Leo the Late Bloomer by Robert Kraus illustrated by Jose Aruego

From time to time, I think about Leo the Late Bloomer (1971) because it was a favourite book of a very skilled Kindergarten teacher who worked at the first school where I was appointed back in 1984 in rural NSW. I have also mentioned Leo the Late Bloomer a few times over the years here on this blog so I was pleased to pick up a copy (in close to mint condition) at a recent charity book sale. 

Leo couldn't talk. Leo couldn't draw. Leo couldn't write.  Leo couldn't read. He was also a very sloppy eater. But his mother knows they just need to wait. One day Leo will bloom! Dad just needs to be patient and listen to mum!

I love the way, when he finally does speak, Leo says a whole sentence and not just those punctuation words such as no, yes, up, down, more, mum, dad etc. 

Having reading this book again decades after I first saw it, I can now see it might be a book you could share with new parents in a preschool setting or at the start of kindergarten. If I was reading it to a group of children in a library or classroom I would talk about the concepts we associate with Growth Mindset such as "some things might take longer but that's okay"; "When I struggle I grow"; and "It's okay for me to make mistakes". And you could talk about the way we are all different and we all learn differently and the importance of patience and perseverance. This book might also fit in with your family if your child has older siblings who 'seem' to be great at everything - reading this book side by side with your young reading companion might allow you to talk about the concept of 'not yet'. Try to find the book Frog is Frog where Frog is trying to find his talent.

I now discover there was also a sequel -Leo the Late Bloomer bakes a cake (1982) but I have not found a cover image to share. 

I found these two classroom ideas.

Robert Kraus (1925-2001) wrote and illustrated over 100 books. Here are a couple of other books by Robert Kraus:

Cub and Brown by Edwina Wyatt illustrated by Evie Barrow

There are twelve interconnected short stories in this small book. In a family or classroom (Kindergarten, Grade One or early in the year to Grade Two) you could read one story each night or day. Cub is a boy scout. His motto is be prepared. In his rucksack he has trail mix, a lunch box, drink bottle, hat, compass, binoculars, an emergency whistle, warm socks, sunscreen and a first aid kit. He knows all about camping, map reading, raft building, fire lighting and fishing. But so far, he has never met a bear - until today!

In the first story or chapter or tip, Cub shows bear (his name is Brown) how to tie his shoes. Once Brown masters this skill, and yes it does take quite a while, he throws the shoes away - it is so funny. In the second story Brown makes some important discoveries about time. The ticking clock is driving him crazy, and he thinks he only has the hours of one day to complete everything on his to do list. Luckily, close to midnight, when so many tasks are not completed, Cub is able to explain:

"It's lucky you get some new hours tomorrow ... You get twenty-four new hours every day. Some are for doing things. And some are for sleeping."

My favourite story is the fifth one - Cover your Tracks.  Someone has turned Bears home in a pigsty. The sink is full of unwashed dishes, the bench is covered in crumbs, there are books spread over the table and apple cores all over the floor. The bathroom is also disgusting. Bear decides he will set a trap to catch the terrible creature who is making all this mess in his house. His trap is so good that he ends up caught himself and because it contains a comfy cushion Bear falls asleep. Enter his friend Cub. Being a helpful scout, Cub quietly sets to work, and while Bear sleeps on and on, Cub cleans and sorts and tidies. I love the way little Cub is so helpful and the way he restores Brown's place back into tidy home. Have you guessed who really made this mess?

Cub is such a sweet little earnest character and Brown - well he is a bear - interprets the world in such a very literal way - a way that is sure to tickle the funny bone of your young reading companion. Readers always feel so wise and powerful when they know more than a book character especially a character like this huge loveable bear. 

Cub - his attitude to being a boy scout and his motto of be prepared - reminded me of the little boy in the animated movie Up. But more than that - the way Evie Barrow has illustrated Cub I just keep seeing this movie boy. You can see inside Cub and Brown on Evie Barrow's website. 

I am a huge fan of Evie Barrow. I am excited to tell you IBBY Australia will hold an online Mini Masterpiece art auction at the end of October, 2024, and very kindly Evie Barrow has donated two images (originals) from Cub and Brown. 

It is interesting to think about the relationship between Cub and Brown. Many books like this that feature unlikely friends have theme of optimism and pessimism but that's applicable here. Other books with unlikely friends feature a brave character and anther who is cautious or even timid. Again, that is not the focus of Cub and Brown. In other stories one of the pair is the brains and the other seems muddled. Even though Brown is confused about some aspects of life this pair felt more like equals. I especially loved the ending - but I am not going to spoil it except to say Edwina Wyatt beautifully solves the issue at the end of the book of what next for Cub and Brown.

