Bernard Waber Books in Order
Browse Bernard Waber books in order, with short summaries, Lyle and Ira reading paths, series background, and simple suggestions for where to start.
Last updated: July 14, 2026
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Bernard Waber books in publication order
38 books
The House on East 88th Street
by Bernard Waber
1962
When the Primm family moves into an old brownstone on East 88th Street, they discover Lyle the crocodile living in the bathtub. His helpful, gentle ways soon make him part of the family.
Rich Cat, Poor Cat
by Bernard Waber
1963
Scat is a stray cat struggling to find food, shelter, and affection. His difficult life is contrasted with the comfort of house cats, inviting young readers to notice need and respond with empathy.
Just Like Abraham Lincoln
by Bernard Waber
1964
A young boy has a next-door neighbor who looks remarkably like Abraham Lincoln and shares many of the president's habits. Their connection offers children an easy, story-driven introduction to Lincoln's life.
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile
by Bernard Waber
1965
A cranky neighbor has gentle Lyle sent to the zoo, certain a crocodile has no place on East 88th Street. When danger strikes, Lyle gets the chance to prove how much he belongs.
Lyle and the Birthday Party
by Bernard Waber
1966
When Joshua's birthday party approaches, Lyle seems strangely sick and turns an even deeper shade of green. The Primms eventually discover that their crocodile is not ill at all, he is jealous.
You Look Ridiculous, Said the Rhinoceros to the Hippopotamus
by Bernard Waber
1966
A hippopotamus hears criticism from other animals about everything from her ears to her spots. As the comments pile up, she learns that she does not need to look like anyone else to be happy.
An Anteater Named Arthur
by Bernard Waber
1967
Arthur can be stubborn, messy, and frustrating from his mother's point of view, but he is also impossible not to love. This affectionate story sees family life through the eyes of an exasperated parent.
A Rose For Mr. Bloom
by Bernard Waber
1968
An ordinary summer changes when a rose begins growing from Mr. Bloom's left ear. The surprising flower pulls him out of his routine and makes him the center of unexpected attention.
Lovable Lyle
by Bernard Waber
1969
Lyle is shocked to learn that someone considers him an enemy. Determined to fix the problem, he tries to become even more lovable, while the Primms help uncover what is really behind the hostility.
A Firefly Named Torchy
by Bernard Waber
1970
Torchy's light shines so brightly that it wakes birds, startles worms, and disrupts the nighttime forest. Feeling unwanted, he heads out alone and discovers that the world holds many different kinds of light.
Nobody Is Perfick
by Bernard Waber
1971
A comic-book-style collection of short stories finds children dealing with everyday mix-ups at home, school, and play. Each episode makes room for mistakes, awkward moments, and the fact that nobody is perfect.
Ira Sleeps Over
by Bernard Waber
1972
Ira is thrilled about his first sleepover at Reggie's house until he wonders whether taking his teddy bear will make him seem like a baby. He must decide what matters more, fitting in or feeling safe.
Lyle Finds His Mother
by Bernard Waber
1974
At the urging of Hector P. Valenti, Lyle leaves the Primms' home on East 88th Street to search for his mother. The trip takes the homesick crocodile into a new chapter of his family story.
I Was All Thumbs
by Bernard Waber
1975
An octopus who has lived only in a quiet laboratory is suddenly introduced to the dangers and pleasures of ocean life. His new freedom is exciting, confusing, and much harder to navigate than expected.
But Names Will Never Hurt Me
by Bernard Waber
1976
Alison Wonderland has a name that brings plenty of unwanted attention. As she learns how to live with it, the story turns an awkward problem into a funny, reassuring look at identity and self-acceptance.
Goodbye, Funny Dumpy-Lumpy
by Bernard Waber
1977
Five short family episodes show parents and three children working through familiar household troubles. With humor and sympathy, the stories capture the small disagreements, frustrations, and repairs of daily life.
