The history is handled with a light touch in this Step into Reading title about the American West, and Manders' colorful cartoon-style art is a perfect match for the storytelling. President Jefferson asks Lewis and Clark to go west, and make maps, and explore rivers . . . collect plants and draw wild animals . . . send presents. Comic scenes show the explorers trying to catch buffalo and grizzly bears to send to the president, but they settle on the cute, little, wild dog, which scouts take back to Jefferson together with a huge load of plants, skins, and animals. Other than Sacagawea, who is a big help (she talked and traded with the Indians they met on the way), there's no mention of the native peoples the explorers encountered, but this lively history will make new readers want to know more.

EISENBERG, Jana . Lewis and Clark: Path to the Pacific ISBN 0-516-25126-0 ; ISBN 0-516-25096-5 . LC 2005002695. FINE, Jil . The Transcontinental Railroad: Tracks across America ISBN 0-516-25128-7 ; ISBN 0-516-25098-1 . LC 2004021473. ea vol: 48p. (Trailblazers of the West Series). maps. photos. reprods. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Children's Press 2005. PLB $23.; pap. $6.95. Gr 4-6 These titles explore important events and people associated with the westward expansion of the U.S. in the 1800s. They offer insight into the everyday life of people, the hardships they faced, and the technologies available to them. The books also touch on the clash between pioneers and Native Americans. Brief chapters, a large font, and abundant black-and-white and color illustrations will make these books attractive to reluctant readers. Edward Sullivan, White Pine School, TN