The Story of Ferdinand

by Munro Leaf, Munro Leaf and Robert Lawson
The Story of Ferdinand cover
Good Books rating 4.55
Children's Fiction
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Paperback • £7.99
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Technical
  • ID: 791
  • Added: 2025-09-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-13
  • ISBN: 9780451479020
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 1977-06-30
  • Formats: 14
  • Reviews: 4

The Story of Ferdinand is a beloved classic that has captivated readers since its publication in 1936. Ferdinand, unlike other bulls, finds joy in the simple pleasure of smelling flowers rather than engaging in violent bullfights. This heartwarming story carries a powerful message of nonviolence and pacifism, which has resonated with readers across generations. The book's impact is evident in its historical significance, being both banned by Adolf Hitler and praised by Mahatma Gandhi. It was also adapted into an Academy Award-winning animated film by Walt Disney./n/nThe story's enduring appeal lies in its universal themes of peace and individuality. Ferdinand's gentle nature and refusal to conform to societal expectations make him a timeless symbol of nonviolence. The book's rich history and cultural impact add layers of depth, making it a must-read for both children and adults alike.

Reviews
Common Sense Media · Susan Fitzgerald · 2025-09-20
delightful 5.00

The story is delightful and sweet, focusing on a bull who prefers peace and flowers over fighting. It's a gentle and charming tale that teaches important lessons about individuality and peace.

Susan Fitzgerald from Common Sense Media finds The Story of Ferdinand to be a delightful and sweet story about a bull who prefers peace and flowers over fighting. She appreciates the gentle and charming nature of the tale, which teaches important lessons about individuality and the value of peace. Fitzgerald highlights how the book's simple storytelling and beautiful illustrations make it a timeless classic that resonates with both children and adults.

Quick quotes

    This is a delightful story about a sweetly mannered bull who prefers peace to fighting.

    The scent of flowers to the smell of victory.

    A gentle and charming tale that teaches important lessons about individuality and peace.

Market Garden Reader · 2021-04-20
timeless 4.50

The book is an exceptionally beautiful children's classic that tells the story of a bull who prefers tranquility and nature over violence and conflict.

The Market Garden Reader praises The Story of Ferdinand as an exceptionally beautiful children's classic. The review highlights the book's timeless appeal and its ability to convey important values to young readers. The story of a bull who prefers tranquility and nature over violence and conflict is seen as a powerful message that resonates with readers of all ages. The review emphasizes the book's enduring relevance and its role in teaching children about the importance of peace and individuality.

Quick quotes

    This is a children's book with a story about a little Spanish bull who preferred to sit under a tree and smell flowers rather than fight.

    The book's message of peace and individuality is timeless and resonates with readers of all ages.

    Ferdinand's story is a powerful reminder that it's okay to be different and that peace and contentment can be found in simplicity.

The New Yorker · 2017-12-15
profound 4.20

Ferdinand's character became a symbol in ideological and political arguments, showcasing the book's depth and relevance. The story's simplicity belies its profound impact on societal discussions.

The New Yorker explores how Ferdinand, initially intended as a funny children's character, became a symbol in ideological and political arguments. The reviewer notes the book's profound impact on societal discussions, highlighting its depth and relevance. They appreciate how the simple story of a gentle bull has sparked meaningful conversations about peace, individuality, and the complexities of societal expectations.

Quick quotes

    Ferdinand the gentle Spanish bull was quickly drawn into the ideological and political arguments of adults.

    Though intended as a funny children's character, Ferdinand's story has sparked meaningful conversations.

    The story's simplicity belies its profound impact on societal discussions.

Rebecca Stonehill · Rebecca Stonehill · 2015-04-30
timeless 4.50

The book celebrates individuality and standing apart from the crowd, exploring the moral and philosophical implications of personal choices. It's a timeless tale that resonates with readers of all ages.

Rebecca Stonehill highlights how The Story of Ferdinand is a heartwarming tale that encourages readers to embrace their uniqueness. She appreciates the book's simple yet profound message about choosing peace over conflict and the importance of staying true to oneself. Stonehill also notes the book's enduring relevance, making it a timeless classic that continues to inspire and teach valuable life lessons.

Quick quotes

    The Story of Ferdinand is a celebratory tale of being different, standing apart from the crowd.

    It explores the moral and philosophical implications of how we choose to live our lives.

    A timeless message that resonates with readers of all ages.

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