Heartbeat 沉默心跳

(圖片來源:Harper Collins Children.com http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/books/Leo-Late-Bloomer/?isbn13=9780064433488&tctid=100)

 Author: Robert Kraus 

Illustrator: Jose Aruego

Analysis: This book talks about a baby tiger, Leo, who was slow at learning. Even though Leo seemed frustrated (we can tell from the look on his face in the illustrations) and his father worried about him, his mother was very patient. She understands that if children keep trying, they will get it when they are ready. The illustrations in this book are colorful and detailed, and the bright colors also reflect the positive thoughts in this story. The conflict is Leo against himself(struggling to gain some abilities), and when he finally overcomes his problems, he did even better than others: He could speak a complete sentence instead of a word!

(圖片來源: Taaron's Travel Journal  http://taaron.blogspot.tw/2006/12/but-before-i-depart.html)

Reflection: As I was browsing through other readers’ reviews on the Internet, a teacher shared that she will read this book to her class at the very end of the year. She will then ask her students to think back to something that they could not yet do at the beginning of the school year but they can do now. I agree with her that this book and such activity can enhance children’s confidence. As adults, this book also reminds us to focus on what we can do and what we might be able to accomplish in the future, instead of our limits. In my opinion, “Leo the Late Bloomer” is absolutely beautiful and inspiring to readers at any age.