Let's Pretend...I Work At An Ad Agency

When you were young, didn't you ever want to go to work with your mom or dad? As a kid, the grown-up world is an exciting place where you could be whatever you want to be. I know I was fascinated when I saw my mom's beautifully-upholstered office with bridal magazines neatly splayed out on the coffee table (she was an event and wedding planner). I loved "helping out" by sharpening pencils and dog-earing the pages with my favorite wedding gowns.

Well, this is precisely what Lyle the Crocodile does in Lyle at the Office by Bernard Waber. One day Mr. Primm brings Lyle along to visit his office and meet all the people he works with. Lyle is so eager to be of assistance and make new friends. He does important jobs, like delivering memos and making photocopies. He plays with the children in the day-care center. He even sits in on an important meeting. Lyle is a huge hit at the advertising agency!

Before he knows it, this enjoyable jaunt to the office becomes more than just a day of "seeing what Dad does." Lyle makes such a good impression on Mr. Primm's boss, Mr. Bigg, that he gets an offer that people all over New York City - let alone crocodiles - would die for. Will Lyle take the offer and compromise his values or turn down the offer and put Mr. Primm's job in jeopardy?

The story keeps you guessing and the pictures keep you smiling! Although it's impossible not to smile when you're reading about the beloved crocodile who lives on East Eighty-Eighth Street... If you love playing "let's pretend" like I did, you'll get a kick out of this story.