Friday, July 22, 2016

Lyle, Lyle Crocodile ~ Review of the Book & Musical Video for Kids

Lyle is Like a Family Member

I would highly recommend Lyle, Lyle Crocodile to anyone!  You can read my review of the book and video here
When my children were preschool age and learning to read, I was always searching for good books for them.  Lyle, Lyle Crocodile was a favorite with both of my children.  We also purchased the video, Lyle, Lyle Crocodile: The House on East 88th Street, which quickly became a family favorite.  Even now when my children visit they will drag out Lyle and watch it again.  Sometimes they even sing along, which really entertains me.

It is also interesting to note that our entire family uses the name "Hector P. Valenti" as an expletive.   Hector is Lyle's original owner who returns to reclaim Lyle once he realizes he could make money by exploiting Lyle's talents.   Around our house it is not unusual to hear "Oh, Hector P. Valenti! "

When I was a young adult watching a musical like the Sound of Music, I used to say "That's so stupid!  People don't just break into song like that!"  Well, I am here to tell you, I have had to eat those words many times because we frequently break into song if someone is leaving with one of the songs from the video.  "Don't leave me now, I'll just die if you do. I'm trying to smile, but darn you Lyle, I would never leave you."

Because Lyles appeal has lasted over 20 years in our household, I would highly recommend the book and the video to anyone with or without a child.

Lyle, Lyle Crocodile ~ The Book

Written by Sylvestermouse
Lyle, Lyle Crocodile
When the Primms move into their new home on East 88th Street in New York City, they are shocked to discover a crocodile living in their bathtub.  At first, they are not too thrilled to have this interloper, but it certainly doesn't take Lyle the Crocodile long to find his place in their hearts, their home and in their lives.

Lyle becomes young Joshua's best friend and even helps Joshua with is homework.  During the day, while Joshua is in school, Lyle browses through antique shops with Mrs. Primm.  This fun loving crocodile even dons an apron to help with the cooking and the house cleaning!

This book easily charms young readers with simple, comical illustrations.  After all, who wouldn't love a pet crocodile who cooks, sings and dances?

(Ages 4 to 8)

Lyle, Lyle Crocodile:  The House on East 88th Street Video

Written by Sylvestermouse
In the video, we see a beautifully animated, musical version of Lyle come to life on the screen.  He sings, dances, cooks, and jumps rope with the neighborhood children.  All of his playful antics are true entertainment.

The children laugh and sing along with Lyle and the Primm's when they regale them with fun songs, crazy crocodile antics and a very heart warming story of love, friendship and true happiness.

Sadly, the video is much harder to find these days since it was released on VHS.  This is a scanned photo of our video cover so you know what to look for.

Lyle, Lyle Crocodile Musical Video is a fantastic & fun children's video!
Lyle, Lyle Crocodile Musical Video Photo

However, if you can find a copy, you really should get it immediately.  Lyle really comes to life on the screen!  The animated characters and the music is truly outstanding.  This is probably the best children's video I have ever seen. 

Occasionally, you may find a copy of the video on  You can click here to see if one is available now

You may also check on Ebay below.


Lyle Photos Used in this Review: Scanned from Book and Video Box Covers

Lyle, Lyle Crocodile Book & Musical Video Reviewed by:
House of Sylvestermouse




  1. Oh Lyle, I miss you! That brought back memories! Crocodile tears for sure.

  2. Lyle would definitely be welcome in our family. Looking at the book I can see how it became a favorite. I hope I get a chance to view the video one day.

  3. What great memories children's books and movies hold! I loved this review. Honestly, I know Lyle's name and I know we read the book, but I guess the story didn't stick with me (and I feel so bad about that right now). I'll add it to my future grand-kiddo's reading and watching list, though, and I definitely will be reading and watching (and likely singing along), too!

  4. This is one of the books I used to sell. I didn't know it had a video. I'm a picture book addict, but I don't think I discovered Lyle in time for my own children. That's a shame.

  5. This just sounds so perfect for my grandson's birthday.....Thank you Miss Cynthia for this lovely review!

  6. I've never heard of Lyle before, but it sounds like a book and movie that my daughter would've enjoyed when she was younger.


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