Tall Tails: Cross Country with Lewis and Clark

Tall Tails #2

by Dona Smith

The TALL TAILS series tells important historical stories from the perspectives of the dogs that could have been there. This clever mix of fact and fiction makes learning about the past fun.

When Seaman, a Newfoundland dog, is purchased by Meriweather Lewis in the early 1800s, he has no idea of the grand adventure that lies ahead. First Lewis takes Seaman along when he meets President Thomas Jefferson. Then President Jefferson asks Lewis to lead an expedition out west to the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase. Lewis asks his friend, William Clark, to help. Seaman gets to come, too! Along the way, Seaman keeps a diary and records all that happens on the historic trip.

This fictionalized account of Lewis and Clark's journey is humorously conveyed through the eyes of Seaman.

Genres: Historical Fiction

128 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 1, 2004

Reviews

[Jillianne Larson]

Loved reading this with my third graders. Gives great information about Lewis and Clark’s journey, as well as good insight into the natives’ cultures. Couldn’t help but notice that Seaman might be an allegory for slavery…

[Alexandra P]

The first time I read this book was in enrichment. We were learning about the Lewis & Clark expedition. Sacajawea was a part of the expedition and during it she had a baby - she was only thirteen or fourteen years old! It was an awesome book.

[Alicia Caiola]

I enjoyed reading this to my fourth grade students who are learning about Lewis-and Clark. There is a misprint regarding the plants and animals discovered, the amounts are switched, but otherwise an engaging read to impart important facts on the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery expedition.

[Trista]

i use this book with my students to teach them about personification and also about the adventures of Lewis and Clark. It is a very cute story.

[Karen]

Great book for point of view and telling the Lewis and Clark tale from a unique perspective.

[Sarah]

REALLY GOOD! A diary of a DOG.

[Sherri]

Read while teaching homeschool