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