Leo the Late Bloomer (Paperback)

by Robert Kraus (Author), Jose Aruego (Illustrator) "Leo couldn't do anything right..." (more)

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.

Product Description
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.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (January 20, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 006443348X
• ISBN-13: 978-0064433488
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #5,724 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #1 in	Books > Children's Books > Animals > Lions, Tigers & Leopards > Fiction
  #1 in	Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( A ) > Aruego, Jose
  #1 in	Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Social Situations > Peer Pressure

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

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

This review is from: Leo the Late Bloomer (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

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	E. R. Bird "Ramseelbird" (Manhattan, NY) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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".

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

This review is from: Leo the Late Bloomer (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!