The Story of Ferdinand

by Munro Leaf, Robert Lawson (Illustrator)

Overview

A true classic with a timeless message, The Story of Ferdinand has enchanted readers since it was first published in 1936. All the other bulls would run and jump and butt their heads together. But Ferdinand would rather sit and smell the flowers. So what will happen when our pacifist hero is picked for the bullfights in Madrid? This new edition contains the complete original text of the story and the original illustrations with watercolor tones added.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780670674244
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	01/01/1936
Pages:	72
Sales rank:	8,711
Product dimensions:	7.67(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.44(d)
Lexile:	AD760L (what's this?)
Age Range:	2 - 5 Years

About the Author

Wilbur Monroe Leaf (aka Munro Leaf) (1905–1976) was an American author of children's literature who wrote and illustrated many books during his long career. His books were illustrated by a number of famous artists, including  Ludwig Bemelmans, Robert Lawson, and Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss). He is best known for The Story of Ferdinand (1936).
 
Robert Lawson (1892–1957) received his art training at the New York School of Fine and Applied Arts. His favorite medium, pen and ink, is used expressively and with detail in his black and white illustrations in The Story of Ferdinand (by Munro Leaf). In addition to illustrating many children's books, including Mr. Popper's Penguins, Robert Lawson also wrote and illustrated a number of his own books for children. In 1940, he was awarded the Caldecott Medal for his picture book illustrations in They Were Strong and Good and in 1944, he was awarded the Newbery Medal for his middle grade novel Rabbit Hill.

Editorial Reviews

Ferdinand, peaceful bull who loves to sit and smell flowers, is mistakenly carted off to a bullfight in Madrid, where he is believed to be the fiercest bull around. Ferdinand trots into the ring, only to sit and smell the flowers in the ladies hair. No matter what the frustrated matador and his helpers do, they cannot get Ferdinand to fight. Lawson's memorable black-and-white pictures speak volumes in this childhood classic.

Barnes & Noble Staff

First published in 1936, this reissue has been updated by adding watercolors to its previously black-and-white illustrations. Set in Spain, it is about a young bull named Ferdinand. All bulls in Spain aspire to one day fight in the ring with a matador. But not Ferdinand. All day long the young bulls play at fighting in hopes that one day they will be strong enough to be chosen for the bullfights. But Ferdinand prefers to quietly sit in the pasture and enjoy his surroundings. When the bulls all mature, they long to be selected for the bullring...all but Ferdinand. As the other bulls prance and preen, hoping to be selected, Ferdinand ignores the commotion. Suddenly, Ferdinand is stung by a bumblebee. He bellows and dances around like crazy. The matadors are so impressed with his machismo they select him as the strongest bull. He is praised all around for his power, until the day of the bullfight. Poor Ferdinand just sits there. The matadors prod and coax with no luck. Ferdinand is not interested in fighting. Ferdinand is returned to his pasture to live out his life in solitude. This traditional tale is a joy to revisit, as a bit of Spanish culture is shared. It is also a nice lesson for youngsters¾it is not necessary to following the crowd. One in a series of "Reading Railroad Books". 2000 (orig. 1936), Grosset & Dunlap, $3.49. Ages 6 to 8. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger

Children's Literature