A book review on a BIG cat today....stay tuned

"When you re-read a classic you do not see more in the book than you did before; you see more in YOU than was there before."
                                          ~Clifton Fadiman



Cats come in all shapes, colours and sizes.  Some are domesticated and some live in the wild.  The cat I have chosen to highlight today is a cute little tiger cub named Leo.  I hope this book will give you insight and comfort as you raise your little ones and realize that not all cubs mature at the same rate....but that is ok, because when that miracle of maturation happens it will be a great day to celebrate and know that all is well.



Title:  Leo The Late Bloomer
Author:  Robert Kraus
Illustrator:  Jose Aruego
Ages:  4-8

When the story opens you find out that Leo cannot speak a word, read, write, draw or even eat properly.  His father is worried and fears that something may be wrong with him.  His peers can achieve all those goals so why can't Leo?  Enter mom....she assures her hubby that all is well...that if they practice patience these things will come to Leo because he is a late bloomer.  But dad can't let it go and observes Leo morning and night waiting for that big moment to arrive.  Mom in her wisdom tells hubby to back off, stop watching for the transformation and Leo will bloom when HIS time is right.  The day finally arrives when Leo bursts into himself, his light switch turns on and he discovers that he can read, write, draw, eat rather neatly and not only say a word but a whole sentence.  His time has come!!!!!   I love the last page when amidst the family hug Leo is heard saying.... "I made it!"

The illustrations are very bright and vibrant.  They are childlike and express the best visual emotions that blend perfectly with the written text.  The message of the book is encouraging and inspiring both to children and to their parents - be patient, keep on trying, sew positive seeds into your child, read to them, work with them, never give up and wait to see them bloom when and where they are planted.  It may take a while, but they will get there.  Every person is unique and comparing one to another is not good or healthy.  This book will bring hope for those longing for that perfect blossom to appear and when it does it will give them a perfect excuse for a well-deserved celebration of life.

About the author:

Robert Kraus

Author

Robert Kraus was an American children's author, cartoonist and publisher. Founder and publisher of Windmill Books, author and illustrator of award-winning children's books, Kraus began as a cartoonist and cover artist for The New Yorker. Wikipedia

Born: June 21, 1925, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States

Died: August 7, 2001

About the Illustrator:

José Aruego

José Aruego is a Filipino children's book author and illustrator. He was born in Manila and once worked as a lawyer. He died in New York City, where he lived for decades, on August 9, 2012. Wikipedia

Born: August 9, 1932 (age 80), Manila, Philippines

Education: University of the Philippines

Book Review Rating:    8  (Fantastic!)

Read on and read always!

A special shout out to all my readers residing in France!  I am so honoured that you drop by and read my blog. Thank you so much!  Often you are the number one country on my stats... last week I had  717 readers from France grace my space.  You outshine USA and Canada too.  Awesome!  Love that you are dropping by and hope you will visit me often as you are always welcome here.  Cheers to you all!!!!