The Lion's Paw

by Robb White, Ralph Ray (Illustrator)

With the wind almost abeam and steaming down on her, The Lion's Paw rocketed toward the open mouth of the Pass. Sheets of spray broke over the scuppers and exploded back into the cockpit; her rolling and pitching kept yanking at the sheets, and the crack of waves beating against her forefoot sounded like artillery fire.

The three in the Lion’s Paw—the boat once called Hard A Lee—had come too far and faced too much to beat the storm. They had run away in Ben’s boat—Penny and Nick from the orphan asylum. Ben from his uncle, however his uncle had said his father, Lieut. Ben Sturgess, USN was dead.

But Ben is confident his father is not dead. “He’ll come back,” he tells Penny and Nick, “when we find a Lion’s Paw.” “But won’t the lion need it” Nick asks, and Ben explains it’s a rare see shell.
Down the Florida coast the three sail, into the Everglades, to Captiva Island in the Gulf of Mexico. There the most exciting adventure of all awaits them.

Genres: Fiction, Childrens, Middle Grade, Adventure, Young Adult, Classics, Historical Fiction

243 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1946

About the author

Robb White was partnered with gimmick horror film king William Castle during Castle's most popular and productive period. Born in the Philippines, White was a preacher's son who held a wide variety of jobs before landing in the Navy during World War II. He initially collaborated with Castle on the short-lived TV series "Men of Annapolis" (1957), then joined forces with the enterprising producer-director on the horror thrillers "Macabre" (1958), "House on Haunted Hill" (1959), "The Tingler" (1959), "Homicidal" (1961), and "13 Ghosts" (1960). He later went back to TV writing, including "Perry Mason" (1957), as well as novels.

Reviews

[Hannah Garden · Rating 5 out of 5]

September 2019: I just edited this review a little bit because in my twenties, when I wrote this, I felt invisible on the internet: by which I mean, I wrote this carelessly and goofily and with more cussing than feels apt to me today, in my forties. At the time, I worked at Strand in Manhattan, at the main-floor information desk (which no longer exists, as such), where the bulk of my job was researching the books the buyers brought in, many of them my own old memories, floating back and right into my hands, dusty and creaking.

October 2008: Oh my gosh. Miss Faircloth read this to us in 4th grade (my favorite grade) and I have essentially been looking for it ever since. So that's twenty years of looking. I could only find it as an expensive paperback or collectible hardcover edition, neither of which were within my price-range. Anyway: a couple days ago a guy came in selling books and THERE IT WAS in beautiful lookalike reprint form--the Best Book in My Nine-Year Old World.

And I read it and OH MAN. SO SWEET.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written in 1946 and was a refreshingly wonderful adventure story that I know I would have loved as a child. Nobody has super powers, no body kills anyone, the story speaks to a child's world and their hopes and fears. It is a kind book, like many written around that time. It is not complex, violent or inappropriate. It isn't especially fast moving but is full of adventure, danger and courage.

I would be interested to hear the reactions of today's kids who are used to Harry Potter and Hunger Games.

I recommend it!

[Mindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book several times as a child and I recently read it again. It is a GREAT book. It is now out of print, so each paperback sells for $50-$100, but I was fortunate enough to find one in a used book store on Cape Cod a couple of years ago for 50 cents. If you can get hold of a copy, it is definitely worth the read.

***UPDATE*** Because of the demand, Robb White's family that owns the copyright to this book has just re-printed this book again and I found a copy in our local Costco in Utah. 3/24/09 On the cover it mentions his other works may also be reprinted soon.

[David A. Woodbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though written as a juvenile novel, this is among my two or three favorite books of all time. It's dated but timeless. It climbs from despair to joy. It snatches you into the action and doesn't let you go until the unforgettable ending. I've read it several times -- a day or two can cover it.

[Elizabeth Tuecke · Rating 5 out of 5]

five stars for the craziest week of my life. five stars for my big sister who handed this over with tears in her eyes. five stars for vague wisps of remembrance involving sailboats and runaway orphans.
five stars for a memory.
<3

[Ami Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on the book blog Creature From the Book Lagoon.

" When Nick was adopted and his sister Penny was left behind in the Florida orphanage they ran away and hid all night in a sailboat. Thus they met Ben, a very good guy who was having his own troubles trying to keep his uncle from selling the boat. Ben was sure if he could find the Lion’s Paw, a rare shell, his father, who had been reported missing would come back from the war, so he took the youngsters on as crew and they headed for Captiva Island in the Gulf of Mexico… Robb White writes so vividly, so forcefully of Florida sun and storm and with such sympathy for youthful hopes that 10 to 14 year olds won’t grudge the crew a single bit of their prowess."

