Off the Map

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Judicious editing and handsome design are evidence of the authors' and illustrator's creative introduction of historic source materials--in this case, the eight-volume Original Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition , which recorded the famous explorations of 1804-1806. Excerpts from the journals are framed by a fact-filled prologue and epilogue. While the book's effectiveness would have been enhanced by even more explanatory matter, such as a timeline, or a glossary explaining terms like ``equipage'' and ``pirogue,'' the Roops' chronological arrangement imparts a feel for the challenges and dangers of the 8000-mile trip through the Louisiana Purchase, and Tanner's warm-toned, textured paintings amplify the text. Ages 8-12. (May)

Children's Literature - Dr. Judy Rowen

President Thomas Jefferson commissioned Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to lead the Corps of Discovery in an exploration of the newly purchased Louisiana Territory. He asked the two men to keep journals, a request they fulfilled admirably, filling eight volumes. The editors of this book have reviewed these journals and provide short excerpts that tell the story of the remarkable journey. The illustrations are paintings rendered in oil, with the canvas given the appearance of parchment. One puzzling omission is the absence of a map detailing the voyage. A glossary/index and an appendix providing additional details about the Native American tribes encountered are provided. This is an excellent presentation of the source materials, inviting and engaging. 1998 (orig.

School Library Journal

Gr 5-7-- To those with an interest in history, there is always a unique fascination with primary-source documents. The Roops have taken the eight-volume journals of Lewis and Clark and edited them into short excerpts that capture the highlights of the more than two-year, 8,000 mile expedition across an uncharted wilderness. Ironically, it is this very authenticity that weakens Off the Map ; the 1800's writing style, idiomatic expressions, and customs are often difficult to follow, and there are neither explanatory notes nor glossary. Although some interesting vignettes are presented here, such as Meriwether Lewis's introspective thoughts on his birthday and the explorers' first encounter with a 500-pound grizzly bear, the main value of the book is as an adjunct to existing works. The colorful contemporary renderings, while eye-catching, do little to enhance the historical value of the text. Blumberg's The Incredible Journey of Lewis and Clark (Lothrop, 1987), McGrath's The Lewis and Clark Expedition (Silver Burdett, 1989), and Stefoff's Lewis and Clark (Chelsea, 1992) are aimed at similar audiences and all present comprehensive accounts of the expedition. --Anita Palladino, Finkelstein Memorial Library, Spring Valley, NY

Carolyn Phelan

Excerpting the voluminous journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition into a short, illustrated book, the Roops offer colorful glimpses of an important event in American history. The book begins with Jefferson's letter to Meriwether Lewis, setting out objectives, guidelines, and conditions for the explorers. Following this sensible prelude are short journal entries that record Lewis and Clark's observations of nature and geography, their encounters with Native Americans, their experiences with new foods (buffalo tongue, whale blubber, dog), and the perils and the nuisances (mosquitoes, ticks, fleas) the explorers endured along their way to the Pacific. The full-color illustrations, mainly in warm earth tones, give the pages an attractive look, but the most vivid pictures come from the journals themselves: "November 8, 1805. Proceeded on to a point. Waves so high we landed, unloaded, and drew up our canoes. We are all wet and disagreeable." This vivid source material would be a welcome part of any classroom study of the subject.