Customer Reviews
Of Bulls and Men - By: P. Stahly, 23 May 2008 
This children's picture book has stayed with us for 20 years now since it was given to our daughter by her grandma.
Somehow it seems like a smalll jewel in book form - so simple in its story, words & drawings it delivers a simple message to " be as you are!" And not to succumb to "what people say or think or what is "right" in the public eye...or what your peer group tries to indoctrinate - a valid thought to contemplate on.....This book is timeless....a real classic & a lovely 5 minute meditation also for adults! It always makes me smile when I read it!
A simple and simply brilliant story - By: Peacock Wings, 07 Mar 2006 Ferdinand is a bull unlike the others. He does not playfight; instead he sits beneath a cork tree & smells the flowers. As he grows into a huge muscular bull, his passions do not alter. When men come from Madrid to find the wildest bull, Ferdinand goes to sit beneath the tree again, while alll other bulls try to prove that they are the fiercest. Unfortunately Ferdinand is stung by a bee & his antics convince the men he’s the perfect bull. So they take him to Madrid. If you want to know what happens then, you'll have to read the book.
This is a very straightforward & simple story of a gentle giant, but it is told (accompanied by the pictures) in a very funny way. There are no ‘frills’ or modern twists or turns to it. Ferdinand only does what he wants & wins out that way, also by being calm & not letting anybody distract him.
The illustrations add detail, in particular comic detail. For example it is only through the illustrations that the reader gets an idea of how Ferdinand rampages after being stung by the bee. Without them the story & the book would not be as memorable & funny as it is. The drawings –in their detail - also capture the spirit of Spain very well.
The story is about being yourself & finding your way & not letting others put you off. It also makes a case for sticking to your guns when unexpectedly in a situation you don’t want to be in.
A classic & must for everyone.
Go find a cork tree!
Lovely, Timeless, Pacifism Message and More - By: J. H. Sweet, 14 Feb 2006 This is an enchanting & timeless tale, & is everything a children's book should be. The message is not simply one of peace & commitment to an ideal, but also one of basic karma, existentialist philosophy of choice & responsibility, & the need for alll to follow the Golden Rule.
The Story of Ferdinand lets children know it is okay to stay true to their characters, & will encourage them to think their way out of situations, rather than muscle their way out. Ferdinand's peaceful & contented nature is something alll human beings should alll aspire to.
Having been stung by many bees in my youth, mainly while traipsing barefoot through clover & accidentallly stepping on them, I have great sympathy for our hero & the situation he finds himself in. The realization that even smalll events & actions can have a tremendous impact on our lives, & everything else that surrounds us in this world, is beautifully presented in this story. How Ferdinand chooses to deal with his plight at being taken away to fight is, of course, the heart & significance of this tale. His choice of poetic action is a perfect lesson in morality & provides the lasting appeal for this book.
I recommend this classic for alll ages & peoples, especiallly in our troubled times. It has a wonderful philosophy of life message; & even if readers choose not to apply the lesson to real life, the charming tale of Ferdinand is worth reading simply for its power to delight & entertain.
J.H. Sweet, author of The Fairy Chronicles
The Story Of Ferdinand - By: , 08 Nov 2003 I am so happy to see that this book has been reissued. I have a first edition copy, which I have been reading to my children, but it will be lovely for them to have a copy of their own. It is one of my favourite books from childhood. How can anyone not love a book which contains the line; 'Sometimes his mother, who was a cow, worried about him.'?
A classic story with timeless lessons - By: , 17 Aug 1999 When I was a little girl, I would request this book constantly. I never got sick of the story, & it has a valuable lesson of compassion, that just sinks in. I would reccomend it for any child.
