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Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile



Last updated Thursday, June 24, 2021

Author: Bernard Waber
Date of Publication: 1973
ISBN: 039516995X
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jun. 2021

Synopsis: Lyle the crocodile lives in a house on East 88th Street in New York City. Lyle enjoys helping the Primm family with everyday chores, and playing with the neighborhood kids. He's the happiest crocodile any home ever had… until one neighbor insists that Lyle belongs in a zoo! Mr. Grumps and his cat, Loretta, don't like crocodiles, and everything Lyle does to win them over seems to go wrong. It will take all of Lyle's charm - and courage - to reveal the hero, and friend, behind the big, crocodile smile.

Note to readers:
•  This book is 48 pages with more text than usual.
•  There are 6 main characters to keep in mind while reading (2 animals)

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Do you like crocodiles? They are very large.
•  Do you know the difference between a crocodiles and alligators? (These large reptiles belong to different families, they share a number of similarities, including long snouts, powerful tails, short legs, and bony-plated backs. But there are some easy ways to tell them apart. The first is the shape of the snout. In alligators it’s broad and U-shaped, while in crocodiles it’s narrow and V-shaped. Next are the teeth. In the case of alligators, the lower teeth are typically not visible when the mouth is shut. In crocodiles, however, some teeth in the bottom jaw appear, most notably the large fourth tooth. Another difference is color. Gray or black? It’s probably a gator. Olive or tan? A crocodile. The two reptiles also differ in location. Crocodiles are usually found in saltwater habitats, while alligators prefer freshwater areas. And last—but definitely not least—is behavior. Crocodiles are typically more aggressive than gators.)
•  Do you like stories about pretend animals who act like us—humans?

Vocabulary

•  Snappy—-impatient and irritable—cranky
•  Persuaded—encouraging or convince some one to join an activity

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Who was your favorite character—Loretta, Mr. Grumps, Mrs. Primm, Lyle, Hector, Joshua ?
•  Were you sad when Lyle was put in the Zoo by Mr. Grumps?
•  Are you happy that Lyle saved Mr. Gumps and his cat, Lorretta from fire?
•  Who was the hero of the story?

Craft ideas:
•  Make a crocodile out of 7 different rectangles and triangles for teeth with circles for eyes (discuss shapes!)
•  It's Father's Day later this month! (June 20th) Using the whiteboard, draw a Father's Day Card. Or, draw a Father's Day card for you grandfather, father, uncle, or someone who has been like a father to you.
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/june-2021-friendship-fun/

Special activities:
•  Draw a GRUMPY face//Draw a SAD FACE//Draw a HAPPY FACE (llustrations on Pinterest)

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!