Rating: 
Summary: One for the ages
Review: "Ferdinand" is one of the best-loved children's books of all time, and with good reason. This timeless tale of a little bull in Spain who doesn't mind being different from the rest of the herd strikes an instant chord in youngsters and oldsters alike. Ferdinand is a gentle creature who would rather sit around and smell the flowers than butt his way through life; but when he planks himself down one day on a bumblebee, he gets a jolt that propels him into the bullring in Madrid. The story is funny and endearing, and the illustrations are hilarious. Generations of preschoolers have loved this book, and it looks good for generations to come.
Rating:
Summary: One for the ages
Review: "Ferdinand" is one of the best-loved children's books of all time, and with good reason. This timeless tale of a little bull in Spain who doesn't mind being different from the rest of the herd strikes an instant chord in youngsters and oldsters alike. Ferdinand is a gentle creature who would rather sit around and smell the flowers than butt his way through life; but when he planks himself down one day on a bumblebee, he gets a jolt that propels him into the bullring in Madrid. The story is funny and endearing, and the illustrations are hilarious. Generations of preschoolers have loved this book, and it looks good for generations to come.
Rating:
Summary: Smell the Flowers
Review: A lasting story. I now find myself describing my contemplative one year old..."he'd rather just sit and smell the flowers".
Rating:
Summary: Sweet story but not for babies as suggested
Review: Ferdinand is a pacifist who enjoys sitting under a tree smelling the flowers. He is completely uninterested in fighting and when the local bullfighters come out the field to find fighting bulls, they ignore Ferdinand....until Ferdinand is stung by a bee and puts on a show that impresses the matadors. Ferdinand is taken to the arena for a bullfight; however, he refuses to fight and is returned to the field. The matadors have all the gory swords which are not used in the book. My 3 year old son wanted to know why there were swords which presented an interesting dilemma. In my opinion, this book is not for children who are younger than 3. As stated above, 3 year olds need a lot of careful explanation about the story. They do not need to know why and how the swords are used. The violence of the bullfight is not central to this story. Ferndinand's character and his refusal to fight is. This is a beautiful story that your child will enjoy.
Rating: 
Summary: Bees!
Review: Ferdinand, a nice bull, has a run in with a bee. A tiny little bee... with a BIG sting! When Ferdinand gets stung, he acts the way we all envision bulls acting. Everyone thinks he could fight in the ring, but he is happiest smelling flowers.As a person who hates bees, and certainly did as a young boy, I can understand the reaction Ferdinand has. Youch! As much as I love the book, it does leave off the horrid reality about bullfighting, how bulls are tortured and killed. As a kids' book, maybe it shouldn't, but hopefully, children get fooled into thinking bullfighting is just a game. Hence, my rating is only four stars. Read it to your child, and explain what bullfighting it. At the very least, Ferdinand makes it clear he'd rather play in a meadow.
Rating:
Summary: Peace, Contentment, Pacifist, and Priorities
Review: Four words best discribe this wonderful book and they are peace, contentment, pacifist, and priorities. And in a day and age of school shootings I wonder what would happen if we made sure this book was read by all children and then discussed. It is a wonderful book for teaching that some creatures including some people are peaceful and do not need much less seek fights. That when we are "stung" we may get mad but that we do not need to take it to the next step where we hurt, harm or kill. That we all have tempers but that we also can learn to make wise choices and develop sound priorities. The book is interesting because it does teach something about the culture or history of bull fighting, as well as the fact that just because something has always been done doesn't mean it should or need continue. I would caution that this is a book that a parent/caregiver needs to not just read but also discuss. Children may have some serious questions about bull fighting and the whole kill and die aspect. Just because a book has a good ending etc doesn't mean that questions in the middle of the book are not still there, and need to be answered.
Rating:
Summary: Story of Ferdinand
Review: I enjoy the book itself and my nephew loves this book and he would not put it down until you read it to him twice before he goes to sleep. I myself enjoy this book because I can visually really good with this story and wondering if all animals are like Ferdinand.
Rating:
Summary: A book to grow up with
Review: I grew up reading this book over and over. Now my children are old enough to enjoy this heartwarming story that reinforces the importance of individuality. Basically, it showed me that it's ok to be different some times. I still read it when I feel life is like being in a bull ring and everyone is out to get me. It helps me find the tranquility within.
Rating:
Summary: Still super after all these years...
Review: I had this book when I was little (now 43) and it is still wonderfull. My 5 year old son loves it. The drawings are funny...black and white, and very witty. The peaceful ending is great for a bed-time finale. Thanks!
Rating:
Summary: perennial favorite
Review: I have my father's copy which is now over 65 years old...and to this day that picture of Ferninand getting stung by a bee on his bum never fails to make me guffaw. I ordered a copy for a friend with a little boy about 5 years old, and he absolutely loves it. The whole project was executed beautifully, from the story line to the artfully placed drawings that are detailed, evocative and humorous. Ferninand is from another time -- it's about self-discovery, the deception of appearances, acceptance, and sitting under that cork tree just smelling the flowers. This book deserves more stars than just five.
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