Lyle, Lyle Crocodile  

In 1962, the first Lyle the Crocodile book, The House on East 88th Street, was published by Houghton Mifflin. It was written and illustrated by my father, Bernard Waber. It was impossible not to fall in love with Lyle, an unusually talented, sweet, and helpful crocodile. More books followed and, in the process, Lyle somehow joined our family as its only imaginary member. A neon sign, various prominently placed stuffed Lyles, and other pieces of Lyle memorabilia celebrated his welcome presence in our lives.  

In 2010, the ninth Lyle, Lyle Crocodile book, Lyle Walks the Dogs, was published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. It was written by my father and illustrated by me. A huge honor, a big challenge, and a wonderful opportunity to work with my dad to bring a new Lyle book to children. 

Praise for Lyle Walks the Dogs

"Bernard Waber's beloved crocodile lands a dog-walking job in this peppy story--more than just a counting book--aimed at a younger audience than its predecessors. Debut illustrator Paulis Waber's watercolor, ink, and pencil drawings flawlessly replicate the airiness and humor of her father's iconic art...The tale concludes with kudos to the protagonist ("Good job, Lyle!"), praise that should extend to the collaborators as well."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

Lyle has a new job: dog walking. It starts out simply enough as he skips along behind one frisky pup. But each day adds another dog, until the crocodile has to control 10 dogs trying to chase a squirrel. The simple concept of this counting-book story is well executed, and Lyle's sunny disposition has lost none of its appeal since his debut in 1962. The author's daughter plies her own watercolors here; her lines are looser, her palette brighter than her father's, but the characters' expressions come through just as clearly.”—School Library Journal

Lyle, Lyle Crocodile