THE TRUE STORY BEHIND JACK AND JILL

THE TRUE STORY BEHIND JACK AND JILL

KILMERSDON, England (Wireless Flash) -- You'll probably break your crown when you hear this: It turns out the nursery rhyme about "Jack & Jill" is actually a true story. That's according to Laura Lee, author of a new book about characters you may have thought were fictitious but who were indeed real. Jack and Jill were a real-life unwed couple who lived in Kilmersdon, England in the 15th century. And, yes, Jack actually fell down a hill trying to fetch a pail of water. Other supposedly fake folks who are real include.... -- Chef Boyardee, who was really Italian chef Hector Boiardi, who perfected a recipe for spaghetti and meatballs back in 1929. -- 19th century French gambler Johnny Crapaud is the inspiration for the dice game "craps." -- And, finally, Moby Dick was inspired by a real whale named "Mocha Dick" who actually sank seven ships before it was killed in 1819. Lee is the author of "The Name's Familiar: Mr Leotard, Barbie And Chef Boy-ar-dee" (Pelican Publishing).

CONTACT: Laura Lee; Arrange through Stephanie Williams; Gretna, LA; (504) 368-1175, ext. 333