See….. 20+ years ago, this little Creature was in middle school and one of my teachers would read us stories. This was one of the books she read to us, but she never finished it! And I couldn’t remember the authors name or the title. So for 20+ years I kept this book in my brain, attempting to find it every now and then. It was hard to find when I couldn’t really recall much about it, other then some kids looking for shells in Florida. Long story short, I finally found the book in November 2021. 😀 I had waited for so long to read this book, would it live up to the joy I remembered from middle school??

Yes. Yes it did.

The Lion’s Paw is such a pure, innocent, fun adventure read. Likable characters, intense setting, dangerous locations, and a happy ending that made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. This was worth the time, and energy of tracking down. Well worth reading.

The pacing is quick and you move fast through the story. It is very easy to read, although there are a lot of nautical terms that I didn’t really know or understand that well. The author just says them like everyone already knows them. He never explains any of the terms. Luckily you get the gist of what they mean by context clues, so you are never truly lost.

I couldn’t be happier with The Lion’s Paw. What a great book. 😀

[Alissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember in the 6th grade being sick and having to miss about a week's worth of school. After sending a stack of homework for me to do, my teacher also recommended this book to me. He told me I would love it. I did. I decided to reread it to see if it held up to my memories of being a great book. I ended up reading it aloud to my 10-year-old and he loved it too!

I believe this book was written in 1945. The author had survived serving in the war in the Navy and uses some of that life experience in writing this story. The father in this book is reported as missing in the South Pacific and as the story starts up he has been gone so long he is presumed dead. There are some racial slurs as was common at the time. Also there are many references to boats and sailing, which was a little unfamiliar for me and my son. But there are some great adventures that the characters go through and survive, several of which had us on the edge of our seats. I'm glad I revisited this book.

2017 Reading Challenge #25: A book you loved as a child

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This juvenile adventure is just plain fun! Two orphans escape from an orphanage and join a teenager with a boat, who is convinced his father will return after the Navy declares him missing in action during World War II. They join forces to escape from their pursuers and look for a lion's paw, a rare seashell. They battle alligators, snakes, and storms, becoming a team in the process.
This book was written in the 1940s and includes a couple of racial slurs from that time, so a discussion with young readers would be advisable.

[Janis Blimling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure Old Florida magic!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book to read to kids. I thought Robb White just wrote adult books. But here is this plucky orphan story, packed with adventure from beginning to end.

[Karen Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite kid's books

[Anita Lerch · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a sailor, great book for the boat. If you’re not a sailor, then just read it anyway. Great story that you’re sure to enjoy!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

my 8 year old read this book and asked me to also read it. Seriously such an amazing book and timeless. I am sad I didn't read this in my childhood in Florida but glad I was able to enjoy it as an adult.

[Bill Galbreath · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book back around 1960, got it in paperback through Scholastic Books. A great adventure story that seemed plausible at the time, maybe still is. It fit in with other books I read by Arthur Ramsome and Robert Lewis Taylor. Anyone who likes Clive Cussler's Fargo series or just great adventure stories, with some unintended dangers, should grab a copy. Read it for yourself and read it to your kids. I wish I still had my copy.

[Eric Cone · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are books that stay with you all of your life; THE LION'S PAW by Robb White is one such book (for me). I read this when I was in the sixth grade, while attending Lake Butler Middle School. I found that a local publisher (in Utah) had re released it in 2008 and I immediately ordered a copy for my library.

Originally published in 1946, THE LION'S PAW brings orphans Penny and Nick, together, with Ben, whose NAVY father is missing. Penny and Nick escape the orphanage and find themselves upon Ben's boat (which belongs to, and was built by his missing father), as he tries to escape from his uncle (who is planning to sell it). This is a coming-of-age story, which sets the three would-be runaways on an adventure that will change their lives forever.

It's anchors-away, as they send the authorities on a wild ride through Florida's inland waterways and around the Gulf of Mexico, in search of a seashell called the The Lion's Paw; Ben believes if he finds this shell, his father will return. Penny and Nick are looking for love and acceptance, and they'll pay whatever the costs to find it. It's a classic story and it will touch your heart, and - tickle your funny bone, as you stow-away, too, for this exciting thrill ride.

[Ron Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as a child living on a sailboat in Florida in the 1970's. It helped that I understood all of the terms and experiences.

Here it it, decades later. I'm in my 50's now and for some reason I was thinking about this book. I think it was inspired by watching the TV series "A Series of Unfortunate Events" about orphans. I couldn't remember the name. But I put the plot keywords into Google and wow! The book popped right up and then I recognized the title.

I want to reread it as an adult. I wonder if that will ruin my memory of it?

