The Lion's Paw Hardcover – Illustrated, October 1, 2008

A Florida adventure where three young protagonists (9 -15 yr olds) face real challenges all on their own. Published in 1946, the story is set in the more rudimentary “Old Florida”, less predictable than what we know today – a setting in which their challenges and some of the more caricatured characters seem quite believable. The adventure takes us on a sailboat from the Atlantic Coast, across tropical Florida, by way of rivers, canals and Lake Okeechobee, and out to the shell-strewn Sanibel and Captiva Islands on the Gulf. The boating theme is prominent right from the 2nd chapter. Some nautical terms left me in the dark, but I suppose that put me in a similar situation as the two younger characters who also find themselves suddenly thrown into this new nautical world.The story is told exclusively from the children's points of view, which effectively pulls the reader into their adventure. The straightforward narrative seems to reflect a child's refreshingly uncomplicated mindset. Like in a legend or fairytale, I liked the way the children had to earn the better life they were seeking, by taking on each new challenge however hard or even painful. Early on, before they have realized what they're capable of, one of the children feels "a little afraid, a little as though everything they were doing was too big for them to do and they would have to stop." Surely those words speak to all of us of any age? But they don't give up and their determination and courage make for a captivating tale.The quick succession of events and exploration of a past, more natural Florida kept me turning pages. I particularly enjoyed how both the story and the artwork focused on Florida's wild face - its landscapes, creatures and close relationship with the natural elements. Ralph Ray’s superb cover illustration most accurately captures the feel of the story and I also welcomed his atmospheric drawings within (though a few deviated from the text, but the sentiment still felt right).A great book for middle-grade readers (girls and boys alike), an animated read-aloud for slightly younger listeners and an enjoyable moment for anyone with a love for Florida or boating.

I bought two of The Lion’s Paw. I’m a 60ish woman who when I was in 4th grade was made to choose a new genre of book. I was a massive reader and stuck to mystery books. I chose this one from adventure and fell in love with it. Later, I became a teacher and had to borrow it to read to my students from the library that only had one copy as it was out of print. I had to share it with other teachers who wanted it too. I now have one copy at my house and gave one to my granddaughter.

You know how there are some books that stay with you throughout your life? I read this novel when I was about 12 years old, and couldn't put it down! Years later, I read it to both of my children and we enjoyed it tremendously. Now I am reading it to my 14 year-old grandson, and it's a big hit with him, despite the fact that it was written decades ago. Exciting novel. I can't recommend it enough! I kept the copy I was given as a pre-teen, and it's a bit fragile now. Am delighted to see the book back in print! I just bought a copy for my 10 year-old grandson. Buy this book! For all ages. --Dr. Iris St. John, Arlington, VA

My 6th grade teacher (who was my aunt) read this out loud to my class. She would read one chapter a day. It was such a thrilling story and captured my 11 year old mind. After about six weeks I was able to go back home and back to my normal school (my mother was in the hospital so I stayed with my aunt for a while). My aunt gave me the paperback to take home and finish reading the story. I still have that paperback 55 years later. It’s falling apart but I can’t bear to toss it. I bought the hardcover last year. It sits like a present on my bedside table. And I do what my aunt did to my class - I read one chapter at a time so it will last longer. BTW, I gave my aunt’s grandson his own copy so he could enjoy his grandmother’s favorite children’s book.

One of the finest stories of the adventures of youth from a bygone era. Set in the early days of WW2 in Florida, two orphans escape their orphanage and embark on a metaphorical journey across the state, toward a symbolic goal, in the process discovering the true nature of themselves and of life. A gem of a book - the favorite of my youth of decades ago.

I was fortunate enough to be acquainted with the Lion's Paw many years ago by a friend who had read it in school in Florida in the 1960's. In the late 1980's I found several copies of the book at a book store near Orlando and bought 5 copies. The brand new copies were about $10 each. I read the book to many elementary classes, particularly 5th graders and they all LOVED the book. Many parents searched and bought copies for their children. I loaned one copy to other teachers to read until it was worn thread bare but much treasured by all and we kept on reading it. I hold fast to the two copies I have now, one being brand new. The book is incredible and I never found a single student who didn't fall in love with the story. Now they return as adults, walk up to me and say, "I remember you reading us The Lion's Paw." And they recall with great details events from the story. In my opinion,as a reading specialist, it should be on the list of all time great books for children. My sincere hope is that it will come back into print and I pray fervently that no movie studio EVER gets hold of the story and ruins it as happened with many good children's books. This one should remain a reading story. For those who haven't read it, I sincerely hope you can find one and enjoy it. You won't be disappointed.

Wonderful story that I remember from my childhood and has been enjoyed by all of my children!