THE STORY OF FERDINAND

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The Story of Ferdinand is a child's classic, a beautifully written and illustrated picture book.

The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf            Illustrations by Robert Lawson

         

Ferdinand is unlike any bull in Spain, massive in size, but gentle in nature.  He has no interest in fighting like his brothers, who spend the days roughhousing, butting heads, and pawing the ground.

Ferdinand enjoys the tranquility of nature, sitting peacefully in the grass beneath his favorite cork tree in the majestic field near his house. His days spent lounging and sniffing the sweet fragrant flowers perfuming the air.

His mother watches with concern, and notices that Ferdinand spends his days alone lying beneath the cork tree. Unsettled by this, she inquires why, and learns that it’s his choice, and he’s happy and content.  She leaves with the acceptance that he is different from his siblings, and loves him for who he is.

In coming years, Ferdinand and his brothers are fully-grown, strong and powerful bulls. Despite his massive size, he is still gentle natured and non-aggressive.

Five men in funny hats come to his village in search of the fiercest bull to fight in the arena. Ferdinand watches his brothers as they butt heads, leap off the ground, all to demonstrate their strength.  He has no interest in participating and wanders away to his favourite cork tree.  

Hidden in the tall grass beneath the cork tree a bee is busy gathering pollen. Ferdinand is unaware of the bee, and settles in the grass. Stung, he flies through the air, sputtering, bucking and leaping, exhibiting behaviour that is mistaken for fierceness.

The five men shout in excitement. They have found their bull, Ferdinand, who will be the fiercest they’ve ever had in the ring.

In the weeks to follow, Ferdinand is carted away to fight in the arena. Sitting in the middle of the Coliseum, he sniffs the air, fragrant with flowers from the lovely women’s hats in the audience.  No matter how hard the Matador, Picadores, and the Banderilleros try, Ferdinand refuses to fight.

Ferdinand returns to his village, and settles beneath the cork tree in the field near his house, happy and content.

Ferdinand is a beautiful book, a timeless classic written by Munro Leaf.  I have read this book numerous times to my own children and have passed it along as a gift to others. To me, The Story of Ferdinand is one of the acceptance, to recognize differences and value what each of us has to offer. 

Artist Robert Lawson beautifully illustrates The Story of Ferdinand. His eye catching black- and- white drawings capture the minutest details, expressions and emotions, all of which work in harmony with the story.  

Munro Leaf 1905- 1976

 
 Stories by Munro Leaf:

The Story of Ferdinand
Wee Gilles
Noodle
How to Behave and Why
Brushing Your Teeth can be Fun
How to Speak Politely



Illustrations by artist Robert Lawson 1892-1957

            






    





 I would recommend The Story of Ferdinand for ages 3-5