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as a child, so when I found an old copy I decided to try it again. Still good as the first time.
Set in south Florida it tells the story of 3 kids (ages 9 to 15) who take a sail boat across the canals of Florida, from the east coast to the west coast. Lots of good scenes, the author describes everything so well you feel you are in the boat with the kids. I don’t want to spoil anything with any other facts, suffice to say it is a great book, whether you are 9 or 65 (me). Highly recommended

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a super fun adventure by one of my favorite authors of all time, Robb White! *fanfare*
Robb White has departed from his usual fare of outstanding WWII fiction and given us a classic sailing adventure in the Deep South for children and young adults.
Three orphans run away on a sailboat to escape the threat of an orphanage and a domineering uncle. Their adventures make some seriously great reading!! Hooray for Robb White! Expensive as his books may be, they are worth it!

[Alton Motobu · Rating 4 out of 5]

For juvenile readers but can be appreciated by adults. Three orphans during World War II run away and sail across Florida through rivers, canals, lakes until the reach the Gulf of Mexic0 in search of a rare sea shell called the lion's paw because they believe finding it will bring back a father who has been MIA in the Pacific war. Lots of action but somewhat unbelievable because the kids are aged 15, 12, and 9 and they manage to accomplish things even adults would find difficult.

[Gwen Porch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Dolan, my 4th grade teacher in 1960 read this book aloud to our class. After all these years, I found it again. It is back in print and a great children's book especially for 2nd - 4th graders. It is set in Florida and was a classic walk through memory lane of how Florida and youth used to be!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a favorite from my childhood. Reading it aloud to my kids was magical.

[Rosanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mother-in-law read this aloud to me while I was on bed rest. They say babies in the womb can start to hear around 20 weeks, so we wanted to acclimate Holly to our voices and instill in her a love of reading.

The Lion's Paw is an adventure story about two runaway orphans and a 15-year-old boy whose father is MIA from the navy and presumed dead. They sail through the lakes and rivers of Florida making their way to the Gulf in search of their freedom and a very special shell, a lion’s paw.

I read this right after reading Torre DeRoche’s Love with a Chance of Drowning, a memoir about a woman’s year-long sailing trip across the Pacific Ocean from California to Australia with her Argentinian boyfriend. This book sorely disappointed me, as I was looking for a fun, adventurous tale of life at sea; instead, the book read like one woman’s attempt to conquer her fears of the ocean and drowning, while never seeming to enjoy her time at sea—rather she viewed it as something to be endured.

The Lion’s Paw succeeded where Love with a Chance of Drowning failed. The feeling of adventure and the pursuit of unknown is celebrated. The children look at their new surroundings with a sense of wonder, hope, and fear. Their willingness to continue their journey despite their hardships and setbacks is admirable. Of course, they are children and do make mistakes at times. Robb White writes these scenes with humor or graveness depending on the severity of the situation.

I like that he doesn’t sugar-coat the story. He incorporates sailing terminology, as well as events from WWII in a surprisingly realistic way for a children’s novel. He describes a scene where two men were trapped on a sinking ship with no chance of rescue and imagines their final hours aboard the dark ship, water slowly filling the vessel inch by inch, and the terror they must have felt as they faced death. The book was written in 1946 and I don’t imagine this type of scene being in a children’s book today. We tend to want to protect children from the horrors of the world, preserving their childhood innocence. However, I think it’s important for literature to instill values and educate, as well as to entertain and cultivate the imagination. White subtlety shows the horrors and repercussions of war throughout the book (the scene described above is a two-page scene in a 200-page book), while keeping the main focus on the children’s sailing adventure.

The book is set in Florida (my home state) and I enjoyed reading about the flora and fauna of the place—the Spanish moss, the alligators, the swamps. White definitely understands the motherly-protectiveness of alligators, which not many people know about, but I’ve personally witnessed in the everglades. The one time an alligator is sure to move, is when it’s guarding its babies.

Overall, it’s a fun read and I recommend it for children and parents alike.

[Calla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sailing Through Adventure
Robb White created a story packed with adventure, suspense, sorrow, and determination called The Lion’s Paw. This story began at an orphanage in Florida and sailed through the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.

The reader becomes a part of the story and grows with the characters throughout the novel. The three main characters, Penny, Nick, and Ben, each have their own unique and interesting characteristics, but they also have flaws and sad backstories, which makes them more realistic. I have never read another story with characters such as these, creating the ability for readers to relate to them in new ways and creating authentic character development.

