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starryjoy's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Look, nostalgia might play a factor in my perfect 5 star rating, however it deserves it. The illustrations by Jose Areugo are colorful and unique. I love how much personality each of the background characters have in addition to Leo. It's a simple story and executed well. I was also a late bloomer as a child, reading especially and my first book I read on my own was this book. Leo was me. I was Leo. We both bloomed together. I love this book. I love it so much and it will never stop warming my heart.
alyshadeshae's review against another edition
1.0
This book is probably written more with parents in mind, but I wouldn't recommend it for parents or children. Parents, your child won't just magically wake up one day having "bloomed" and be able to read, write, draw, eat neatly, and speak. Children, it takes practice to learn to do those things and not once is Leo shown to even try. I was disappointed because I love cat books of all kinds and, since Leo is a tiger, I was really wanting to like it.
kristenremenar's review against another edition
5.0
I want to put this book directly into the hands of so many parents. Leo isn't yet doing some of the things his father thinks he should be doing, but his mom knows Leo will write, read, etc. when he's ready. Hooray for recognizing that kids develop at different rates! This is on our library's list of 100 Picture Books Everyone Should Read.
daines's review against another edition
2.0
I read through this at the store based upon recommendations of books with positive portrayals of tigers.
My biggest complaint is really with the notion of a "late bloomer". The father who applies this label in this story is verging on despicable. When he ignores his son and just watches TV ... yech!
I hope to not hear this term applied pejoratively in this day and age. Perhaps, if you know a child stuck in this situation, this book could be encouraging.
My biggest complaint is really with the notion of a "late bloomer". The father who applies this label in this story is verging on despicable. When he ignores his son and just watches TV ... yech!
I hope to not hear this term applied pejoratively in this day and age. Perhaps, if you know a child stuck in this situation, this book could be encouraging.
allmadhere106's review against another edition
3.0
I remember reading this book as a child and liking the sweet tiger, and I can still see that now. However, I think the book is really more of a message for the worrying parent of a "late bloomer." It's clear that Leo is upset that he's behind his peers in terms of development, but then his father hovers and adds pressure for Leo to advance--even when the text says his father stopped watching, the illustrations show us otherwise. While I can see this adding some humor, Leo needs to get there on his own, which he finally does and is able to have more confidence. I have mixed feelings about this book overall.
For: tiger lovers; readers wanting a book about finding their place amongst their peers in their own time.
Possible red flags: issues of self-esteem and worrying/being a disappointment to parents.
For: tiger lovers; readers wanting a book about finding their place amongst their peers in their own time.
Possible red flags: issues of self-esteem and worrying/being a disappointment to parents.
ecote525's review against another edition
5.0
Perseverance, it will happen when you are ready, keeping at it, triumph at the end, constant support group...perfect story for my roller derby experience that I can relate to! Reminded me that I will learn at my own pace and not to compare myself with others' progress and just work on me :) couldn't have read this at a better time...man, I love this Children's Lit class!
robotswithpersonality's review against another edition
Art feels like of more substance than than the plot. Feels like an oversimplification of the possibilities surrounding delayed development and eliminating the potential of neurodivergence - what if there was some helpmbesides just waiting that could have been offered? What if Leo bloomed differently than others and couldn't measure progress by the same reading/drawing etc metrics?
stephnsketch's review against another edition
5.0
Favorite book as a child, though I actually wasn't a late bloomer. But dang, this book was amazing, even if the art freaked me out a bit.