An attractive picture-book presentation of the highlights of Lewis and Clark's exploratory expedition through the territory acquired in the Louisiana Purchase. The text reads like a fictional adventure story, but sticks to the facts as it summarizes the major events of the dangerous journey. Many details are supplied through the colorful, realistic paintings: the physical landscape, clothing, tools and weapons, and differences in appearance and customs among Native American cultures. This is an excellent read-aloud resource to motivate young students to find out more about the opening up and settlement of the western U.S.