Here is an example of an illustration from Cub and Brown:

Read some review comments for Cub and Brown on Edwina Wyatt's web page. 

Innocence, respect and understanding form the basis of the unique and wonderful friendship that is Cub and Brown.  Who knew a story about problem solving could bring a smile at every page? Treat yourself—read this beautiful book, buy it for your home library, borrow it from your school library or give it as a gift. Cub and Brown is to be treasured. Reading Time

Cub and Brown is an exploration of friendship, imagination, and teamwork, and how a short-term relationship like Cub and Brown’s friendship can become one of the most important ones of all.  ... I loved this book and hope others enjoy it too. The Book Muse

Companion reads:

Here are some other books by Edwina Wyatt and a book illustrated by Evie Barrow.

Sometimes Cake

In the Evening

Tish

The Secrets of Magnolia Moon

The Magic of Magnolia Moon

The Courage of Magnolia Moon

I saw Pete and Pete saw me

Jabari Tries by Gaia Cornwall

"I'm making a flying machine today! Jabari told his dad."

Little sister Nika would love to help but Jabari says NO - this is HIS machine and he will make it fly - right across the garden. 

Then his dad says:

"You know, I bet Nika would love to help out ... what if you thought of her more like a partner?"

Nika joins in and helps but the plane just won't work. When the plane crashes yet again dad says:

"It looks like a frustrating problem ... When I'm frustrated I gather up all my patience and take a deep breath, and blow away all the mixed feelings inside ... And then I try again."

This is the second book about Jabari. I am not a fan of books with "messages" but I love the message in this book and the way it is conveyed. Themes of cooperation; problem solving; perseverance; sibling relationships; listening to wisdom; and accepting help from others.

This generously sized picture book offers a lovely picture of mentorship and healthy relationships in the context of a thriving Black family with dark skin tones. Jabari’s emotional ups and downs will be familiar to young children, and his hard-won success feels triumphant. Kirkus Star review

With older students you could also use this book to research the inventors that Jabari admires - Lewis Howard Latimer (electricity); Dr Flossie Wong-Staal (HIV AIDS); Roy Allela (Sign language gloves); and Dr Shirley Ann Jackson (Physics). Actually I think these choices reflect more about the author and not Jabari who is perhaps a little too young to know about these four inventors. 

Here is the previous book about Jabari:

Publisher blurb: Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He’s finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he’s a great jumper, so he’s not scared at all. “Looks easy,” says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. He needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do anyway, and he should probably do some stretches before climbing up onto the diving board. In a sweetly appealing tale of overcoming your fears, newcomer Gaia Cornwall captures a moment between a patient and encouraging father and a determined little boy you can’t help but root for.

Here is an interview where Gaia talks about Jabari Jumps. 

Snow day by Richard Curtis illustrated by Rebecca Cobb

This book just had to be a winner.  I didn't even need to read it to know that.  Read my review of The Empty Stocking which is another book by this talented team and you will know why I wanted to add Snow Day to our library picture book collection.

Beginning with the end papers you can see lots of snowflakes.  Then on the title page we see Danny looking out of his window at the snow.  A snow day means a day off school for everybody.

"Well ALMOST everyone - because at 8.30 one little boy turned up for school.  His name was Danny. And he was greeted by his teacher.  His name was Mr Trapper."

This is a terrible situation.  Mr Trapper is the strictest teacher in the school and Danny is the "worst" student.  The morning is dreary and dreadful.  Thank goodness for the break.  Danny attempts to make an enormous snowman but he has some problems with the head.  Then something miraculous happens.  Mr Trapper steps over to help. They work together all through the break building large and small snowmen  "And after that they made a whole army of snowmen."  When school resumes the focus of their lessons together completely change. The day is a joyous celebration of learning and companionship.

Now we reach the half way point of this book.  Mr Trapper and Danny head home.  The next day it is school for everyone as usual.  Danny has a terrible day.  He is even given a detention by Mr Trapper.  "At break time, as had happened a hundred times before, Danny sat at one end of the detention room and Mr Trapper sat at the other."  My heart sank when I read these words.

I cannot tell you any more.  Grab this book today!  Even though we don't have snow days in Australia all children are sure to relate to the emotional twists in this fabulous book.

Some other favourite books about snow are Snow by PD Eastman and Snow Day by Ezra Jack Keats.  This book also reminded me of John Patrick Norman McHennessy the boy who was always late.