Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (Weekly Reader children's book club)

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile by Bernard Waber is a really good book. It's about a crocodile that lives on East 88th street with Mr. and Mrs. Primm and ther son Joshua. He helps them out with many things and is very loved. There is a man named Mr. Grumps that lives two houses down. He has a pet cat named Loretta and Lyle always tries to get her to like him because she seems so scared at the sight of him. Mr. Grumps thinks that Lyle's causing problems so he gets papers authorizing Lyle to be sent to the city zoo. While Lyle is in the zoo he is rescued by Signor Valenti. He takes him to visit his house on East 88th street. While there, he notices that Mr. Grumps' house is on fire. He rescues him and Loretta and then everyone is happy again because everything is put back together. I think this is a book for children that are already quite a bit into the reading process. There are some pretty big words. Other than that, I think this book is very well put together and that alot of you out there will enjoy it very much. I highly recamend that you read this book with your children. "With", meaning that they defiently need a chance to have fun with it also. This book is highly recamended by me.

..............kids are guaranteed to love Lyle and his adventures! They will also learn from this story how to overcome misfortune, difficult situations and about the perils of pre-judging others as they watch Lyle become a hero. Set in Manhattan, NY, Lyle is loved by his human family, but greatly feared by a neighbor and his timid cat. This ultimately lands him in trouble (and in the city zoo) despite his best efforts to make friends with the little cat. In the end though, Lyle proves his good nature by performing a heroic deed that wins over absolutely everyone, including the little cat. Kids will respond to Lyle's persistence, his goodness and his incredible bravery.This book is written on approximately a second grade reading level. Young readers will enjoy the language in this book, its climb to a climax and its victorious ending. Additionally, the illustrations are lovely in their simplicity. Kids will get a kick out of Lyle!

This story is one of my kids' favorites. I'll admit, the first time I picked it up, I was a bit suspicious at the book's heft (48 pages for a tired parent at bedtime when it's the third book to read...well, you'll probably understand). However, once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. The kids roared with laughter at the text, and the illustrations were things of beauty in and of themselves (you are able to read Lyle's palette of emotions with each new picture).Lyle is the well-loved crocodile on 88th Street, but Mr. Gumps and Loretta, the cat, do NOT cotton to him at all. In fact, without even trying, Lyle sends Loretta into fits. On one tragic day, Lyle goes shopping downtown in Mr. Gumps' store, and causes a ruckus (by singing and dancing with his former owner, who happens to work at the store as well); the shoppers are happily sidtracted from the pajama sale, and Mr. Gumps alerts the police. Lyle is quickly transported to the zoo, while his former owner is fired from his job at the store.Lyle is despondent over the fact that he is to be relegated to live with the other crocodiles; he tries to warm up to them, but they are so...well, crocodilic. He's soon set free by his former owner (who had then taken a job as a zoo custodian), and on his way back to 88th Street, sees that mean Mr. Gumps' apartment is on fire. Lyle rushes in, rescues Gumps and Loretta, and is proclaimed the hero of the day. Great book; pick it up and read it to your kids today!

This was one of my favorite books when I was young, and I was delighted to be able to get a copy for my 3 year old son. The story is quite funny, and made even more so by the chatty style in which it is told. The story introduces a variety of unusual and fun new vocabulary words to interest and challenge both small children and young readers. Its urban (Manhattan)setting is wonderfully described. The story is also a good springboard for discussing tolerance and how to cope with negativity in others. An excellent book for families to share and discuss.

This was one of my husband's favorite books as a kid. I only read it recently and it's a hoot! Just the idea of a cultured and polite crocodile wandering around New York is hilarious. My 2.5yo daughter also loved it and we read it often now. I also feel that beginning readers (Grade 2-3) could handle the slightly challenging vocabulary, and would appreciate the humour too!