The Captain's Dog

A Dog's View of The Lewis and Clark Expedition Part 2

Young Adult - Non-Fiction
200 Pages
Reviewed on 02/16/2011
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Author Biography

The Captain’s Dog: a view of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Parts I, II, and III, is an exciting adventure story of an American canine hero, Seaman. Robert Scott McKinnon’s version of The Expedition is based in large part on his having traveled the continent by rivers and 31 years as an English teacher, picking the brains of Montana history teachers during prep periods.

The discerning reader will find various forms of satire, such as found in Part II Chapter 28: “The Ass.” The expedition finally reaches the area which is now Dillon, Montana; they must travel the Rockies before snow falls; they are not going to survive without horses. The Snake Indians, fortunately, have beautiful horses, but in a surprise move in which Lewis appears to be the last to know, the Snake are leaving in the morning. Seaman finds himself center stage as the men hurriedly scrutinize the horses, at which time they notice mules here and there. But where is the donkey? You can’t have a mule if you don’t have a donkey.

McKinnon has played professional banjo for fifty years to all kinds of audiences. It follows that Seaman does not share the expedition’s enthusiasm for Pierre Cruzatte’s fiddle concerts.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Lynette Fowlston for Readers' Favorite

This is part two of the Captain’s Dog. Book One left us in the Louisiana Territory. In Book Two, we follow the adventures of Seaman and the Lewis and Clark expedition as they explore the Missouri River and head north into the Montana and Idaho wilderness. Along the way Seaman encounters Indians, squirrels, bear, buffalo, beaver, wolves and coyotes. When he gets lost, a family of wolves allows him to enter the pack. As time goes on, it seems that Seaman spends less and less time with the expedition and his beloved captain. Turning a little to the wild side, he has learned to hunt on his own.

This is the touching story of Seaman. The Indians called him the great Bear Dog. He accompanied Captain Meriwether Lewis to the Pacific Ocean through the interior of the North American continent. It was hard not to shed a tear when I read of the love between Seaman and Lewis. This book is based on true events. It is written through the eyes of Seaman, who proves to be a valuable member of the team, helping to bring in food, protection and love.

There have been several books written about Seaman. This book is great for grades 6th and up. Look for part three of the adventures of The Captains Dog-A Dog's View of the Lewis and Clark Expedition coming in March 2011.