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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

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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 StreetLyle, Lyle, CrocodileLyle and the Birthday Party
For everyday childhood worries: Ira Sleeps OverIra Says Goodbye
For stories about kindness and courage: CourageRich Cat, Poor CatYou Look Ridiculous, Said the Rhinoceros to the Hippopotamus
For playful animal read-alouds: Do You See a Mouse?The Mouse That SnoredBearsie Bear and the Surprise Sleepover Party

Bernard Waber sub-series and character series

Ira books in order

Explore this series
  1. Book cover for "Ira Sleeps Over"

    Ira Sleeps Over

    by Bernard Waber

    1972Ira, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Ira Says Goodbye"

    Ira Says Goodbye

    by Bernard Waber

    1988Ira, Book 2

Ira books in chronological order

  1. Book cover for "Ira Sleeps Over"

    Ira Sleeps Over

    by Bernard Waber

    1972Ira, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Ira Says Goodbye"

    Ira Says Goodbye

    by Bernard Waber

    1988Ira, Book 2

Lyle the Crocodile books in order

Explore this series
  1. Book cover for "The House on East 88th Street"

    The House on East 88th Street

    by Bernard Waber

    1962Lyle the Crocodile, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile"

    Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile

    by Bernard Waber

    1965Lyle the Crocodile, Book 2
  3. Book cover for "Lyle and the Birthday Party"

    Lyle and the Birthday Party

    by Bernard Waber

    1966Lyle the Crocodile, Book 3
  4. Book cover for "Lovable Lyle"

    Lovable Lyle

    by Bernard Waber

    1969Lyle the Crocodile, Book 4
  5. Book cover for "Lyle Finds His Mother"

    Lyle Finds His Mother

    by Bernard Waber

    1974Lyle the Crocodile, Book 5
  6. Book cover for "Funny, Funny Lyle"

    Funny, Funny Lyle

    by Bernard Waber

    1987Lyle the Crocodile, Book 6
  7. Book cover for "Lyle at the Office"

    Lyle at the Office

    by Bernard Waber

    1994Lyle the Crocodile, Book 7
  8. Book cover for "Lyle at Christmas"

    Lyle at Christmas

    by Bernard Waber

    1998Lyle the Crocodile, Book 8
  9. Book cover for "Lyle Walks the Dogs"

    Lyle Walks the Dogs

    by Bernard Waber

    2010Lyle the Crocodile, Book 9
  10. Book cover for "Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile Storybook Treasury"

    Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile Storybook Treasury

    by Bernard Waber

    2012Lyle the Crocodile, Book 10
  11. Book cover for "Lyle and Friends"

    Lyle and Friends

    by Bernard Waber

    2022Lyle the Crocodile, Book 12
  12. Book cover for "Meet Lyle"

    Meet Lyle

    by Bernard Waber

    2022Lyle the Crocodile, Book 11

Lyle the Crocodile books in chronological order

  1. Book cover for "The House on East 88th Street"

    The House on East 88th Street

    by Bernard Waber

    1962Lyle the Crocodile, Book 1
  2. Book cover for "Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile"

    Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile

    by Bernard Waber

    1965Lyle the Crocodile, Book 2
  3. Book cover for "Lyle and the Birthday Party"

    Lyle and the Birthday Party

    by Bernard Waber

    1966Lyle the Crocodile, Book 3
  4. Book cover for "Lovable Lyle"

    Lovable Lyle

    by Bernard Waber

    1969Lyle the Crocodile, Book 4
  5. Book cover for "Lyle Finds His Mother"

    Lyle Finds His Mother

    by Bernard Waber

    1974Lyle the Crocodile, Book 5
  6. Book cover for "Funny, Funny Lyle"

    Funny, Funny Lyle

    by Bernard Waber

    1987Lyle the Crocodile, Book 6
  7. Book cover for "Lyle at the Office"

    Lyle at the Office

    by Bernard Waber

    1994Lyle the Crocodile, Book 7
  8. Book cover for "Lyle at Christmas"

