In the 1930s, dictatorial governments come into power in a number of European countries. In Italy, Benito Mussolini becomes the fascist ruler of the land, while in Germany, Adolf Hitler seizes power. In Spain, a brutal and bloody civil war is fought between nationalist forces under General Francisco Franco and communist armies. The bloodbath in Spain ends with the victory of Franco’s forces.
But all the fighting has left people yearning for peace and tranquility. Into this politically charged situation, American author Munro Leaf writes one of the most touching books of the decade. It is illustrated by the great artist/writer, Robert Lawson. The name of this important book is "The Story of Ferdinand."
Ferdinand is a young bull calf running across the pastures of his native Spain. All the other calves want to become famous in the bullring in Madrid and constantly practice banging their heads together and trying to stomp the other calves. Oddly, Ferdinand has little interest in these games, or in becoming a famous bull in Spain. Each day he meanders up the hill to his favorite cork tree and lies down. Up in the fresh breezes, he can smell all the beautiful fragrances of the flowers in the meadows. He lies in the shade, enjoying himself full of peace and tranquility. Below him, the other young bulls continue attacking each other with ferocity.
As time passes, Ferdinand grows into a massive, powerful bull. He looks like he could knock down any bull in the country, but his gentle nature surpasses his great strength and he passes his days smelling the flowers and enjoying life. One day a group of fighting-bull buyers comes to the farm where Ferdinand lives. They are impressed with the strength and savagery of the bulls in the lower pasture. They look up and see Ferdinand smelling the flowers and are about to forget him when a sentinel event occurs. Ferdinand sits down on top of a bumblebee and is stung. The pain causes him to jump up and run violently around the farm. The bull buyers see this and are very impressed. Now here is a ferocious bull! They quickly decide to buy him for the bullring in Madrid.
Ferdinand is placed in a cart and transported to Madrid. All the beautiful ladies see him being taken to the bullring and become enamored with the bull. They place lovely, fragrant flowers in their hair, as is the Spanish custom, and eagerly look forward to seeing Ferdinand in the bullring.
As the bullfight begins, the matador and other bullfighters taunt Ferdinand. But suddenly the fragrance of the flowers flows over the bullring. Now Ferdinand is interested and the bullfight suddenly changes.
What does Ferdinand do? Why do his actions cause so much admiration and animosity? Is smelling the flowers more important than fighting and killing? What is the final result, and what happens to Ferdinand? To find out, go to the library and check out this charming book, "The Story of Ferdinand" by Munro Leaf.
"The Story of Ferdinand" was one of the most controversial books of the mid-1930s. Ferdinand’s desire for peace and his disavowal of violence created anger. The book was attacked in both Spain and Germany. Of course when one of your main enemies is Adolph Hitler, you must be doing something right. Robert Lawson, the illustrator of the story, later became a famous children’s writer with the Newbery Award-winning book, "Rabbit Hill." Munro Leaf wrote dozens of children’s book over his storied career and made a substantial contribution to the field of children’s literature. I hope you take the opportunity to read this delightful story. It brought numerous smiles to my face, and I’m sure it will for you as well. Enjoy!
