The Captain's Dog: My Journey with the Lewis and Clark Tribe

I read this book to my niece and nephew (they were 8 and 10 respectively) a couple of years ago and I can't wait to read it to my own kids when they get old enough. Being from South Dakota, I know of a lot of the places this book took us which is important but the book was also filled with a lot of emotion...it had us laughing, crying and cheering! Not too many books do that these days. Rock on, Roland Smith! And just for the record, my niece and nephew and I still talk about this book to this day. Parents, read to your kids!

The book is about a dog named Seaman who traveles on across America trying to find a North West passage with Louis and Clark. It was set back in the early seventeenth centry. I think this book is very realistic. It had a very interesting ending that really surprised me. It is one of the best books I have ever read. I would recommend this book to dog lovers and fans of historical fiction books. I would recommend ages 9 and up to read this adventure filled book. I liked this book more than all the Harry Potter books combined.

The captain's dog, is one of the best books I have ever read with real facts and great interpretations of what the dog (Seaman) thought. This book has all emotions including; sadness, happiness, and adventure. If you have not read this book, I advise you to read it. In the beginning, Seaman has trouble finding a good home and a good owner, but in the end his loyalty is recognized to Captain Lewis, but this book is not only about Seamans loyalty, it is about the many hardships that the lewis and clark tribe went through.

What an enjoyable way to learn about the Lewis and Clark Expedition, from the perspective of a dog! ?The Captain?s Dog? is Seaman, a Newfoundland dog that belonged to Captain Meriwether Lewis. Seaman accompanied him and Captain William Clark and their Corps of Discovery on the search for the overland water route to the Pacific in the early 1800?s. Here, Roland Smith's historical fiction is thoroughly researched and credible. Through Seaman, we meet many fascinating characters, experience the journey?s hazards, and get an ingenious feel for what life in the Corps was like from the inside. Readers will enjoy the typical doglike behavior displayed by Seaman, such as marking his territory and sniffing out animals and humans from miles away. He is curious and courageous, as all fine explorers should be. Each chapter is told from three perspectives, using people who knew or accompanied Lewis and Clark speaking in third person, then reading excerpts from Lewis? personal diary, followed by Seaman recalling his adventures and observations in first person. The changes in viewpoint and lack of illustrations might make this book difficult for younger readers. I would recommend it for fifth grade reading level and up, especially as a great introduction or supplement for students studying the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

I thouroughly enjoyed The Captain's Dog and felt the voice of Seaman gave the novel an added flair. Many times I was so lost in the story, I forgot Seaman was a dog. I especially like this novel because it lays a strong foundation for further research into the adventures of Lewis and Clark. Readers get to meet and know so many interesting characters. The characterization of Captain Lewis is so complete I felt as if he was an old friend. I laughed and cried when reading this novel. It has heart, adventure, and a little bit of mystery. The descriptive details give evidence to the extensive research which must have gone into writing this novel. Bravo, Roland Smith! How about a new historical novel about merchant seaman or pirates. Perhaps Seaman could come along as well.