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Bernard Waber
Born (1921-09-27)September 27, 1921
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died May 16, 2013(2013-05-16) (aged 91)
Baldwin, New York, U.S.
Occupation Illustrator, writer
Nationality American
Alma mater Philadelphia College of Art, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
Period 1954-2010
Genre Children's fiction, picture books
Notable works The Lyle series
Spouse Ethel Bernstein (d. 2006)
Children Paulis, Louisa and Gary Waber

Bernard Waber (born September 27, 1921 – died May 16, 2013) was a famous American author and illustrator. He wrote many popular children's books. He is best known for his stories about a friendly crocodile named Lyle. These include The House on East 88th Street (1962) and Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (1965).

Bernard Waber's Early Life

Bernard Waber was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His parents were Henry and Pauline Waber. He first started studying finance at the University of Pennsylvania.

Joining the Military

When World War II began, Bernard left college. He joined the United States Army. He served as a staff sergeant from 1942 to 1945. After the war ended, he went back to school. He studied at the Philadelphia College of Art. He earned his degree in 1951.

Starting a Family

After graduating, Bernard Waber began his career as a commercial artist. Soon, he started illustrating and writing books for children. At age 28, he married Ethel Bernstein. They moved to New York City and had three children. While his children were young, Waber worked in the art department at Condé Nast Publications. He would write his children's books at night and on weekends.

Bernard Waber's Books

Bernard Waber wrote many children's books. Many of his stories were about animals. Some of his books include Do You See a Mouse?, Evie and Margie, An Anteater Named Arthur, and A Lion Named Shirley Williamson.

The Lyle the Crocodile Series

Waber's most famous books are the Lyle series. These stories began in 1962. Lyle is a friendly crocodile who lives in a bathtub in a city house. Lyle's kind and joyful personality makes everyone he meets happy.

Courage and Other Works

In 1954, Waber's first illustrated book was published. It was called My Egg, Your Egg! by Eleanor Estes. After the September 11, 2001 events, Waber wrote a special book called Courage. This book teaches children about bravery through different characters.

Bernard Waber passed away on May 16, 2013. He was 91 years old. His publishing company, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, shared that his 33 books had sold over 1.75 million copies. His stories continue to bring joy to young readers.

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