 2012“It tells the story of the Lewis and Clark expedition from the point of view of its youngest participant, baby Jean Baptiste, son of Sacagawea. Strapped onto his mother's back in a cradle board, the baby comments on the various sights and sounds of the expedition”
The story took place in Sacagawea where a woman of the Shoshoni tribe wrapped her son Jean Baptiste into cradle board. The baby began a long journey with his parents whom they were helping the pioneers’ prisoners Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to find their way to the west coast.
They use a boat called Pirogue and they see many wonderful sites.
The story took place in Sacagawea where a woman of the Shoshoni tribe wrapped her son Jean Baptiste into cradle board. The baby began a long journey with his parents whom they were helping the pioneers’ prisoners Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to find their way to the west coast.
They use a boat called Pirogue and they see many wonderful sites.
October 13, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book which is from the perspective of the narrator, Sacajawea's son Jean Baptiste. He tells of all the adventures they went on and all that he saw, even though he couldn't make sense of it all. This book would be perfect for I believe 4th grade, when Nebraska student's history is all about Nebraska history. I think this would be a perfect fit because I remember learning a lot about Lewis and Clark then and it would have been cool to see the story from another viewpoint. I would use it during that time to incorporate Lewis and Clark and stress the importance of that timeframe as well as the importance it had on Nebraska as a state.
January 31, 2014
This book is a must have for any and all classrooms that cover American History. It provides what is so often missing when exploring our history...perspective. This delightful story filled with onomatopoeia outlines the Lewis & Clark expedition and the trip back home, from the perspective of Jean Baptiste. Not sure who that is? You need to add this picture book to your list of must reads.
The format and style make it applicable for very small children, but it's breathtaking art and historical snapshots make it valuable for older children as well.
Now I just want to know the why, who and how of the adopted brother!
The format and style make it applicable for very small children, but it's breathtaking art and historical snapshots make it valuable for older children as well.
Now I just want to know the why, who and how of the adopted brother!
April 17, 2011
The illustrations in this book are beautiful. The story of Lewis and Clark is told from the perspective of the infant on Sacagawea's back. There are some who love books told in verse, but it isn't my favorite format. My other concern it that there are no mentions to anyone's names except for the subtitle of the book. If you aren't already aware of who the people in the story are, you would not discover them until the author's note. I will have to sit on this one and give it a couple of more
June 26, 2011
A peek at the Lewis and Clark expedition from Sacajewa's baby Jean Baptiste's eyes. The simple text is poetic and includes many references to the animals seen along the way. There is a true sense of crossing the majestic countryside and a hint at the trials and dangers they faced. I loved this new perspective! One interesting note about the illustrations: they are lovely and really add to the story. When I checked to see what painting technique (acrylics?) the illustrator had used I was so surprised to see they were "digitally rendered". I'm not sure what that even means.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews