When a circus train derails in the middle of a big city in 1925, a lion escapes and finds shelter in a sprawling city park. No one knows about the creature except for Sadie Menken, the feisty daughter of a pie-maker. As various squirrels, dogs and an expensive peacock meet unfortunate ends, and the park "beast" is spotted by visitors, the lion's presence draws the attention of the authorities. Can a creature that is wild at heart live in harmony with humans? Sadie must decide who to trust to help her find a happy ending for an unlikely friend" -- Dust jacket flap.