The Story of Ferdinand - by Munro Leaf
If you’ve ever been to a bullfight, it’s possible this book may make you think of it, and cry. Bullfights are violent. This story is about a bull that would rather sit and smell the flowers than fight.
Our whole family enjoys reading classic children’s books, especially of this vintage (published in 1936). This one is a particular favorite right now, both for its beautiful illustrations of cows (we’re remarkable cows!), and for the great story.
What I like about this story is the lesson that being different isn’t just okay- it’s actually good and important. The other cows all want to fight, but Ferdinand would rather not, which saves him in the happy ending. There are other good lessons along the way for parents as well. Ferdinand’s mom learns not to fret about him just because he likes being alone. Ferdinand learns not to sit down on a bee. And we all learn that machismo is silly when the matador cries.
This book is great, but it might be best for kids who are either young enough not to think about what happens when the Bandarilleros and Picadores and Matador “stick” the bull with various sharp things. Or kids who are old enough to understand and process it.
Plus it’s only four bucks on Amazon.
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