By: Robert Kraus Publisher: HarperTrophy Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: HarperTrophy Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 32 Publication Date: March 30, 1994 Reading Level: Ages 4-8 Release Date: January 20, 1994
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 beg
a good book My next door neighbor, six years old, recently informed me, brightly, that she is in "the enrichment class." (Just imagine, I might have thought she was a late bloomer or, worse--gasp--average.) When did our children start being so aware of their giftedness, or non-giftedness? Nowadays, it does seem to start very early.
This is a bright, cheerful book, beautifully illustrated, with a simple message that I like. Don't be over-anxious, keep on trying, give yourself some time, good things will come of it. I suppose as with any book I can imagine scenarios where it wouldn't be a good choice as a gift. . . and personally I think books given as obvious pedagogical or ideological propaganda aren't going to be very attractive to children, full stop. However, my son is a certified "late bloomer" (autistic) and this book is one of our regulars.
As for the Dad watching TV: horrors! Cast him into the outer darkness. I'll join him there--"Battlestar Galactica" is about to start. Someone bring the chips and dip.
Moral of Story: Dad should do nothing but watch the tube... I can certainly understand how this book would heighten the insecurities of a child already unsure of his/her abilities. And I loathe--loathe!!--a book that suggests that watching television is constructive behavior in any context. Dad should watch TV to help his kid Leo read? Whhhhaaaat???
I'm giving it more than one star because the illustrations are pleasant and I suppose the story might help some kids be more tolerant of "late bloomers." I would never buy this, though. We received the book as a gift, and, like another reviewer, I'm strongly tempted to toss this thing in the trash.
Classic Must-have A wonderful resource to have as part of your professional library when working with children.
This is a horrible book to give a kid My parents gave this book to me when I was a kid because I was a "late bloomer". I really think that was the beginning of my self esteem issues. I was unaware that I was a "late bloomer" until they pointed it out to me by giving me the book. I can remember being so sad reading it and thinking there was something wrong with me. Now that my daughter is a bit of a late bloomer, it's gotten me thinking about this book. Please don't buy it for your kid. If you do, please explain to them why you're giving it to them. Don't leave it to them to draw their own conclusions that they are like Leo they can't do anything right.
bad portrayal of dads I hate how this book protrays the father, as an unattached lion who watches tv rather than helping his son bloom. I bought this book for my autistic son for Christmas, read it and put it in the trash. It makes Dads look uninvolved and is not a good portrayal at all. My husband is an excellent father and certianly would not choose to watch tv over helping my son learn.
Very dissapointed in this book and honestly surprised by all these positive comments.
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