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.
A true classic with a timeless message, The Story of Ferdinand has enchanted readers since it was first published in 1936. All the other bulls would run and jump and butt their heads together. But Ferdinand would rather sit and smell the flowers. And he does just that, until the day a bumblebee and some men from the Madrid bullfights give gentle Ferdinand a chance to be the most ferocious star of the corrida-and the most unexpected comic hero. This cherished hardcover is perfect for those who love Ferdinand, and those who have yet to meet him.
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.
