Customer Reviews

The House on East 88th Street

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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.

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.

These are some of the best children's books ever. The pictures are sweet and Lyle is an absolutely great character.

The publication date says 1973 but it was written during the 1940s or 50's I would say. Not too many homes still had hand-me down Victorian furniture in 1973! ha! I received this book myself when I was in early elementary school (1964-1965) and loved it. I will now go on the search around the house for it to pass onto my granddaughter. Lyle will bring a smile to anyone's face and kids will love the idea of having a pet crocodile in the bathtub!

I loved this book as a child & was really happy to be able to share it with my boys :) Love buying books on Amazon!!

It is empty now, but it won't be for long.... So begins this wonderful book which is a wonderful introduction to the Lyle, Lyle Crocodile Universe. In this book, Mr. and Mrs. Primm and their son, Joshua move into a new apartment on E. 88th Street in NYC. While they are unloading their belongings, they hear sounds that go SWISH! SWASH! SPLASH! SWOOSH! They wonder what it is, and when Mrs. Primm goes to the bathroom to wash her hands before lunch. She spots a crocodile in the tub! She points it out to her husband. They go to call 911 just to find out that the line isn't connected yet. Fortunately a young actor delivers them a note telling them that the crocodile is friendly, but that the only food he'll eat is Turkish Caviar. Whatever will they do with him? Find out now for yourself.

ISBN 0590758284 - At first glance, The House reminded me of The Christmas Crocodile. I'd reviewed that one as very original, but this one is much older, making that one somewhat less original (follow that?).

The Primms have moved into their new house, thrilled when the moving truck is finally empty. Before getting lunch, Mrs Primm decides to wash her hands and, along the way, she hears strange noises. Investigating, she makes a surprising discovery in the bathroom - a crocodile named Lyle. A note arrives that explains his presence and the family quickly gets over their fear, falling in love with the talented animal. After Lyle becomes famous, the former owner who had deserted him in the once empty house returns to reclaim him. He has plans to use Lyle in his performances around the world, but the crocodile misses his family and, eventually, is brought back to the place he calls home.

Author Bernard Waber tells a fun, silly story that young readers will enjoy. Waber may be the illustrator, as well, since no other is named on the book. Either way, the illustrations aren't great; they look very much like the drawings / watercolors that young children would create. That said, they're not terrible, they're just not the slick, glossy images of 2009... probably because they're circa 1962. Well worth picking up, and a nice introduction to Lyle and a lead-in to Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (Lyle the Crocodile), Lovable Lyle (Lyle the Crocodile) and more.

- AnnaLovesBooks