The Story of Ferdinand Paperback – Picture Book, March 31, 2011

I have fond memories of watching the Ferdinand cartoon when I was younger, but never read the book until about a year ago when I was at the book store with my daughter. We were looking for new titles to get, and there I saw it- the red book with a bull smelling a flower. There was no mistaking who that was! The Story of Ferdinand is one I'll never forget, especially now that I've finally read the original story here. This book is a quick read, and has incredibly enjoyable illustrations that are sure to win the hearts of children and adults alike.Ferdinand was a little bull who was unlike the others. Instead of running around and butting heads with the others, he would just go off to his favorite spot and smell the flowers. This concerns his mother at first, since she thought he might be lonely, but he simply explains that he wants to sit quietly and smell the flowers.Time goes on and he grows up to be a strong bull. He hasn't changed though, and continues his hobby. One day, however, he doesn't notice a bee on a flower that he's about to sit down on. At the same time, there are men searching for the meanest, toughest bull they can find for the bull fights. Once stung, Ferdinand goes nuts and starts running around, thrashing about. The men are excited and take him off to be used in the fight with the matador.Fight time arrives and the crowd can't wait. Unfortunately for them, Ferdinand is oblivious to everything, and sits out in the middle of the ring. He takes a big breath, smelling the flowers in the hair of the women watching from their seats. The men who are set to fight him become enraged because, no matter how hard they try to get him riled up, Ferdinand just sits there, peaceful. Eventually the matador breaks down and cries, not being able to show off with his cape and sword. Ferdinand is taken back home, and to this day, he's still under his favorite tree, smelling the flowers.This is a very straightforward book, and can be finished in just a couple of minutes. The story itself is a nice one, and I enjoy the ending, but it's the illustrations that help make it more special. Robert Lawson has this unique style here of having what he draws become more detailed at the point of focus, while being more minimalist everywhere else. Look at the backgrounds he draws, and a mountain is simply made up of plain lines on the sides, then becomes very detailed in the center. He does the same with Ferdinand's tree on the hill and it looks wonderful. Keeping everything in black and white was a good idea. And who can't help but laugh when they see the look on Ferdinand's face when he sits on the bee? I'm really surprised that hasn't become an internet meme by now.As far as I can see, there's nothing objectionable in the book that might upset kids. It's never mentioned what the bull fighters are really trying to do- it's only mentioned that they're going to "stick" the bull and make him mad, while the matador is there to "stick the bull last of all". Overall, this is a pleasant story and features a few bits of text that stick out. My favorite being early on after Ferdinand's mother talks to him about playing with the others:His mother saw that he was not lonesome, and because she was an understanding mother, even though she was a cow, she let him just sit there and be happy.It's simple, but nice, and really helps set the tone for the rest of the story. The Story of Ferdinand is a book that just about everyone can enjoy, and one we'll definitely hold on to.

Same great story for yet another generation!

This is one of my favorite childhood stories. The other two are Charlotte's Web and Where the Wild Things Are. Ferdinand is such a sweet bull, and his story always make me feel calm and happy, just like he is at the end of the story. The story also sparked a great interest in visiting Spain, which I had the privilege to do. Many years ago, I came across this book with a record (yes, that's right, a 45!). The reader has a wonderful voice and just a slight Spanish accent. With or without the record, the story has stood the test of time, and, in my book (no pun intended), is an excellent addition to anybody's library, children and adults alike.

This is a story from my childhood and I want to share it with my great grandson. I always loved it. In fact, I was given a “rubber” bull made in Akron, Ohio when I was first exposed to the story some 80 plus years ago

Such a cute book. Great price. As advertised.

the book was in better shape than I had expected!!

The Story of Ferdinand is timeless. It was one of my favorite books as a young child. I'm glad new copies are still available to give as gifts to children of family and friends.

Love this book! It is now a family tradition (one that I'm just starting), to give this book to all of our grandchildren/grandnephews/etc., .... sharing with parents the story of this book in our home....... We read this book over and over through the years, true to course. However, that's not the end of our family's relationship with this lovely gem. Some of you might quibble with our sharing this.... but here goes....... the fact is that as the youngest child in our home was finally outgrowing this book, the oldest son came along and .... well, altered the reading of this book a bit. He changed Ferdinand from a bull...... to ..... a butterfly. He read the book with gusto, but with that one little change..... We were all rolling from side to side, laughing so hard we could hardly hear the next phrase, but we strained to hear anyway.... just so we could know just how perfectly he was rendering each word...... The tears which were running down our cheeks past the rip roaring grins said it all. --- The book was already beloved before that reading. It's now a family treasure. I truly do not want any child to hear about butterflies instead of bulls while they are little. They need to value this book *as is* for years. But at some point? In our family? Each child will have to hear our family's 'special' version........ In the meantime, methinks this book will provide a lot of comradery amongst those in the know...., and the children will never know, while they are quite young anyway, just why there are so many eyes twinkling about them during the reading of this lovely book. Thanks, Munro Leaf, for more than you ever meant to give........ and you gave a lot....... great book!