Leo the Late Bloomer

Click on book cover to buy

"Leo the Late Bloomer," by Robert Kraus, 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 of these things, and more when he's ready. This book is a wonderful tool to reassure you and your children about late bloomers.










Amazon Customer Review:

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. [Review Sept. 17,1997]






Note about the Author:

Robert Kraus, cartoonist turned author who wrote, illustrated and edited more than 100 children's books including "Leo the Late Bloomer," has died at 76.

Kraus, who also drew 21covers and 450 cartoons for the New Yorker magazine, died Aug. 7 of congestive heart failure in a nursing home in Kent, Conn.

His books, including the1970 favorite "Whose Mouse Are You?" earned American Library Assn., Horn Book and Children's Trade Book awards.


The charming, encouraging 1971 tale of little Leo, the underachieving lion who learns that simply trying is an achievement, was read on national television 10 years ago by then-First Lady Barbara Bush in her literacy campaign.  [Los Angeles Times]