Lyle at the Office

Lyle the Crocodile #7

by Bernard Waber

When Lyle the Crocodile visits Mr. Primm's advertising office, he has tons of fun and makes lots of friends. He also gets Mr. Primm fired. However, Lyle manages to save Mr. Primm's career when he rescues the boss, Mr. Bigg, from the local haunted house.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Fiction, Juvenile, 1st Grade

48 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Bernard Waber was the youngest in a creative family. At age 8, he ushered in a movie theater after school, so he often saw only the last ten minutes of a movie. He made a game of inventing beginnings and middles. When he returned from a tour of duty in World War II, he entered the Philadelphia College of Art. With a diploma and a new wife, he traveled to New York City, where he began working for the Condé Nast magazines as an illustrator. Reading books to his three children inspired him to apply his pen and ink and watercolor style to his own picture books. His first book, Lorenzo, was built in 1961. Today, his characters are some of the most beloved in the library. He and his wife, Ethel, live on Long Island.

Reviews

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lyle meets "Mad Men" as he joins Mr. Primm at his advertising office. Luckily Mr. Primm is not as morally bankrupt as Don Draper and refuses to let his boss exploit Lyle's natural toothy charisma to sell his sugary cereals. Mr. Primm is rewarded for his decency by being fired of course (corporate jerks!), but that's cool b/c Lyle picks up some plant sitting work to help the family through the rough times. In the mother of all plot swerves, there is a haunted house situation that brings everyone back together -- because, they always do, right? Anyhoo, I'm subtracting a star because, as my two year old noted, where is Hector P. Valenti in this story?? Still, we enjoyed it.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fun story about Lyle!

Ages: 4 - 8

Cleanliness: part of the story takes place on Halloween so shows trick-or-treating, costumes and everyone thinks a house is haunted by ghosts.

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[Tina Fazenbaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is all about a crocodile named Lyle. He is very happy, and for that reason everyone wants him to work with them. But Lyle really does not want to do that, so he refuses. Most of the book is just Lyle refusing. In the end, they all come to their senses and realize that they should not keep pushing and so they stop.

I have mixed emotions about this book. Overall, I think it was really good. It was also busy. There was a lot going on in a short period of time that made it a little confusing. But, the message was great.

I would use this book to teach children about self-care. Many people struggle with saying no, but it is not in their best interest. Lyle knows that and he says no when he knows something will not be good for him. I would want my students to understand that they are not obligated to always say yes. Sometimes refusing is another way of saying that you need self-care time.

[Min · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the Seventh book in the Lyle crocodile series.
There are updates on a growing Miranda, the progress of Nurse Felicity at the hospital, and now for Lyle to go with Mr. Primm to the office to experience a new day. Lyle, as always, is helpful. A rather modern office with childcare, and a cafeteria. Mr. Primm is in advertising. Mr Bigg, his boss falls in love with Lyle and wants to use him in a campaign. Mr. Primm says absolutely not, and is immediately fired.
The family members take odd jobs. Josh dog walks. Lyle plant sits. Felicity works extra hours at the hospital. Mrs. Primm worked late nights in the home office. Mr. Pimm looked for a job. Later Mr. Bigg moved into a house nearby that needed much renovating. He apologized for his behavior, and asked for Mr. Primm to return to work, as well as Lyle, so he could visit the children at the daycare.

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book, Lyle's family, the Primms, try to keep Lyle safe and out of the spotlight, but Mr. Primm's boss, Mr. Bigg, wants to put him in the spotlight. Mr. Primm is fired when he refuses. The story moves rather quickly and shows how the Primms, Lyle, and his mother, Felicity, make ends meet. Mr. Bigg moves into a house nearby and the family rescues him one Halloween evening when they hear his cries for help while renovating his new home. Later, he gives Mr. Primm his job back and apologises for firing him.

[Avery Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Modern Fantasy
Grades: PreK-3
I thought that this book has a great message that is not only good for children to learn, but adults as well! Looking out for and helping those that maybe have given us a feeling of rejection is an important theme to understand that will ultimately teach loyalty. I also really love how the illustrations look a lot like watercolor paintings.

[Teresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a bit boring for me and my 4 year old. I liked the pictures and artwork but the story seemed very wordy to me. So much so I struggled to finish reading it. I know the only reason my child wanted me to finish it was to resist going to bed. :(

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lyle spends the day at the office with M. Primm, but a misunderstanding occurs, and Mr. Primm is terminated from his position. Later, while out trick or treating, Lyle and the Primm's come to the rescue of Mr.Primm's old boss, and all is forgiven.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ever fun Lyle visits Mr. Primm's office and has a lot of fun, and makes everyone happy.

[Coriander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute and delightful story. I love Lyle!

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a hoot! Not quite as good as some of the other Lyle books, but still highly entertaining. The drawings especially made me smile.

[K Morlando · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lyle is a very important crocodile, everyone wants him. My students loved this book!

[Jenna Hanoian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought the illustrations were very fun and definitely helped the story line. Lyle was a super cute character, great series! Especially the unpredictable ness makes it engaging.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m starting to see a pattern in this book series (someone dislikes Lyle, but he saves their life and happily ever after), but it works because this series is cute.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story.

[Dale Zweibohmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book for kids

[Dianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a big part of children's books is the child you read it to, and the match to his interests. My son loves this book because his current obsession is Daddy and work and the office.

That aside, it was definitely creative. Lyle is such a lovable character. I especially like the part that says that Lyle is a private crocodile. I'm not sure how much some kids will understand, but I think it's cute.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another amusing tale of Lyle the crocodile...this time he goes with his 'dad' to the office, where he eats a bowl of cereal that the ad agency is representing...and everyone there loves Lyle so much that they want his photo on the box of cereal! A series of innocent misadventures ensues, but (as is typical) all comes right in the end. Cute.

[Heidi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a book my oldest child picked out from the school library. We read it for one of our bedtime stories, and he had a hard time staying focused. He wanted to hear the rest of the story, but didn't really want to help read and a lot of the words did not really capture his interest. This is the first Lyle book we have read, but I recognized the character.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've just noticed the similarity between Bernard Waber's illustration style and William Steig's. Interesting. Waber is perhaps a fan (as I am).

I don't think Waber's illos are at their very best in this particular book, but you can't hit hole-in-ones all the time. It's a sweet story and very well written for the age group. You can tell he's had some practice...

[Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was not very impressed by this book. The book is basically what the title says. A crocodile named Lyle goes to the office. There was not much that went into the storyline and I did not find this book very engaging. Perhaps this book would be better to have available to kids to read to themselves during reading time in the classroom rather than be a class read aloud.

[Voracious_reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this story, but there's something off about the way it's told. My daughter is three. She loves to read and she had trouble engaging with it. Frankly, it didn't entirely hold my interest either.

[Cana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mommy says: Both kids love the Lyle books. Who wouldn't? Lyle is a great guy! Er. Crocodile.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

51 months - ok story seemed to meander a lot around the story line leaving me questioning why certain things were included as they seemed odd or irrelevant.

[Jody Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the whole book by myself. It is good.

[Hillvan]

590L

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brings back memories. I read every Lyle book as a good - still is good for a smile :)

[Illey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a wonderful book. I love that Lyle is considered a "very private crocodile." You'd never think you'll say anything like that!

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

1997 We learn about sticking to our guns.

1998 Alissa loves sharpening pencils.

[Hill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Strange story, it was just OK.