Patent, Dorothy Hinshaw. Animals on the Trail with Lewis and Clark. Illustrated by Muñoz, William. Clarion Books, 2002. ISBN 0395914159. $18.00. 128 pp. Reviewer: Sharon Kuttler Reading Level: Intermediate, All Rating: Outstanding Genre: Nonfiction; Subject: Lewis and Clark Expedition-Juvenile literature; Animals-Juvenile literature; U.S. History-Juvenile literature; Books-Reviews; As the bicentennial of the expedition of Lewis and Clark (1804-1806) approaches, readers will gain knowledge and appreciation of this historic event by reading Patent's intriguing account. President Jefferson sent the Corps of Discovery, headed by Lewis and Clark, west to discover a route to the Pacific and to document animal and plant species new to science. This well-written book is both informative and enjoyable. Stunning photographs, reproductions of period paintings, and maps enhance nearly every page. A "Chronology of Animal Discoveries New to Science" lists the 121 species and subspecies of vertebrate animals discovered, and indicates when and where the explorers first encountered them. Also useful are the author's notes, an index, and a list of suggested reading and websites. This beautiful, interesting book will appeal to enthusiasts of both nature and history, and promote appreciation of the historic and scientific contributions of Lewis and Clark.
