What do you think?
Rate this book
Seaman's Journal: On the Trail With Lewis and Clark
Seaman, the Newfoundland dog belonging to Meriwether Lewis, keeps an account of their adventures during the journey to the Pacific.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2002
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 28, 2022
Great concept for a book.
The illustrations, especially of the animals are stunningly beautiful
The tribes are given their correct, individual names.
However, the depiction of the indigenous people leaves much to be desired. Lewis “explained that the French and Spanish had sold the land to a ‘new Great Father’ the president of the United States.” No mention that the tribes might have considered the land as theirs.
An equally concerning issue is the identification of a member of the expedition, York.
“The Arikaras children played games with Clark’s servant, York.” York was not a servant. He was an enslaved man. He was an enslaved man who ended up being treated badly by William Clark.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/histor...
The illustrations, especially of the animals are stunningly beautiful
The tribes are given their correct, individual names.
However, the depiction of the indigenous people leaves much to be desired. Lewis “explained that the French and Spanish had sold the land to a ‘new Great Father’ the president of the United States.” No mention that the tribes might have considered the land as theirs.
An equally concerning issue is the identification of a member of the expedition, York.
“The Arikaras children played games with Clark’s servant, York.” York was not a servant. He was an enslaved man. He was an enslaved man who ended up being treated badly by William Clark.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/histor...
April 22, 2012
This book is a creative take on the journey of Lewis and Clark as if their dog is writing about their journey. This would be a book that would be useful in social studies and to provide multiple perspectives about the trip. This allows students to think critically about different events and the ways that different people may have experienced them.
October 16, 2018
The author writes "Seaman's Journal as seen through the Newfoundlands's eyes.
He was Merriweather Lewis's dog which he bought in Pennsylavania for twenty dollars.
Seaman traveled the entire trip from Missouri to the Pacific Ocean with Lewis and Clark and the corps of Discovery. He protected them and was a wonderful companion.
The Art work in this book is so beautifully done.
He was Merriweather Lewis's dog which he bought in Pennsylavania for twenty dollars.
Seaman traveled the entire trip from Missouri to the Pacific Ocean with Lewis and Clark and the corps of Discovery. He protected them and was a wonderful companion.
The Art work in this book is so beautifully done.
July 21, 2011
My niece requested that we read this book after they read it in her summer camp where they are learning about the Lewis and Clark expedition. She loves this book.
It's told at a level young elementary school kids can understand, and the central character is Seaman, the Newfoundland dog that accompanied the humans on the Lewis and Clark expedition, so immediately the central character is someone most kids will like and feel sympathetic toward. This makes Seaman an ideal teacher.
I know that my niece really enjoys this book, which is why I'm giving it four stars, but I would be inclined to give it closer to three stars. Many Native American tribes were introduced in this book, and as I was reading the story it became clear to me that my niece did not understand that the various tribes being named were Native American groups. I also didn't care for the way that "Seaman" characterized the Teton Sioux in this story. I know that the relations between the Teton Sioux and the expedition were far from warm, but the characterization of the tribe in this story just didn't sit well with me.
The pictures in the story were nice, but not necessarily beautiful. They failed to grab my nephew's attention, but I do recognize that this book wasn't written for children in his age group.
Seaman's Journal is certainly a book I would read to young kids learning about the Lewis and Clark expedition, but it is not the only book I would choose. When this epic journey gets to be too outside of young kids' understanding, however, they can always retreat to Seaman the dog and travel the trail with him.
It's told at a level young elementary school kids can understand, and the central character is Seaman, the Newfoundland dog that accompanied the humans on the Lewis and Clark expedition, so immediately the central character is someone most kids will like and feel sympathetic toward. This makes Seaman an ideal teacher.
I know that my niece really enjoys this book, which is why I'm giving it four stars, but I would be inclined to give it closer to three stars. Many Native American tribes were introduced in this book, and as I was reading the story it became clear to me that my niece did not understand that the various tribes being named were Native American groups. I also didn't care for the way that "Seaman" characterized the Teton Sioux in this story. I know that the relations between the Teton Sioux and the expedition were far from warm, but the characterization of the tribe in this story just didn't sit well with me.
