The Story of Ferdinand (Storytapes)

Rating:
Summary: Best ever story book for young children
Review: This was one of my very favorite books as a child. Parents with young children would do well to read this book to them. It is the story of a young bull (Ferdinand) who learns to stay true to his own unique self. While all the other bulls all want to be mean and fierce, Ferdinand instead is a gentle and loving soul. Yet the situation comes where people try to force Ferdinand to comply. Ferdinand is taken to fight in the bull fights! Will he be faithful to himself, or will he go along with the crowds? Yes, there are deep morality questions and ethics here) Indeed, both parents and children will be touched by the timeless message of hope and strength that is Ferdinand. It truly is a book that children need to know and model.

Rating:
Summary: Shocking and inappropriate for young children
Review: Upon reading this book, I found it to be very shocking and inappropriate for young children. My students thought it to be a "bad story." They "did not like it because the men wanted to hurt Ferdinand. They wanted to keep sticking him with spears and a sword." My students asked me to stop reading the story because they felt very sad.

Rating:
Summary: A classic story with timeless lessons
Review: When I was a little girl, I would request this book constantly. I never got sick of the story, and it has a valuable lesson of compassion, that just sinks in. I would reccomend it for any child.

Rating:
Summary: Ferdinand, my friend for 30 years
Review: When I was six years old I took this book out of the school library for 12 weeks straight. That Christmas my mother gave me my own copy and I've had it ever since. Nine days ago my first child (a son) was born and today I am ordering him his own copy of Ferdinand. The handsome and placid bull will be in our house forever. p.s. Mike Mulligan and Maryanne are joining Ferdinand on my boy's shelf. It, too, will be read often and with great enthusiasm.

Rating:
Summary: Marching To A Different Drummer
Review: Written in 1936 this beautiful story of Ferdinand, a gentle calf that grows into a very large but peace-loving bull has enchanted millions of people and continues to do so to this day.
Robert Lawson of Rabbit Hill fame has done a great job with the black and white drawings of Ferdinand and his surroundings, filled with humorous details of the Spanish bull-fighting world.
Monro Leaf's tale shows what happens when a bumble bee's sting brings Ferdinand, unexpectedly to the attention of the bull ring scouts.
This book is always one of the first ones I buy for new babies among our family and friends. It's a true classic. Enjoy this sweet message about being yourself and make Ferdinand a friend for life.