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Leo the Late Bloomer Paperback – Picture Book, January 1, 1999
| Robert Kraus (Author) Find all the books, read about the author, and more. See search results for this author |
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Enhance your purchase
This heartwarming story of how a little tiger named Leo bloomed is told by bestselling author Robert Kraus and is accompanied by the wonderfully bold illustrations of Jose Aruego.
“Captivating and rollicking.” —The Horn Book
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.
With its message of patience and humor, Leo the Late Bloomer is more timely than ever. As Children's Books and Their Creators commented: "Leo's reassuring 'I made it!' at the end delights young listeners who may have been scrutinized for early blooming by well-intentioned moms and dads. Deserves space on any parenting shelf."
- Reading age3 - 6 years, from customers
- Print length32 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Grade levelPreschool - 3
- Lexile measure120L
- Dimensions8 x 0.25 x 11 inches
- PublisherHarperCollins
- Publication dateJanuary 1, 1999
- ISBN-10006443348X
- ISBN-13978-0064433488
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
“A humorous morale-boosting tale with great appeal.” -- ALA Booklist
“This engaging story with its bright jungle scenery (and appealing animal characters) is sure to charm the late bloomer in your family.” -- Publishers Weekly
“Reassuring for other late bloomers, this book is illustrated with beguiling pictures.” -- Saturday Review
From the Back Cover
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.
About the Author
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. 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 advertising before taking up the demanding job of cartooning for The Saturday Evening Post, The New Yorker, Look, and other magazines.
Mr. Aruego said: “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 how I 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 children very seriously. After more than three dozen books he feels he is still learning his craft and getting to know his audience. 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.
“Each project teaches me something new and makes me a better artist. Each book brings me closer to children,” he said. “I have found from making appearances at schools that when kids draw for themselves, most of them like to make funny pictures. So I 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.”
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Product details
- Publisher : HarperCollins; Reissue edition (January 1, 1999)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 32 pages
- ISBN-10 : 006443348X
- ISBN-13 : 978-0064433488
- Reading age : 4 - 8 years
- Lexile measure : 120L
- Grade level : Preschool - 3
- Item Weight : 5.4 ounces
- Dimensions : 8 x 0.25 x 11 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #28,630 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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Customer reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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For the reviewer concerned that parents would delay help for their children, I doubt a kid's book would have that effect. Parents can tell when something is wrong, and one children's book is going to sway them from taking action!
Oh, and the big bonus... the illustrations are darling, and classic 1970's renderings. The words are absolutely heartwarming!
Top reviews from other countries
So when my friend Sarah asked me to recommend a book for her son, now aged four, who seems dyspraxic (very clumsy) and is beginning to realise he is different, I had no hesitation in recommending Leo. I was surprised that I remembered that befuddled lion from all from all those years ago when he brought us delight. But Leo is truly unforgettable so he sprang instantly to mind.
I bought "Leo the Late Bloomer" as a surprise gift for Sarah and have heard that he is a big hit with a wee boy from a new generation of readers.
I highly recommend Leo for all children and especially those with a mild developmental delay. My favourite line, addressed to Leo's anxiously hovering parents is "A watched bloomer never blooms." And in his own good time Leo does in fact bloom. Just like my lovely son.






