Leo the Late Bloomer [Paperback]

Robert Kraus (Author), Jose Aruego (Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: January 1, 1900 | Age Range: 4 - 8 years

Leo isn't reading, or writing, or drawing, or even speaking, and his father is concerned. But Leo's mother isn't. She knows her son will do all those things, and more, when he's ready. 'Reassuring for other late bloomers, this book is illustrated with beguiling pictures.' -- Saturday Review.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Antic illustrations add a comic edge to a sweetly reassuring tale about a tiger cub who eventually catches up to his more accomplished animal friends. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Robert Kraus is the author of Little Louie the Baby Bloomer and Leo the Late Bloomer, illustrated by Jose Aruego, and the author and illustrator of dozens of books for children.

In His Own Words...

"Jose Aruego’s books for young readers have earned the applause of critics, teachers, librarians, and parents -- as well as the affection of children everywhere. Mr. Aruego’s comic animals are immediately recognizable as they cavort through clear, vibrant landscapes, carrying out the action that the simple text has set in motion. It is a style one reviewer has termed “illustrative mime.”

"Jose Aruego was born in the Philippines, where he studied law and became a member of the Bar. But after practicing briefly, he decided to come to the United States to study graphic arts and advertising at Parsons School of Design in New York City. After graduation, he worked in adver-tising before taking up the demanding job of cartooning for The Saturday Evening Post, The New Yorker, Look, and other magazines. “Every Wednesday I would go to the cartoon editor with fifteen or sixteen drawings in hand, from which he might select one for publication. The tension was terrible, because selling cartoons was howI made my living. But I learned a lot from the rejected work, so it wasn’t a waste.

"The sink-or-swim experience of drawing cartoons was how I learned to make the most of a small amount of space.” Both abilities have helped him in his career as a children’s book author and illustrator, which he began with the publication of The King and His Friends in 1969.

"Although he is known for his amusing characters, Jose Aruego takes writing and drawing for chil-dren very seriously. After more than three dozen books he feels he is still learning his craft and getting to know his audience. “Each project teaches me something new and makes mea better artist. Each book brings me closer to children.” From the popularity and appeal of Jose Aruego's books, it is obvious that he has both the artistic skill and the imagination to reach the world of children. His work has a distinctive rhythm, and his humorous animal characters have a gaiety and playfulness that children adore.

"I have found from making appearances at schools that when kids draw for themselves, most of them like to make funny pictures. SoI show them how to draw an alligator. It’s a simple drawing and the teachers tell me that after my visit, Aruego alligators show up all over the school.”

Product Details

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins; Reissue edition (January 1, 1900)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 006443348X
• ISBN-13: 978-0064433488
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 0.2 x 12 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (49 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #27,446 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #17 in Books > Children's Books > Animals > Lions, Tigers & Leopards

More About the Author

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Tiger tiger burning bright January 30, 2004

By E. R. Bird HALL OF FAMETOP 500 REVIEWER

Format:Paperback

Since 1971 the delightful story of Leo the tiger, and proverbial late bloomer, has been charming children and adults. The story of Leo is the story of many a child. He does not speak, or eat nicely. He does not draw or do anything particularly well. This comes as a bit of a concern to Leo's pop, but him mother reassures him that in time Leo will "bloom". The story in and of itself could be made or broken by the illustrations. Put into the wrong hands, this story could easily have been drawn in a syrupy ooey-gooey mentality. There is a definite danger of cutesiness. Illustrator Jose Aruego, however, never allows this to happen. You've not seen such a sad little tiger cub as Leo. In beautiful scenes of subtlety and oomph, Leo's environment, friends, and parents are rendered in interesting and unique ways. The colors are lovely and evocative. And the emotions of the characters are perfect. Every stripe on Leo's body is an undulating shade of purple. Aruego has advanced watercolor to the next level, creating a book that is (no doubt about it) art. If you like art, or watercolors, or cute tiger cubs, then you won't want to miss out on this sweet little number, "Leo the Late Bloomer".

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A pleasing look at how children can develop differently. September 17, 1997

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

What better way to explain to a child that it's OK to be different? Leo the Late Bloomer is a classic of American children's stories with brilliant illustrations that bring the tale to life. Leo the young tiger doesn't lead a "normal" child's life and his Father is constantly worried that something is wrong with his son. Leo experiences many of the childhood frustrations that we are all too familiar with such as being unathletic, unartistic or ostracized by your peers. Over time Leo absorbs what the others have been doing and eventually blossoms with a newfound love for life. This book brilliantly conveys the revelation of a child discovering his or her place in the giant world. Leo the Late Bloomer is a timeless classic with a relevant social message and is an enjoyable read for any age child

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The most memorable and helpful story from my childhood June 20, 1997

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

Leo the Late Bloomer is THE most memorable story I can recall from my childhood. The illustrations are large and colorful, the text is simple, and the plot is positive and effective as a self-esteem builder for children. I remember feeling so much better about my imperfections after reading or being read Leo the Late Bloomer. I highly suggest this book for all children to funcion as an ego-booster, or simply a "feel-good" book. (It may even make an adult feel more adequate!