The pictures in the story were nice, but not necessarily beautiful. They failed to grab my nephew's attention, but I do recognize that this book wasn't written for children in his age group.
Seaman's Journal is certainly a book I would read to young kids learning about the Lewis and Clark expedition, but it is not the only book I would choose. When this epic journey gets to be too outside of young kids' understanding, however, they can always retreat to Seaman the dog and travel the trail with him.
February 5, 2016
This looks like a child's picture book, but it isn't. There are too many facts packed into the pages without enough straight-forward story. This is a problem that is true of many of the non-fiction books for kids. Larger type, color pictures, and short sentences aren't all that it takes to make a book kids will actually understand.
This is best used one-on-one with a child about 8 to 10 years of age who has some familiarity with the west, the Lewis and Clark expedition, and/or Native Americans.
The idea is good; the Newfoundland does carry the interest. I assumed that all his adventures were taken from the journals, but I see that on the title page, this is classified as fiction, so maybe not. I would have appreciated a note from the author.
This is best used one-on-one with a child about 8 to 10 years of age who has some familiarity with the west, the Lewis and Clark expedition, and/or Native Americans.
The idea is good; the Newfoundland does carry the interest. I assumed that all his adventures were taken from the journals, but I see that on the title page, this is classified as fiction, so maybe not. I would have appreciated a note from the author.
March 31, 2023
This looks like a picture book for the younger picture book crowd, and being told from the perspective of the loyal beautiful dog Seaman certainly makes it endearing (I mean, look at that cover illustration! look at those eyes! Can you resist!?) However, don't let athe cute little doggie bookmark fool you, this is actually chock full of information and I probably wouldn't use it with an audience younger than Kindergarten unless they have a strong attention span for read-alouds or you do some on-the-fly abridgement as you go. The illustrations have a lot of appeal, especially since Seaman in in every one, and also includes many other animals seen along the journey. However, those with sensitive youngsters should note that a few of the illustrations may be upsetting, such as the one in which Lewis shoots and wounds a grizzly bear towering over him. Also, as other readers have noted, the book does a fairly good job of portraying the Native Americans as distinct tribes, but there is the inaccurate word choice when describing York as Clark's "servant" (he was Clark's slave). For older children, I suggest pairing this book with the following: How We Crossed the West: The Adventures of Lewis and Clark, which includes actual excerpts from Lewis and Clark's journals, as well as The Journey of York: The Unsung Hero of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and Sacagawea, for perspectives of the unsung heroes of the Corps of Discovery.
November 26, 2024
A very beautifully illustrated journal of the Lewis and Clark expedition as told by Capt. Lewis’s dog. Because it’s for children it was an overview at best, but the watercolor illustrations were worth the price of admission. The details and colors were exquisite, and added a lot more to the simple narrative journal entries. It was cute how it was told from Seaman’s perspective, and I thought they were in keeping with details that would be important to a dog.
October 16, 2017
Since we now have a dog, it was fun for my son to hear the story told through the perspective of the dog. They introduced much information through words and illustrations, so it was a joy to read and look at. We liked looking at the pictures and names of all the animals and plants they encountered on their journey. Plus I learned the names of some Native American tribes that I hadn't heard of before. I also like when a map is used to show the journey.
April 6, 2023
cute story about a dog who adventures with lewis and clark. i giggled a little bit and also learned a few things. illustrations are beautiful and creative. a little concerned as to how historically accurate it is.
book smell out of this world 📚
book smell out of this world 📚
November 9, 2019
Unique perspective of Lewis and Clark’s expedition.
January 16, 2020
Fun and informative. We enjoyed reading this as a family.
May 20, 2020
Stunning pictures with mini pictures of animals and plants and Native Americans that all add to the information in the book. Very well selected/edited vignettes of this famous journey/exploration.
March 12, 2021
Beautiful picture book to share with students.
November 9, 2022
Kids book. Illustrations are beautiful!
