Sunday, September 19, 2010
Book review: Counting book has many lessons
Lyle the Crocodile looks pretty good for his age.
The Big Apple's most popular aquatic reptile, who made his debut in 1962 in the book "The House on East 88th Street," finds himself in a new profession in his eighth book, "Lyle Walks the Dogs."
This charming counting book chronicles the crocodile's adventures as he starts walking a single dog and suddenly his business booms.
The counting opportunities continue as Lyle walks more and more dogs, each with a unique personality.
The story teaches children that not all dogs are alike -- some are frisky and some are shy. Lyle is patient and kind to his charges and, being a responsible dog walker, he carries poop baggies so he can keep his neighborhood clean.
These are good lessons to learn at any age.
Author Bernard Waber keeps the story moving at a nice pace. The vocabulary is challenging but not difficult. His daughter Paulis Waber mastered her father's watercolor style perfectly for the illustrations.
"Lyle Walks the Dogs" is a delightful bedtime read for little animal lovers.
