Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7035 in Books
• Published on: 2000-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 32 pages

Customer Reviews

A simple and simply brilliant story
Ferdinand is a bull unlike the others. He does not playfight; instead he sits beneath a cork tree and smells the flowers. As he grows into a huge muscular bull, his passions do not alter. When men come from Madrid to find the wildest bull, Ferdinand goes to sit beneath the tree again, while all other bulls try to prove that they are the fiercest. Unfortunately Ferdinand is stung by a bee and his antics convince the men he’s the perfect bull. So they take him to Madrid. If you want to know what happens then, you'll have to read the book.
This is a very straightforward and simple story of a gentle giant, but it is told (accompanied by the pictures) in a very funny way. There are no ‘frills’ or modern twists or turns to it. Ferdinand only does what he wants and wins out that way, also by being calm and not letting anybody distract him.
The illustrations add detail, in particular comic detail. For example it is only through the illustrations that the reader gets an idea of how Ferdinand rampages after being stung by the bee. Without them the story and the book would not be as memorable and funny as it is. The drawings –in their detail - also capture the spirit of Spain very well.
The story is about being yourself and finding your way and not letting others put you off. It also makes a case for sticking to your guns when unexpectedly in a situation you don’t want to be in.
A classic and must for everyone.
Go find a cork tree!

The Story Of Ferdinand
I am so happy to see that this book has been reissued. I have a first edition copy, which I have been reading to my children, but it will be lovely for them to have a copy of their own. It is one of my favourite books from childhood. How can anyone not love a book which contains the line; 'Sometimes his mother, who was a cow, worried about him.'?

Lovely, Timeless, Pacifism Message and More
This is an enchanting and timeless tale, and is everything a children's book should be. The message is not simply one of peace and commitment to an ideal, but also one of basic karma, existentialist philosophy of choice and responsibility, and the need for all to follow the Golden Rule.

The Story of Ferdinand lets children know it is okay to stay true to their characters, and will encourage them to think their way out of situations, rather than muscle their way out. Ferdinand's peaceful and contented nature is something all human beings should all aspire to.

Having been stung by many bees in my youth, mainly while traipsing barefoot through clover and accidentally stepping on them, I have great sympathy for our hero and the situation he finds himself in. The realization that even small events and actions can have a tremendous impact on our lives, and everything else that surrounds us in this world, is beautifully presented in this story. How Ferdinand chooses to deal with his plight at being taken away to fight is, of course, the heart and significance of this tale. His choice of poetic action is a perfect lesson in morality and provides the lasting appeal for this book.

I recommend this classic for all ages and peoples, especially in our troubled times. It has a wonderful philosophy of life message; and even if readers choose not to apply the lesson to real life, the charming tale of Ferdinand is worth reading simply for its power to delight and entertain.

J.H. Sweet, author of The Fairy Chronicles