Mice on My Mind
by Bernard Waber
1977
A cat becomes so obsessed with mice that the idea follows him everywhere, even when he tries to get help. This offbeat animal comedy turns one creature's fixation into a funny, escalating problem.
The Snake: A Very Long Story
by Bernard Waber
1978
A snake sets off on an extremely long journey, moving steadily toward an ending he cannot predict. The simple premise builds toward a surprise that gives this winding adventure its comic payoff.
Dear Hildegarde
by Bernard Waber
1980
Hildegarde, a wise old owl, receives letters from animals who need help with their problems. Her thoughtful replies offer a playful, comforting look at worries, questions, and everyday advice.
You're a Little Kid with a Big Heart
by Bernard Waber
1980
Octavia wishes she could be a grown-up, and her wish unexpectedly comes true. Adult life is not what she imagined, and she soon begins to see the good things about being a little girl.
Funny, Funny Lyle
by Bernard Waber
1987
Lyle faces two big adjustments at once: his mother is learning about city life, and the Primms are expecting a baby. The friendly crocodile does his best to help everyone settle into the changes.
Ira Says Goodbye
by Bernard Waber
1988
Ira is upset when his best friend Reggie announces that he is moving away. As Reggie talks excitedly about his new home, Ira has to untangle his hurt feelings and face their coming goodbye.
Lyle at the Office
by Bernard Waber
1994
Lyle visits Mr. Primm's advertising office, where he makes friends and accidentally creates trouble for Mr. Primm's job. A rescue at a local haunted house gives the crocodile a chance to set things right.
Do You See a Mouse?
by Bernard Waber
1995
A mischievous mouse races through the fancy Park Snoot Hotel while the staff insists there is nothing to see. Readers get to spot the small troublemaker hiding in plain sight on every page.
Gina
by Bernard Waber
1995
After moving into an apartment building full of boys her age, Gina feels lonely and left out. When she gets a chance to show what she can do, she finds friends and makes the new place feel like home.
A Lion Named Shirley Williamson
by Bernard Waber
1996
A new lioness at the zoo receives an unusual name and special attention from the zookeeper. The other lions grow jealous, and Shirley must navigate a place where being different makes her stand out.
Bearsie Bear and the Surprise Sleepover Party
by Bernard Waber
1997
Bearsie Bear is ready for bed when one cold friend after another asks to sleep over. His warm bed becomes very crowded, and a porcupine's arrival creates a particularly prickly problem.
Lyle at Christmas
by Bernard Waber
1998
Lyle loves Christmas on East 88th Street, but Mr. Grumps cannot shake his holiday gloom. When Loretta the cat disappears, Lyle and the neighborhood join the search and try to restore some cheer.
The Mouse That Snored
by Bernard Waber
2000
A homeless mouse finds shelter in a very quiet family's house, but his thunderous snoring soon gives him away. The household must decide what to do with its tiny, noisy new guest.
Fast Food! Gulp! Gulp!
by Bernard Waber
2001
A tour of Fast Food Town introduces a busy crew that makes, serves, and devours meals at top speed. The playful, food-filled story is built for reading aloud, with plenty of chomping, crunching, and commotion.
Courage
by Bernard Waber
2002
Through simple scenes of children and animals facing fears, this picture book explores the many forms courage can take. It shows that bravery can mean trying, helping, waiting, or carrying on when things feel hard.
Evie and Margie
by Bernard Waber
2003
Best friends Evie and Margie both want the starring role in their class production of Cinderella. When only Margie gets the part, the two young hippos must balance disappointment, jealousy, and loyalty.
Lyle Walks the Dogs
by Bernard Waber
2010
Lyle takes on a dog-walking job, adding one energetic dog to his group each day. This counting story follows the patient crocodile through a lively city outing that grows more chaotic with every new leash.
