Bernard Waber Books In Order

Publication Order of Ira Books

Publication Order of Lyle the Crocodile Books

Publication Order of Children's Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

About Bernard Waber

American children’s author Bernard Waber was extremely well regarded for his unique and engaging stories written for younger readers. Giving children an interest in reading, his stories were bright, colorful, and fun, with an imaginative approach to the medium. Grabbing the reader’s attention from the outset, he would instantly deliver entertaining stories in a direct and compelling manner. Setting himself apart from other children’s authors, he would create something unique that was entirely his own.

Making the medium his own, too, his writing stands out as some of the best of its genre, really setting the benchmark for years to come. It was also his illustrations that would clearly stand out, making the stories entirely idiosyncratic to him and him alone. Publishing approximately thirty-three books in total during his career, he’d become one of the most prominent names in children’s literature. The stories themselves would be entertaining, with many of them becoming fixtures of households around the world.

Inventing creative characters that really made an impact, too, his stories and their protagonists would live on long after the books had been put down. Teaching children to read in many regards, his books have been passed down from parents to their children through the generations. Some of his work would also go on to be adapted for television too, with one becoming an HBO movie and the other a national play. Leaving behind a legacy that’s still regarded to this very day, his work will continue to live on for a long time yet.

Early and Personal Life

Born in 1921 on the 27th of September, Bernard Waber was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Pauline and Henry Waber. Growing up with a strong passion for reading and writing, he would also show a strong interest in art and illustration. He would later go on to begin a degree in finance by attending the University of Pennsylvania before leaving to serve in the Second World War.

Serving as a staff sergeant between 1941 and 1945, he would later return to study at the Philadelphia College of Art, gaining his degree in 1951. Following his graduation, he would work as a commercial artist for Conde Nast Publications, marrying his wife Ethel Bernstein when he was twenty-eight. Moving to New York City, they would live together, having three children, and he would enjoy a long and illustrious career before passing away in 2013 on the 16th of May.

Writing Career

Starting out, Bernard Waber would create his children’s books during his spare time while working at Conde Nast. This would soon see him become a full-time children’s author, as he would be largely known for writing his highly popular ‘Lyle the Crocodile’ series. Following the story of the Primm family, they would live with a crocodile named Lyle and have many adventures together.

Illustrating all of his books, too, Bernard Waber would fast become one of the leading figures in the field of children’s literature. The first illustrated children’s book he would write was published in 1954, and it was titled ‘My Egg, Your Egg!,’ released through G.P. Putnam’s Sons. Since then, he’s become regarded as one of the key figures in his field, as his work is continually discovered by new generations of readers still.

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile

Originally coming out in 1965 on the 1st of July, this would be the second in the ‘Lyle the Crocodile’ series of children’s books. Featuring bright illustrations also from Waber, it follows on from the previous book, ‘The House on East 88th Street,’ which was released in 1962. There would be nine books in total in the series, along with a compendium and an animated HBO musical adaptation in 1987.

A firm fixture and favorite in his neighborhood, Lyle the crocodile is beloved by everyone he meets, everyone that is except his cranky neighbor and his cat. Living in New York City on East 88th Street, he lives with the Primm family, helping them with chores managing the day-to-day. That’s when Mr. Grumps and his cat insist that Lyle belongs in a zoo, and Lyle must do all he can to win them over and prove them wrong. Will he be able to charm them both, can he prove himself, and what will finally become of Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile?

It’s a fun and colorful book, and it’s easy to see why this title has become so popular and beloved by many over the years. With its iconic character, it really has a powerful impact on its younger readers, giving them a keen interest in reading from the outset. Charmingly illustrated, everything about it works, ensuring that it will continue to be a classic for years to come.

Ira Sleeps Over

First brought out back in 1972, this would be the first picture book in the ‘Ira’ series, with a follow-up later on. Illustrating it himself, Bernard Waber makes the most of the medium, telling the story of a young child and their first sleepover. It would later be followed up with ‘Ira Says Goodbye’ in 1988, and then a collection of both the books published in 2003.

Thrilled at the prospect of sleeping over at his friend’s house for the very first time, Ira is heading off to his best-friend Reggie’s house for the night. That’s when Ira’s sister questions whether or not he needs to bring his teddy bear with him, asking whether or not Reggie will laugh at him. Wondering whether he can possibly sleep without it, Ira wonders if he can take it with him or not, or if he should leave it behind. Will he take the teddy bear with him, how will the sleepover go, and just what happens when Ira sleeps over?

A fun and engaging picture book for early readers, this is a simple story that would perfectly encapsulate the perspective of its young audience. The illustrations are clear and simple, along with the words and story itself, making it easy to follow keeping its audience interested. Its characters are also well established, really bringing the book to life in what is an excellent example of what picture books can really do.