The two orphan siblings, Nick and Penny, and one possible orphan, Ben, made quite an interesting, but loving family. After Nick and Penny ran away from the orphanage, they met Ben, whose father was missing in action and presumed dead. His belief that his father would stick to his word and return home showed Nick’s loyalty and optimistic personality. “Won’t Dad be surprised when he comes back, and we’ve got one?” (103) This quote shows Ben talking about finding the Lion’s Paw shell before his dad, who he believes is alive, comes home. Nick’s adventurous personality appeared to the reader through his energy and desire to become an amazing sailor. Penny had to mature early in order to care for her younger brother, but she was still adventurous and courageous. Penny and Nick had always been dependent on each other, since they had never had anyone else, but Ben became someone else they could depend on. Ben needed them just as much as they needed Ben.

The Lion’s Paw is packed full of action and adventure. From hiding their identities to surviving dangerous thunderstorms at sea, these children conquer every obstacle by always working together. Through unexpected twists and turns Robb White constructed a captivating story that I could not put down.

With the Coastguard, local fishermen and Ben’s uncle perusing them, will Ben, Penny and Nick successfully escape, find the beautiful Lion’s Paw shell, or maybe even locate Ben’s long-lost father? Find out by reading The Lion’s Paw. This novel is an entertaining and extremely enjoyable read for all ages. This timeless and amazing story should not only be recommended to young readers, but should be enjoyed by everyone who loves a captivating adventure.

[Leilehua Yuen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been searching for this book for years. My mother loved it so much that she put an Easter Egg for it in her youth novel, Barclay, Bob, and the Baroness. Note: BB&B is still in edit. I'll post something when it is published.

It seems to be out of print, and the used copies I could find were out of my budget. But fortunately it is available on Audible. The narrator seems to not know sailing terminology, but I'm so happy I could find the book at all that I won't quibble.

The story is lovely. The children, while bright and clever, act their own ages. No foul language, no acting like nasty adults in kid suits. They are adventuresome, curious, innovative, and on a mission to make things right as best they can.

One of the things I really like is that the girl in the story has her own skill set and is a capable young person within her own experience and knowledge base. She's not there as a foil so the boys can show off. She's her own person. I can see why my mother loved the story so much.

I don't want to give any spoilers, so I'll just say it is very worth reading. If you're a grownup, it will give you a nice bit of nostalgia for a good old-fashioned well written adventure story that needs no bad language or gore to keep you interested.

If youʻre a grownup with kids, I'd suggest reading it yourself, and then reading it with your kids so you can enjoy it twice.

[Heather Tribe · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘The Lion’s Paw’ by Robb White is inventive and adventurous with characters worth rooting for; one of which is a strong female character, Penny, who I just adored!
We follow orphans Penny and Nick who, escaping a Florida orphanage, hide on a sailboat and run into Ben, a slightly older boy whose father is missing in action and presumed dead in the year after the end of WWII. Ben’s uncle wishes to sell the sailboat, which belonged to Ben’s Father, but Ben just cannot allow that, knowing how much it meant to his dad. So, our three kids take off- first into the Atlantic and then through the river system that cuts across Florida towards the Gulf of Mexico, as Ben feels that if he can just find a lion’s paw seashell, his father will return to him (or he will get the closure he needs). It is a wonderful tale of using one’s wits and strength of character to overcome. And there are alligators!

[Rosie Gearhart · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this to my 12 year old. Exciting adventure, but I was disappointed at the amount of times the kids had to lie in order to not blow their cover as well as the lack of geographical info. I was expecting to learn a lot more geography. I can’t really call this a geography title, just a fun story. The lying did provide for good discussion, though!

This book is good for a free read but probably not for curriculum.

[Dallen Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story. Adventure, humor, tears, and quality characters. This is now the second Robb White book I’ve read, and I guess I’ll accept the fact that mixed in with all his wonderful story telling us rants upon rants of factual information. This one was about boats, Deathwatch was about buttes. Great books that’s been on my list for awhile, really happy I read it and can now recommend it. Good luck getting your hands on a copy though!

[Melanie Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet book. "The Lion's Paw" was published in 1946, and my sweet friend loaned it to me since she knows that I love Sanibel/Captiva. The plot follows two orphans and a loan teenager as they try to change their futures and make for Captiva Island in search of an elusive shell. I give this one 3 out of 5 seashells! 🐚🐚🐚

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by the librarian in my elementary school and I loved it. So I decided to read it again. It's wonderful. There's some WWII type anti-Asian racism in it, maybe six words sum total, and completely tangential to the plot, and I think it should be removed. It's otherwise a great book.

[Kayleigh Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 4th grade we read this book in Florida. It instantly was my favorite. At the time it was out of print and super hard to find. We spent hours at antique shops trying to find a copy and never could. Then they started printing again I have a copy signed by Robb Whites wife. It’s the first “big” book I read to my son. I still love it just as much now as I did as a child.