While flipping through the pages of the March 1963 edition of Ladies Home Journal, I found this illustration for a short story by Paul Darcy Boles. The illustration of a lion behind the bars in a zoo had a familiar look. The scene included an older man sitting on a tree stump and two boys observing the caged lion.
I instantly recognized the style of the illustration. It matched the children’s book, “Where the Wild Things Are”. The classic book was written and illustrated by Maurice Sendak in 1963. My memory was correct. The Ladies Home Journal short story was also illustrated by Maurice Sendak.
Paul Darcy Bole’s 2 page short story is titled Lucas and Jake. It is a delightful short story. It tells the story of a lion that shared a secret with an aging zoo keeper. If you are interested in reading it, I have placed it for sale on eBay.
Jake wasn’t an ordinary lion. Lucas knew his secret – but would these boys understand? Could he trust them to care?
Lucas and Jake – Short story by Paul Darcy Boles – Illustrated by Maurice Sendak – Ladies Home Journal March 1963
The illustration and 2 page story are a special treat. The illustration and short story are available for sell on eBay.
More about Maurica Sendak
The Official Maurice Sendak Website
Mid-Century Page 
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