A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month September 2017
The US classic picture book about a bull who would rather sit under the cork tree and smell the flowers than fight in the bullring makes a welcome re-appearance in this attractive edition. The story, and the original illustration by award-winning US illustrator Robert Lawson, offer a thoughtful commentary on expectations of how bulls – and boys – should behave. And, with the backdrop of the bullfight, it looks at how cruelly animals are treated.
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).
Wilbur Monroe Leaf (aka Munro Leaf) (1905-1976) was an American author of children's literature who wrote and illustrated many books during his long career. His books were illustrated by a number of famous artists, including Ludwig Bemelmans, Robert Lawson, and Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss).Robert Lawson (1892-1957) received his art training at the New York School of Fine and Applied Arts. In addition to illustrating many children's books, including Mr. Popper's Penguins, Robert Lawson also wrote and illustrated a number of his own books for children. In 1940, he was awarded the Caldecott Medal for his picture book illustrations in They Were Strong and Good and in 1944, he was awarded the Newbery Medal for his middle grade novel Rabbit Hill.