The Story of Ferdinand

Written by Munro Leaf · Illustrated by Robert Lawson

A gentle bull faces the bullfights in Madrid. Will he stay true to himself?

5.6/7 Bookroo experts·4.4/5 Goodreads · 95,052 ratings

72 pages

$18.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Ferdinand is unlike any other bull; he prefers flowers over fighting. When he's unexpectedly chosen for the bullfights in Madrid, his peaceful nature is put to the test. Can Ferdinand remain true to himself amidst the chaos of the arena, or will he become the ferocious star everyone expects? This timeless tale of nonviolence and individuality challenges the norms and inspires readers to embrace their true selves. Discover the unexpected journey of a bull who defies expectations and becomes an unlikely hero.

From the publisher

A true classic with a timeless message!

All the other bulls run, jump, and butt their heads together in fights. Ferdinand, on the other hand, would rather sit and smell the flowers. So what will happen when Ferdinand is picked for the bullfights in Madrid?

The Story of Ferdinand has inspired, enchanted, and provoked readers ever since it was first published in 1936 for its message of nonviolence and pacifism. In WWII times, Adolf Hitler ordered the book burned in Nazi Germany, while Joseph Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union, granted it privileged status as the only non-communist children’s book allowed in Poland.

The preeminent leader of Indian nationalism and civil rights, Mahatma Gandhi—whose nonviolent and pacifistic practices went on to inspire Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr.—even called it his favorite book.

The story was adapted by Walt Disney into a short animated film entitled Ferdinand the Bull in 1938. Ferdinand the Bull won the 1938 Academy Award for Best Short Subject (Cartoons).

At a glance

Format
Pages: 72
Reading age: 3–5
Audience: Board
Lexile: AD760L

Themes & topics

Books about animals Books about confidence Books about resolving conflict Books about feelings and emotions Books about social themes

Inside the book

A peek between the covers

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.6

out of 7

6.5

“There's a reason Ferdinand is a classic: it's sweet, it has a good overall message, and it's easy to read over and over again. Ferdinand the peaceful bull is such a lovable character! The black and white illustrations have a fun style that's different than any other books on our shelf. My three-year-old daughter likes to read stories over FaceTime with her grandma who lives far away, and The Story of Ferdinand is almost always the first book she requests!”

Lauren Hancock

Trusted reviewer

For readers who can't stop at one