Photo credit: The Associated Press - This undated image released by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt shows children's author Bernard Waber in New York. Publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt said in a statement Monday, May 20, 2013, that Waber died May 16 at his Long Island home after a long illness. He was 91. Waber debuted as an author in 1962 with "The House on East 88th Street." The book introduced readers to the lovable Lyle, first spotted in a bathtub in an Upper East Side brownstone. Lyle's story continued in "Lyle Finds His Mother," "Lyle and the Birthday Party." (AP Photo/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)
NEW YORK (AP) Bernard Waber, the author of such children's favorites as "The House on East 88th Street" and "Lyle, Lyle Crocodile," has died.
Waber died May 16 at his Long Island home after a long illness, publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt announced Monday. He was 91.
Waber's "warmth, energy, artfulness, elegance, and abiding respect for children were epitomized in his books," Houghton's senior vice president and publisher of books for young readers, Betsy Groban, said in a statement. His 33 books have sold 1.75 million copies, the publishing company said.
Waber debuted as an author in 1962 with "The House on East 88th Street," which introduced readers to the lovable Lyle, first spotted in a bathtub in an Upper East Side brownstone. Lyle's story continued in "Lyle Finds His Mother," ''Lyle and the Birthday Party" and other works. Waber also wrote many non-Lyle books, such as "Ira Sleeps Over," in which a boy fears he'll be teased for bringing a favorite stuffed teddy bear to a friend's house.
Waber was a native of Philadelphia and a graduate of what was then known as the Philadelphia College of Art.
He is survived by his brother, three children and four grandchildren. His final book, "Lyle Walks the Dog," was a 2010 collaboration with his daughter, Paulis.
It came to my attention yesterday That Bernard Waber past away at the age of 91.
I met Mr. Waber once at an HBO party, I was working for Michael
I wish I spent time talking to Mr. Waber at the party. But I was young and did not take the opportunity. (
Silly I know but that was then) click link to see old post
LINK:
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Me with Lyle |
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my signed copy
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RIP
Mr. Waber
One of the Greats.
ReplyDeleteMay he rest in peace! What a great contribution to the world of children's literature.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this - I had not heard. Lyle and the Birthday Party was one of my favorite books as a kid....I think I still have it somewhere...
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome, it is a shame how little was said about his death.
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