Story highlights The drawing does not sell, will be kept in case of a post-auction bid

It's not the first time Dr. Seuss has been accused of racism

His World War II drawings of Japanese people were racially incendiary

(CNN) A California auction house is selling an early drawing by Dr. Seuss that's sure to disappoint the parents and children who adore his later work.

The 1929 color illustration for "Judge" magazine depicts a blatantly racist scenario and uses a slur to describe black people. It's being auctioned for a minimum bid of $20,000.

In the four-panel drawing titled ''Cross-Section of The World's Most Prosperous Department Store," the artist depicts scenarios in which rich men can purchase items to make their lives more difficult.

These include a fly for your ointment and a monkey wrench for your machinery. The final and largest panel features a crowd of men rendered in classic blackface caricature, with dark skin and pronounced red lips, being presented to a white shopper. A sign reads: "A n---- for your woodpile."

Photos: Dr. Seuss' most popular books What Pet Should I Get? ", the first new, original book by Dr. Seuss in 25 years, was published in July 2015. Its first printing was increased from 500,000 to 1 million. The author's most popular books serve as graduation gifts, read-alouds for children, parody fodder for politicians and inspiration for big Hollywood films. Hide Caption 1 of 14 Photos: Dr. Seuss' most popular books Dr. Seuss' "Oh, The Places You'll Go!" debuted in 1990 and is author and illustrator Theodor Geisel's top-selling book. Hide Caption 2 of 14 Photos: Dr. Seuss' most popular books Characters created by Geisel and "Oh, The Places You'll Go!" have led to companion books and new editions. First lady Michelle Obama reads a Dr. Seuss-inspired work "Oh, the Things You Can Do That Are Good For You" by Tish Rabe, to students visiting the White House in January 2015. Hide Caption 3 of 14 Photos: Dr. Seuss' most popular books Dr. Seuss' "The Cat in the Hat" was published in 1957. Most of his books remain in print and sell briskly a quarter-century after his death. Hide Caption 4 of 14 Photos: Dr. Seuss' most popular books "The Cat in the Hat" was made into a film in 2003. The movie, starring Mike Myers as the titular feline, got poor reviews. Hide Caption 5 of 14 Photos: Dr. Seuss' most popular books Dr. Seuss' "Green Eggs and Ham" was published in 1960. Hide Caption 6 of 14 Photos: Dr. Seuss' most popular books Conservative pundit and former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin read a parody version of "Green Eggs and Ham" during the Conservative Political Action Conference in 2014. Hide Caption 7 of 14 Photos: Dr. Seuss' most popular books Dr. Seuss' "The Lorax" debuted in 1971. Hide Caption 8 of 14 Photos: Dr. Seuss' most popular books A film version of "The Lorax" was released in 2012. Hide Caption 9 of 14 Photos: Dr. Seuss' most popular books Dr. Seuss' "Fox in Socks" was published in 1965. Hide Caption 10 of 14 Photos: Dr. Seuss' most popular books "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish" was published in 1960. Hide Caption 11 of 14 Photos: Dr. Seuss' most popular books "Horton Hatches the Egg" was published in 1940. Hide Caption 12 of 14 Photos: Dr. Seuss' most popular books "Horton Hears a Who!" was published in 1954. A film version came out in 2008. Hide Caption 13 of 14 Photos: Dr. Seuss' most popular books Dr. Seuss' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" was published in 1957. An animated TV special appeared in 1966, and a film, starring Jim Carrey, was released in 2000. Hide Caption 14 of 14

Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines the expression "A n---- for your woodpile" as "dated now offensive: something (as a concealed motive or obscure factor) contrary to appearances in a situation."