logo
Wrong email address or username
Wrong email address or username
Incorrect verification code
Bernard Waber
“This is Mr. Waber. Mr. Waber is the man who writes those stories about Lyle the Crocodile” is sometimes the way I am introduced to a child. We greet each other, the child and I, and I begin to imagine disappointment in the wide-eyed gaze. Perhaps there was an expectation the “real” Lyle would... show more



“This is Mr. Waber. Mr. Waber is the man who writes those stories about Lyle the Crocodile” is sometimes the way I am introduced to a child. We greet each other, the child and I, and I begin to imagine disappointment in the wide-eyed gaze. Perhaps there was an expectation the “real” Lyle would leap out from behind this not-unusual-looking author. It is tempting but I resist becoming Lyle and behaving in some ingratiating fashion to desperately compensate for the absent crocodile hero. I offer, instead, to show off some of my Lyle memorabilia, a collection acquired mostly through the generosity of good-humored friends and readers. My own early efforts at drawing were mostly confined to the laborious copying of photographs of film stars and other celebrities. I received respectable grade in art classes during my school years but doubt I thought it seriously indicated a career direction. Perhaps art seemed too frivolous for one raised during the Depression. Besides, I grew up a rather earnest young man and chose instead to major in finance at the University of Pennsylvania. After just one year of schooling, World War II interrupted those rather high-minded plans. Perhaps it was moving about, meeting people of various backgrounds and experience — I don’t recall a precise moment—but somehow during those army days my interest shifted to drawing and painting. Returning to civilian life, I discarded high finance for enrollment at the Philadelphia College of Art. It was a decision I never regretted. During the four years I attended school I found great joy in painting and drawing. Soon after graduating, and newly married, Ethel and I moved to New York, a city we loved at once and still do. I celebrated that feeling with the eventual publication of The House on East 88th Street (1962). My first New York employment was in the promotion department of Condé Nast Publications, and although I continued in the magazine field for many years, writing and illustrating children’s books was my primary interest since 1961. My involvement with children’s books originated with some illustrations of children I carried in my art portfolio. Several art directors suggested that my drawings seemed suited for children’s books. At the same time, I was also having read-aloud sessions with my own three children. I am afraid enthusiasm for “their” books began, in fact, to cause them occasional discomfort. “Daddy, why don't you look at the grownups' books” they chided. Before too long I was mailing out stories and ideas to publishers. Rejections followed but after a time a cheery encouragement arrived from Houghton Mifflin Company, and to my delight, a contract was offered for Lorenzo. In one way or another, I seem to find myself thinking of children’s books most of the time. I even enjoy the period in between books for it is then (I hope) that I am susceptible to all manner of adventurous thought. I’ve never been good at thinking at the typewriter. I seem to write best when in motion. Trains, subways, even elevators seem to shake ideas loose in my head. Although I write and illustrate, I believe if I had to choose between the two, I would choose writing. There’s a freedom about writing that appeals to me. You can do it almost anywhere—and I have.

show less
Birth date: November 24, 1924
Bernard Waber's Books
Recently added on shelves
Bernard Waber's readers
Share this Author
Community Reviews
Kaethe
Kaethe rated it 8 years ago
Lyle is lovable, don't try to resist him. Everyone wants her own Lyle. *** Still true. But also? In a climate where hate speech and hate crimes are increasing, the book feels way darker than it did before. Poor Lyle, doing everything he can to keep people from fearing him, and none of it does any go...
Bashara Likes Books
Bashara Likes Books rated it 15 years ago
One of my favorites from childhood. After finally re-reading as an adult I think it's a good pick for children who are overly concerned about what others think. I do think this particular story (a boy concerned about bringing a teddy bear to a sleepover) might appeal/resonate a tad bit more with b...
Bashara Likes Books
Bashara Likes Books rated it 15 years ago
The illustrations look like they were done with a sharpie, but that's part of the charm. This book delighted me as a child and I still think Lyle is the cutest crocodile on earth.
the terror of whatever
the terror of whatever rated it 16 years ago
This book flummoxed the heck out of me. A neighborhood man looks suspiciously like Abraham Lincoln. He is convinced to appear at the local school dressed as Abraham Lincoln. He then abruptly moves away, to be replaced by a man who looks suspiciously like George Washington. Wah? There's a wonderful, ...
Flying Kick-a-pow!
Flying Kick-a-pow! rated it 16 years ago
oh wow apparently nobody's read this! that's sad. this is like totally the book of my childhood. it's HILARIOUS. luv it. ;D
see community reviews
Need help?