short book about a boy who pretends to be a lion so he can scare his mother. read to me as a child in early 1960’s. cover has picture of boy with lion costume on. in one of the scenes he climbs on top of refrigerator. mother pretends she does not know him and asks the “lion” if he ate her boy.
Stump the Bookseller
New format, same book stumper solving.
Another comment about the story is that the mother pretends that the lion (who is really the little boy dressed up) has eaten her little boy as the boy has disappeared. In the end the boy convinces his mother that he is himself and that the boy has not been eaten by the lion.
I am also looking for this book! I recall that the boy pushed nails through the cuffs of some long underwear (?) to make claws? Maybe that will ring some bells with someone?
I am the original poster of this and i now remember that too. also i remember that he used the top of a mop to make the lion’s mane. i think the boy’s name was john.
Mary, I believe I have found it!
a book called “Fierce John: A Story” by Edward Fenton looks familiar to me? I hope this is it, just wanted to give you a heads up if you ever see this!
Hi again,
This is definitely it. I found pictures online of some of the illustrations, and this is 100% the book we were both thinking of! I found a copy for $5!
Good info. Lucky me I discovered your website by accident (stumbleupon).
I have saved as a favorite for later!