The story begins with Lyle and Mrs. Primm going shopping and running into their neighbor, Mr. Grumps.

The special is also a part of the HBO Storybook Musicals lineup.

A live-action/animated feature film adaptation was released on October 7, 2022, by Sony Pictures and is directed by Will Speck and Josh Gordon.

Like the animated special, it is a musical, with original songs written for this film by the songwriting team of Pasek and Paul, who also served as executive producers.

[2] Canadian singer Shawn Mendes voices Lyle who cannot talk but can sing.