As in the original edition, the shapes are cutouts that add an extra bit of challenge for children to poke, peek through and trace. It makes a darling birthday present, but it's enough fun to make it a favorite long past birthday time. Poor Leo can't do anything right, and illustrator Jose Aruego has made that abundantly and hilariously clear with Leo the tiger's baleful expression in Leo the Late Bloomer . Author Robert Kraus has woven a tale about a little guy who can't yet read, draw or talk and is a very sloppy eater. Leo's wise mother knows he's just a late bloomer, but Dad is worried and watches Leo for signs of blooming.
Winter comes and goes.
Dad is still watching. Spring begins to bud, and Dad is still watching. There's just one hurdle left, talking. For all parents of late bloomers who watch the early blooming neighbor kids show off their skills, this book is a gentle reminder that everything happens in its' own good time. For little ones, it's a delightfully illustrated book where they can see all kinds of interesting animals and try to find Leo's Dad watching Leo.