June 21, 2023
Great book for young readers! The illustrations are beautiful. I highly recommend it.
January 22, 2024
LOVE this book! Seaman is beautiful and smart just like my Newfie
September 21, 2024
This captured the attention of my 5 & 7 year olds. What a great way to kick off a new homeschool year! The illustrations were beautiful.
January 28, 2025
Fun book to read with my granddaughter! A great way to introduce the Louisiana purchase made by President Jefferson, and the Great Expedition led by Clark and Lewis.
February 26, 2026
A delightful read - brief but covers the journey of Lewis and Clark from their pet dog’s perspective. Lovely illustration.
January 21, 2015
This is a true account of the Lewis and Clark expedition as told from the perspective of Seaman, Clark's dog who accompanied them on the trip. Each of Seaman's journal entries is based on a real journal entry Clark wrote.
Since it's from Clark's perspective, nothing that they did was wrong, although they had to be rescued a lot. The interesting and positive part was that the book describes the many native tribes they came across and what the tribes did for them and occasionally to them. I like that while most of the tribes were described as helpful and kind, there were a couple of tribes that weren't and that had different ways of doing things. The reason I like this is that we tend to lump all Native Americans into one batch saying they all believe this way and they all behave that way, etc., when there are tribes as diverse as any European country is from one another. Sure there are similarities, but even the religious beliefs are wide and varied. The Navajo, for example, have very different beliefs than the Haida.
But leaving politics out of it, the book is interesting and illustrations gorgeous.
Since it's from Clark's perspective, nothing that they did was wrong, although they had to be rescued a lot. The interesting and positive part was that the book describes the many native tribes they came across and what the tribes did for them and occasionally to them. I like that while most of the tribes were described as helpful and kind, there were a couple of tribes that weren't and that had different ways of doing things. The reason I like this is that we tend to lump all Native Americans into one batch saying they all believe this way and they all behave that way, etc., when there are tribes as diverse as any European country is from one another. Sure there are similarities, but even the religious beliefs are wide and varied. The Navajo, for example, have very different beliefs than the Haida.
But leaving politics out of it, the book is interesting and illustrations gorgeous.
November 6, 2016
Seaman, a Newfoundland dog, tells the story of his master, Meriwether Lewis, and the Corpse of Discovery as they travel from Pennsylvania to the Pacific Ocean and back. A loyal and fearless dog, Seaman details the arduous journey of over two years; telling of the Native American friends the corps meets, describing the animals they encounter, and the hardships they endure.
I can see children being drawn to this “autobiography” for its beautiful illustrations, and the promise of an adventurous true story about a big fuzzy dog. This would be an excellent book to incorporate into social studies, as it develops an interest in the story of Lewis and Clark through a relatable and lovable character. It would lend itself well as an origin for research on the animals, people, and places the corps discovered, as well as creating timelines and maps. Concerning the reading classroom, students could use this book as an example for their own self-expressive writing or journal entries, as well as compare and contrast Seaman’s Journal to other works written about Lewis and Clark.
I can see children being drawn to this “autobiography” for its beautiful illustrations, and the promise of an adventurous true story about a big fuzzy dog. This would be an excellent book to incorporate into social studies, as it develops an interest in the story of Lewis and Clark through a relatable and lovable character. It would lend itself well as an origin for research on the animals, people, and places the corps discovered, as well as creating timelines and maps. Concerning the reading classroom, students could use this book as an example for their own self-expressive writing or journal entries, as well as compare and contrast Seaman’s Journal to other works written about Lewis and Clark.
September 21, 2009
Seaman's Journal was intriguing as telling Lewis and Clark's adventure from the dog's point of view made the historical facts refreshing and interesting. The book also has a bookmark of Seaman that I know would appeal to children, making it a reader's choice or an incentive for them to read. The book has quality writing and does not dumb down facts but instead uses descriptive words and pictures to tell the story. The only thing I really did not like is that they didn't have a little map on the pages to tell you where they were on that part of the journey, which I think is important to help teach children where the tribes live or better geography. The end pages have a map but are not marked with the stops or journal entries.
