The Story of Ferdinand

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.

classic ! lovely story for preschoolers. I read this as a child!

Lovely book. Great story, beautiful illustrations.

Classic and beautiful story!

Who doesn't love Ferdinand? This is a great story to read aloud. The adult will enjoy the illustrations as much as the child!

good book for the kiddo's

Great book for children, I grew up on this book. I actually just bought this book for my little niece and she loved it awesome story. A great read for the little ones. Thank you very much Adam Altman

Love this story and bought it for my children when they were little. Bought this for a baby gift (he's going to be named Ferdinand}. Whoever packed it to send applied a 3" band of sticky tape on it which left residue. After much questioning of Amazon packing servers' heritage I removed the residue with alcohol. Bad form Amazon.

A wonderful story that reminds us we should always who we really are. Children and adults will enjoy the book.

岩波の日本語版だとしっかり製本されていますが、こちらはパンフレットのような装丁です。まあ5.99USドル、日本円で購入時800円程度だったので文句はないです。 絵本なので平易な言葉で書いてあります。 何より、世間一般のことに左右されない主人公の牛、そしてそれを責めることもなく子の好きなようにさせ、暖かく見守るお母さん牛。 友達と遊ぶことに興味がなく、ひたすら本を読んでいた幼稚園や小学校の時の私。このお母さん牛のような両親であれば、もっと幸せな子供時代を過ごせたのではと思います。 余談ですが、 もちろん人と関わることは社会性を身につけスムーズに生きていくために大事なこと。夢を叶えるには対人能力も大事な要素。親御さんには、それを子供に教えた上で、人とつながりを持たせるように諭してあげて欲しいです。 （説明を省いて、同年代の近所の子、いとこ、クラスメートと遊ぶのを強要され苦痛でした。余計に人嫌いになった）そういうタイプのため今でも数少ない親しい友人と交流するだけで十分幸せです。

Je l’ai acheté pour le lire à ma petite fille, elle semble apprécier l’histoire. Elle n’est pas très longue donc l’enfant ne décroche pas. Le vocabulaire est simple, facile à intégrer. Très bien. Pour information le livre est bien en anglais. :)

As a teacher I have read this book to many classes of students over 40 years and loved it - its meanings and morals and its simplicity. Now as a grandparent I really wanted to share this book with my grandchildren and use its simple but important messages with them.

Arrived in perfect condition and the illustrations are wonderful