The Story of Ferdinand - Munro Leaf

Warmhearted, well-told tale will charm readers.

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Common Sense rates it
5
Read the book?
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Book details
  • Author:Munro Leaf
  • # of pages: 68
  • Publisher:Penguin Putnam Inc.
  • Original Publication Date: 01/01/1936
  • Genre: Fiction - Picture Book
  • Paperback: $6.99
  • Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: Baby-Preschool
  • Read Aloud: 2-4

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this warmhearted, well-told tale, supported by pen-and-ink illustrations that show Ferdinand's sweet personality, will charm readers.

Families can talk about bullfighting and pacifism. What is the appeal of bullfighting? How does Ferdinand deal with the matador?

Message

Social Behavior:

Consumerism:

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Violence

Drawings of bulls fighting and a procession of bullfighters carrying the tools of their trade.

Sex

Language

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Amy Brotman

Ferdinand is a bull who would rather smell the flowers than fight. Despite the urgings of an enthusiastic group of banderilleros and picadors, and a hopelessly vain matador, Ferdinand chooses serenity over fierceness. Munro Leaf's timeless story, coupled with Robert Lawson's expressive pen-and-ink drawings, have made Ferdinand a true classic.



Is it any good?

5

The Story Of Ferdinand has been around for more than half a century for a reason: It's the story of a sweetly mannered bull who prefers peace to fighting, and the scent of flowers over the smell of victory. Munro Leaf's unforgettable words and Robert Lawson's ability to reveal, with simple pen-and-ink strokes, Ferdinand's soft-heartedness make this story a classic.

One five-year-old reader was a bit disturbed when the bullfighters brandished darts, long spears, and a sword to stick Ferdinand and made him "mad and madder." But he quickly found a smile when Ferdinand dismissed the fight for his favorite pastime--sniffing flowers displayed in the hairdos of the "lovely ladies." The story shows readers that they must choose their own path, despite what others may say or think.

Other choices

Another gently pacifist animal is Dr. Seuss's noble title character in Horton Hears a Who and Horton Hatches the Egg.

Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 12 reviews.

5

Posted on 08/22/06 by Anonymous Adult contributor

1

Posted on 08/19/06 by Anonymous Adult contributor

4

Posted on 08/17/06 by Anonymous Adult contributor

3

Posted on 07/25/06 by Anonymous Adult contributor

0

Posted on 07/22/06 by Anonymous Adult contributor

0

Posted on 07/22/06 by Anonymous Adult contributor

0

Posted on 07/22/06 by Anonymous Adult contributor

0

Posted on 07/02/06 by Anonymous Adult contributor

0

Posted on 07/02/06 by Anonymous Adult contributor

0

Posted on 07/02/06 by Anonymous Adult contributor

See all 12 reviews >

Adult Reviews

There are 12 reviews.

5

Posted on 08/22/06 by Anonymous Adult contributor

1

Posted on 08/19/06 by Anonymous Adult contributor

4

Posted on 08/17/06 by Anonymous Adult contributor

3

Posted on 07/25/06 by Anonymous Adult contributor

0

Posted on 07/22/06 by Anonymous Adult contributor

0

Posted on 07/22/06 by Anonymous Adult contributor

0

Posted on 07/22/06 by Anonymous Adult contributor

0

Posted on 07/02/06 by Anonymous Adult contributor

0

Posted on 07/02/06 by Anonymous Adult contributor

0

Posted on 07/02/06 by Anonymous Adult contributor

See all 12 adult reviews>

Kids Reviews

There are 0 reviews.

There are no kids reviews.

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