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.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Similar items that may ship from close to you
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Reviews with images
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2013
Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2024
Ferdinand is such a classic it should be in anyone’s home library.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2024
Top reviews from other countries
Jefferson M.
Boa historia porem a qualidade da edição é simples
Reviewed in Brazil on December 6, 2021
Sofia
Ferdinand, un toro "diverso"
Reviewed in Italy on November 1, 2023
Sofia
Reviewed in Italy on November 1, 2023
L'alternanza tra i colori delle pagine del libro non è casuale: il rosso richiama il sangue, mentre il bianco è il colore dell'innocenza. Attraverso le simpatiche avventure del toro Ferdinand si può desumere una critica velata alla crudeltà della corrida ("corsa dei tori") e al sangue innocente versato dagli animali che, al termine dello spettacolo, sono sacrificati dal "Matador" (il verbo "matar" sta per uccidere) per il mero divertimento degli spettatori.
Images in this review
