The Story of Ferdinand

by Munro Leaf, Munro Leaf and Robert Lawson
The Story of Ferdinand cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Children's Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 791
  • Added: 2025-09-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-08
  • ISBN: 9780451479020
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 1999-01-01
  • Formats: 14
  • Reviews: 4
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £7.99

The Story of Ferdinand is a timeless tale about a peaceful bull who would rather smell flowers than fight in bullfights. Despite his gentle nature, Ferdinand is chosen to participate in the grand bullfights in Madrid, where his calm demeanor surprises everyone. This beloved children's book, written by Munro Leaf and illustrated by Robert Lawson, has captivated generations with its heartwarming message about being true to oneself. The story's simplicity and charm make it a classic that continues to resonate with readers of all ages. The book's enduring popularity can be attributed to its beautiful illustrations and the powerful message it conveys about individuality and peace. Ferdinand's journey from a quiet pasture to the bustling city of Madrid highlights the importance of staying true to one's nature, even in the face of societal expectations. The Story of Ferdinand remains a cherished story that encourages children and adults alike to embrace their unique qualities.

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.

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.

Rebecca Stonehill · 2015-04-30
inspiring 4.00

The book is celebrated for its message of individuality and standing apart from the crowd, exploring deeper moral and philosophical implications.

Rebecca Stonehill's review focuses on the celebratory nature of The Story of Ferdinand, emphasizing how it encourages readers to embrace their uniqueness. She delves into the moral and philosophical implications of the story, highlighting how Ferdinand's choice to be different offers a powerful message about individuality and personal freedom. The review suggests that the book's simplicity belies its depth, making it a valuable read for both children and adults.

Quick quotes

    The Story of Ferdinand is a celebratory tale of being different, standing apart from the crowd and the moral and philosophical implications of how we choose to live our lives.

    Ferdinand's story is a powerful reminder that it's okay to be different and to follow your own path.

    The book's simplicity makes it accessible to children, while its deeper messages resonate with adults.

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