February 27, 2012
I bought this beautifully illustrated book as a memento from my trip to Washington DC at the National Museum of Natural History. I am a lover of history as well as a proud owner of Newfoundland dogs, and have wanted to learn more about this most famous Newfie. My kids and I were both enthralled by this charming true story told in first person narration by Seaman himself.
Warm and engaging, Seaman retells of his journey with Lewis and Clark across the West, braving weather conditions and befriending Native Americans and wildlife along the way when possible. Making history accessible to the next generation, this wonderful book brings the reader right into the action and the time period. And Ms. Eubanks does a wonderful job capturing the indomitable spirit if a wonderful breed.
Warm and engaging, Seaman retells of his journey with Lewis and Clark across the West, braving weather conditions and befriending Native Americans and wildlife along the way when possible. Making history accessible to the next generation, this wonderful book brings the reader right into the action and the time period. And Ms. Eubanks does a wonderful job capturing the indomitable spirit if a wonderful breed.
April 21, 2011
This was a fairly quick read (read in one day) and the kids loved it. They have looked through it multiple times, but this was our first time reading it out loud. The best part was that my 4-year-old sat quietly on my lap the whole time. The illustrations are fantastic and they really add to the text (and hold little guy's attention).
The book is fairly basic. There is no way I'd consider this enough material for elementary school. It might be enough for Pre-k and K though.
You could add to this book by mapping their journey and by studying the various animals and/or Native Americans that they encountered.
A lovely book, but not a standalone.
The book is fairly basic. There is no way I'd consider this enough material for elementary school. It might be enough for Pre-k and K though.
You could add to this book by mapping their journey and by studying the various animals and/or Native Americans that they encountered.
A lovely book, but not a standalone.
April 20, 2009
History from a Dog's Point of View
I discovered this book in an art gallery, which is exactly where it belongs. (Well, it belongs on Amazon and in book stores, too.) This book is so charming that, after glancing through it, I felt compelled to buy it for my grandchildren--once I'm done feasting on it myself.
I had no idea Meriwether Lewis had a Newfoundland dog, nor did I know that it accompanied him on the historic Lewis and Clark expedition. That's a tough dog.
And this is a lovely way of introducing history to young readers. The illustrations are beyond gorgeous.
Comment
I discovered this book in an art gallery, which is exactly where it belongs. (Well, it belongs on Amazon and in book stores, too.) This book is so charming that, after glancing through it, I felt compelled to buy it for my grandchildren--once I'm done feasting on it myself.
I had no idea Meriwether Lewis had a Newfoundland dog, nor did I know that it accompanied him on the historic Lewis and Clark expedition. That's a tough dog.
And this is a lovely way of introducing history to young readers. The illustrations are beyond gorgeous.
Comment
April 12, 2011
I read this book to my students during PTLS! It is about the Lewis and Clark journey, however, it is written through the eyes of Lewis's dog Seaman. The book explains many important stops and dangers that Lewis and Clark faced along their journey. My students loved reading this book because it was from an animals perspective, yet it gave interesting facts about the expedition. I would definitely recommend reading this book to 4th graders learning about Lewis and Clark!
April 22, 2011
we used this book in our PTLS. Students loved reading about seaman and seeing the pictures. We also had a stuffed animal and pictures of real dogs of he same breed for the students to view. We let them know that Seaman was a newfoundland and that breed is good for hunting. the kids loved this book a must for the Lewis and Clark study in 4th grade the story is told through seaman also can be used for literary
October 19, 2008
This book is a delight, even if, as a Newfie owner, I am slightly prejudiced. Seaman tells the story, in diary form, of his journey with Lewis and Clark. The illustrations are colorful and will appeal to all ages.
March 28, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. It looks at the Lewis and Clark journey from a dog's point of view. It goes from before the journey all the way to the end.
April 4, 2011
Cute story of Lewis and Clark's westward expansion told from Lewis' dogs, Seaman, perspective.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews