The Story of Ferdinand
What’s inside...
The Story of Ferdinand is a tale about a gentle bull named Ferdinand who would rather smell flowers than fight in bullfights. Ferdinand’s peaceful tendencies become a point of contention when he is selected to participate in a bullfighting event, causing much chaos and hilarity. A true classic with a timeless message! 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. So what will happen when our pacifist hero is picked for the bullfights in Madrid? This new edition contains the complete original text of the story and the original illustrations.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
72 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Ferdinand likes to sit quietly and smell the flowers, instead of running and playing with the other bulls?
How did Ferdinand react when he was in the bullring? What would you have done if you were in his place?
What can we learn from Ferdinand about being true to ourselves?
How do Ferdinand's mother and the other animals react to his choices? What does this tell us about understanding and acceptance?
If you could speak to Ferdinand, what would you ask him or say to him?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by discussing the favorite scene of your child in the book and explore their feelings and thoughts about it.
Use open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no response to encourage deeper thinking and expression.
Relate Ferdinand's experiences to your child’s own experiences of feeling different or standing out.
Encourage your child to think about how the story might have changed if Ferdinand had made different decisions.
Discuss the importance of individuality and the strength it takes to maintain it in the face of peer pressure.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of non-conformity
Explanation: Ferdinand the bull is different from other bulls - instead of fighting, he prefers sitting quietly and smelling flowers. His peaceful nature sets him apart.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace their unique traits and interests, even if they differ from those of their peers.
Example Lesson: The importance of pacifism
Explanation: Ferdinand chooses not to fight even when he is placed in the bullfighting arena, demonstrating his commitment to peace.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to handle conflicts without aggression and to value peaceful solutions.
Example Lesson: Being true to oneself
Explanation: Despite external pressures, Ferdinand remains true to his nature, proving that personal happiness comes from staying true to oneself.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn the importance of self-identity and making choices that align with their personal values and happiness.
Example Lesson: The risks of assumptions
Explanation: People assume Ferdinand is fierce because he's a bull, but his actions prove otherwise. This highlights the danger of stereotyping.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the importance of not judging others based on appearances or assumptions.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: Ferdinand's story promotes acceptance and understanding among characters with different viewpoints and characteristics.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to appreciate and respect the differences in others, promoting inclusivity and empathy in social interactions.