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.
Once upon a time in Spain, there was a little bull and his name was Ferdinand . . . Unlike all the other little bulls - who run, jump, and butt their heads together in fights - Ferdinand would rather sit under his favourite cork tree and smell the flowers. So what will happen when Ferdinand is picked for the bull fights in Madrid?
Beloved all over the world for its timeless message of peace, tolerance and the courage to be yourself, this truly classic story has never been out of print in the US since its release in 1936. Hitherto unpublished in the UK.
A movie based upon The Story of Ferdinand is due for release in December 2017, starring Kate McKinnon, David Tennant and Miguel Angel Silvestre.
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.
