Bernard Waber (1921-2013)

by Katie Bircher
May 22, 2013 | Filed in Articles & Opinion
We are saddened to learn of the death of author-illustrator Bernard Waber last week. Waber, the author of more than thirty children's books, is best known for his books featuring urban crocodile Lyle (The House on East 88th Street; Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile; Lovable Lyle; and more) and those about every-child Ira (Ira Sleeps Over, Ira Says Goodbye). His beloved crocodile also starred in a 1987 HBO animated musical and in various theatrical productions, and his book A Firefly Named Torchy was a 1971 Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book.

For archival Horn Book Magazine reviews of selected titles by Bernard Waber, click here.

Katie Bircher

Formerly an editor and staff reviewer for The Horn Book’s publications, Katie Bircher is currently associate agent at Sara Crowe Literary. Katie holds an MA in children’s literature from Simmons University and has over seven years of experience as an indie bookseller specializing in children’s and YA literature.

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Robin L. Gordon

In homage to Bernard Waber, I've written a book entitled, "Mackenzie and Blankie" about a little girl who wants to take her puppy and blankie with her to kindergarten. Sound familiar? Check it out on amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com or liftforkids.com. What a wonderful contribution this man made to children's literature!

Posted : Jun 03, 2013 06:14

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