The House on East 88th Street

Originally published in 1962, The House on East 88th Street is the first Lyle the Crocodile book by Bernard Waber. The House on East 88th Street opens with the Primm family moving into their new home, decorating and unpacking. Mrs. Primm opens the bathroom door to find a crocodile soaking in the tub! Just as Mr. and Mrs. Primm are in the midst of panic, young Joshua Primm finds a man by the name of Signor Valenti at the front door with a note, explaining that he is leaving Lyle with the family and will be back later. In the meantime, Lyle has emerged from the bathroom and is ready to perform some of his trademark acrobatics to impress the Primms. Lyle settles in with the Primms and becomes part of the family. They take him everywhere they go, and he integrates well into society. When his tricks begin to attract the public's attention, Signor Valenti returns to retreive his stage partner and collect the profits for himself. Will the Primms ever see Lyle again? Being the introduction to Lyle the Crocodile, The House on East 88th Street is a bit rough and unpolished. The illustrations aren't as colorful and smooth as those in later releases, and the storyline lacks the moral undertone of Lovable Lyle. However, it provides some important background on how Lyle came to live with the Primms. It's still a fun story and my children didn't enjoy it any less than Lovable Lyle. In this case, I would even suggest readers to might want to begin with a newer Lyle book and read The House on East 88th Street afterward. Regardless, Lyle the Crocodile is a classic character that continues to entertain children decades after his initial publication.

What would you do if you found that your new house came with an unexpected tenant - a caviar-eating crocodile named Lyle? This story tells the tale of an unlikely friendship with humor and sensitivity. A wonderful book to share with even the youngest of children.

I first read Bernard Waber's The House on East 88th Street as a child and was capitivated by Lyle the Crocodile. How I loved this story about a bright green crocodile living in a bathtub in a New York City brownstone.Though frightened at first, the Primm family is won over by their housemate. Lyle is amazing, he takes out the trash, brings in the milk, (this book was first published in 1962!)helps around the house, and loves a nice, hot bath complete with Turkish caviar! (We could all use a Lyle) The story of Lyle does not end here; Waber went on to write seven more titles about this lovable creature. Out of all the Lyle books, this is his best-known. This charming children's classic is suitable for small children between the ages of four and eight.

The story of Lyle the crocodile who is discovered in the bathtub when Joshua and his family move into their new home. My mother first read this book to me when I was four years old. I am now 35! It is a truly wonderful childrens book. One of those that lingers in your memory as a world you inhabited as a child. Myself and my sisters adored the Lyle books and we are now buying them for our families. Endearing, amusing, full of the joys and sadnesses of life. Lyle is a childs world through a crocodiles eyes. Try them all. You and your children (of all ages) will love them!.

I had a copy of this book when I was a child, and it was one of my favorites. It is a delight in every way, from its whimsical illustrations to its gently humorous treatment of a family who just happen to find a crocodile in the bathtub of their new home. I highly recommend this book to any parent with children, or any adults who wish they had children.