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile Storybook Treasury
by Bernard Waber
2012
This anniversary collection gathers four complete Lyle stories, including his first meeting with the Primms and a dog-walking adventure. It is a generous introduction to the friendly crocodile's life on East 88th Street.
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile & Friends
by Bernard Waber
2014
This illustrated companion celebrates Bernard Waber's picture-book work, with Lyle the Crocodile at its center. It brings together art and background material on Lyle and the other animal characters from Waber's books.
Ask Me
by Bernard Waber
2015
A father and daughter walk through their neighborhood, talking about the small things they notice and love. Their easy back-and-forth turns an ordinary outing into a warm celebration of curiosity and connection.
Lyle and Friends
by Bernard Waber
2022
This beginner-friendly Lyle story introduces the cheerful crocodile, the Primm family, and the neighbors around East 88th Street. Simple language and a familiar cast make it a gentle first reading adventure.
Meet Lyle
by Bernard Waber
2022
In this easy reader based on the film, the Primm family moves to East 88th Street and meets Lyle, a friendly crocodile living in their attic. Short sentences introduce Lyle, his family, and his new neighborhood.
Where to start with Bernard Waber
For a first Lyle adventure: The House on East 88th Street → Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile → Lyle and the Birthday Party
For everyday childhood worries: Ira Sleeps Over → Ira Says Goodbye
For stories about kindness and courage: Courage → Rich Cat, Poor Cat → You Look Ridiculous, Said the Rhinoceros to the Hippopotamus
For playful animal read-alouds: Do You See a Mouse? → The Mouse That Snored → Bearsie Bear and the Surprise Sleepover Party
Bernard Waber sub-series and character series
Ira books in order
Explore this seriesLyle the Crocodile books in order
Explore this series
The House on East 88th Street
by Bernard Waber
1962Lyle the Crocodile, Book 1
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile
by Bernard Waber
1965Lyle the Crocodile, Book 2
Lyle and the Birthday Party
by Bernard Waber
1966Lyle the Crocodile, Book 3
Lovable Lyle
by Bernard Waber
1969Lyle the Crocodile, Book 4
Lyle Finds His Mother
by Bernard Waber
1974Lyle the Crocodile, Book 5
Funny, Funny Lyle
by Bernard Waber
1987Lyle the Crocodile, Book 6
Lyle at the Office
by Bernard Waber
1994Lyle the Crocodile, Book 7
Lyle at Christmas
by Bernard Waber
1998Lyle the Crocodile, Book 8
Lyle Walks the Dogs
by Bernard Waber
2010Lyle the Crocodile, Book 9
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile Storybook Treasury
by Bernard Waber
2012Lyle the Crocodile, Book 10
Lyle and Friends
by Bernard Waber
2022Lyle the Crocodile, Book 12
Meet Lyle
by Bernard Waber
2022Lyle the Crocodile, Book 11
Lyle the Crocodile books in chronological order

The House on East 88th Street
by Bernard Waber
1962Lyle the Crocodile, Book 1
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile
by Bernard Waber
1965Lyle the Crocodile, Book 2
Lyle and the Birthday Party
by Bernard Waber
1966Lyle the Crocodile, Book 3
Lovable Lyle
by Bernard Waber
1969Lyle the Crocodile, Book 4
Lyle Finds His Mother
by Bernard Waber
1974Lyle the Crocodile, Book 5
Funny, Funny Lyle
by Bernard Waber
1987Lyle the Crocodile, Book 6
Lyle at the Office
by Bernard Waber
1994Lyle the Crocodile, Book 7
Lyle at Christmas
by Bernard Waber
1998Lyle the Crocodile, Book 8
Lyle Walks the Dogs
by Bernard Waber
2010Lyle the Crocodile, Book 9
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile Storybook Treasury
by Bernard Waber
2012Lyle the Crocodile, Book 10
Meet Lyle
by Bernard Waber
2022Lyle the Crocodile, Book 11
Lyle and Friends
by Bernard Waber
2022Lyle the Crocodile, Book 12
Standalone Bernard Waber books

Rich Cat, Poor Cat
by Bernard Waber
1963
Just Like Abraham Lincoln
by Bernard Waber
1964
You Look Ridiculous, Said the Rhinoceros to the Hippopotamus
by Bernard Waber
1966
An Anteater Named Arthur
by Bernard Waber
1967
A Rose For Mr. Bloom
by Bernard Waber
1968
A Firefly Named Torchy
by Bernard Waber
1970
Nobody Is Perfick
by Bernard Waber
1971
I Was All Thumbs
by Bernard Waber
1975
But Names Will Never Hurt Me
by Bernard Waber
1976
Goodbye, Funny Dumpy-Lumpy
by Bernard Waber
1977
Mice on My Mind
by Bernard Waber
1977
The Snake: A Very Long Story
by Bernard Waber
1978
Dear Hildegarde
by Bernard Waber
1980
You're a Little Kid with a Big Heart
by Bernard Waber
1980
Do You See a Mouse?