    Lyle at Christmas

    by Bernard Waber

    1998Lyle the Crocodile, Book 8
  9. Book cover for "Lyle Walks the Dogs"

    Lyle Walks the Dogs

    by Bernard Waber

    2010Lyle the Crocodile, Book 9
  10. Book cover for "Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile Storybook Treasury"

    Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile Storybook Treasury

    by Bernard Waber

    2012Lyle the Crocodile, Book 10
  11. Book cover for "Meet Lyle"

    Meet Lyle

    by Bernard Waber

    2022Lyle the Crocodile, Book 11
  12. Book cover for "Lyle and Friends"

    Lyle and Friends

    by Bernard Waber

    2022Lyle the Crocodile, Book 12

Standalone Bernard Waber books

  1. Book cover for "Rich Cat, Poor Cat"

    Rich Cat, Poor Cat

    by Bernard Waber

    1963
  2. Book cover for "Just Like Abraham Lincoln"

    Just Like Abraham Lincoln

    by Bernard Waber

    1964
  3. Book cover for "You Look Ridiculous, Said the Rhinoceros to the Hippopotamus"

    You Look Ridiculous, Said the Rhinoceros to the Hippopotamus

    by Bernard Waber

    1966
  4. Book cover for "An Anteater Named Arthur"

    An Anteater Named Arthur

    by Bernard Waber

    1967
  5. Book cover for "A Rose For Mr. Bloom"

    A Rose For Mr. Bloom

    by Bernard Waber

    1968
  6. Book cover for "A Firefly Named Torchy"

    A Firefly Named Torchy

    by Bernard Waber

    1970
  7. Book cover for "Nobody Is Perfick"

    Nobody Is Perfick

    by Bernard Waber

    1971
  8. Book cover for "I Was All Thumbs"

    I Was All Thumbs

    by Bernard Waber

    1975
  9. Book cover for "But Names Will Never Hurt Me"

    But Names Will Never Hurt Me

    by Bernard Waber

    1976
  10. Book cover for "Goodbye, Funny Dumpy-Lumpy"

    Goodbye, Funny Dumpy-Lumpy

    by Bernard Waber

    1977
  11. Book cover for "Mice on My Mind"

    Mice on My Mind

    by Bernard Waber

    1977
  12. Book cover for "The Snake: A Very Long Story"

    The Snake: A Very Long Story

    by Bernard Waber

    1978
  13. Book cover for "Dear Hildegarde"

    Dear Hildegarde

    by Bernard Waber

    1980
  14. Book cover for "You're a Little Kid with a Big Heart"

    You're a Little Kid with a Big Heart

    by Bernard Waber

    1980
  15. Book cover for "Do You See a Mouse?"

    Do You See a Mouse?

    by Bernard Waber

    1995
  16. Book cover for "Gina"

    Gina

    by Bernard Waber

    1995
  17. Book cover for "A Lion Named Shirley Williamson"

    A Lion Named Shirley Williamson

    by Bernard Waber

    1996
  18. Book cover for "Bearsie Bear and the Surprise Sleepover Party"

    Bearsie Bear and the Surprise Sleepover Party

    by Bernard Waber

    1997
  19. Book cover for "The Mouse That Snored"

    The Mouse That Snored

    by Bernard Waber

    2000
  20. Book cover for "Fast Food! Gulp! Gulp!"

    Fast Food! Gulp! Gulp!

    by Bernard Waber

    2001
  21. Book cover for "Courage"

    Courage

    by Bernard Waber

    2002
  22. Book cover for "Evie and Margie"

    Evie and Margie

    by Bernard Waber

    2003
  23. Book cover for "Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile & Friends"

    Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile & Friends

    by Bernard Waber

    2014
  24. Book cover for "Ask Me"

    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.

Edited by

Richard Reis

Software engineer whose passion for tracking book recommendations from podcasts inspired the creation of MRB.

Anurag Ramdasan

Lead investor at 3one4 Capital whose startup expertise and love for books helped shaped MRB and its growth.

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