by Bernard Waber
1995
Gina
by Bernard Waber
1995
A Lion Named Shirley Williamson
by Bernard Waber
1996
Bearsie Bear and the Surprise Sleepover Party
by Bernard Waber
1997
The Mouse That Snored
by Bernard Waber
2000
Fast Food! Gulp! Gulp!
by Bernard Waber
2001
Courage
by Bernard Waber
2002
Evie and Margie
by Bernard Waber
2003
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile & Friends
by Bernard Waber
2014
Ask Me
by Bernard Waber
2015
Author bio
Bernard Waber grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during the Depression. Born on September 27, 1921, he was drawn to both drawing and reading early on, interests that later met on the pages of his picture books.
His route into children's publishing wasn't direct. Waber began studying finance at the University of Pennsylvania, left to serve in the U.S. Army during World War II, then used the GI Bill to study art at the Philadelphia College of Art. He earned his degree in 1951.
After marrying Ethel Bernstein in 1952, Waber moved to New York City. He worked in commercial art, including jobs at Condé Nast and Time Inc., while he and Ethel raised their three children, Paulis, Louisa, and Gary. He had a day job, but the creative work kept going after hours.
Reading aloud at home gave him a push. Waber saw how much possibility there was in children's books, and began making his own on nights and weekends. Before long, his spare-time projects became a career that lasted for decades.
He first entered the field by illustrating Eleanor Estes's My Egg, Your Egg! in 1954. His own books soon followed, often mixing small everyday problems with animals who have very recognizable feelings. A child who is nervous about a sleepover, a cat who needs a home, or an octopus facing a new world could all carry the same emotional weight as a real kid's problem.
Then came Lyle.
Waber introduced his best-known character in The House on East 88th Street, where the Primm family finds a crocodile in their bathtub after moving into a New York brownstone. Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile followed, and Lyle's gentle, practical way of handling city life, cranky neighbors, family changes, and the occasional emergency made him a natural favorite for read-aloud time. The books later inspired stage and screen adaptations.
He also wrote quieter stories that meet children right where they are. Ira Sleeps Over follows a boy worrying about bringing his teddy bear to a friend's house. Ira Says Goodbye deals with the confusion of a best friend moving away. In Courage, Waber looks at bravery through familiar moments, from trying something new to facing a hard day.
His animals could be silly, but they were never just there for decoration. Books such as An Anteater Named Arthur, A Firefly Named Torchy, Do You See a Mouse?, and Evie and Margie make room for jealousy, awkwardness, curiosity, friendship, and second chances. His loose ink lines and watercolor washes kept the mood light, even when a character had a lot to work out.
Waber retired from his design work but continued visiting schools, libraries, and bookstores, where he enjoyed talking with young readers. He died in New York City on May 16, 2013, at age 91.
His stories are built from the stuff children know well. A new friend. A noisy house. A worry that feels enormous until someone listens.
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