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The Story of Ferdinand
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The Story of Ferdinand Paperback - 1977

by Munro Leaf; Robert Lawson (Illustrator)

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Published over 50 years ago, The Story of Ferdinand is one of the bestselling children's books of all time, and the bull who preferred sitting under the cork tree and smelling flowers to fighting has become a hero to generations of children.

About this book


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? 

The first print run by Viking Press sold 14,000 copies at $1 each. The following year sales increased to 68,000, and by 1938 it was selling 3,000 copies a week - outselling Gone with the Wind (which had won the Pulitzer in 1937). The story is often seen as a political symbol, and was banned in many countries including Spain. Hitler ordered it to be burned in Germany, and after the Germans were defeated in WWII 30,000 copies were printed and handed out to German children as symbols of peace.
-

Summary


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 with watercolor tones added.

Reader reviews for The Story of Ferdinand

From the publisher

A true classic with a timeless message!

One of The Atlantic's 65 Essential Children's Books

All the other bulls run, jump, and butt their heads together in fights. Ferdinand, on the other hand, would rather sit and smell the flowers. So what will happen when Ferdinand is picked for the bullfights in Madrid?

The Story of Ferdinand has inspired, enchanted, and provoked readers ever since it was first published in 1936 for its message of nonviolence and pacifism. In WWII times, Adolf Hitler ordered the book burned in Nazi Germany, while Joseph Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union, granted it privileged status as the only non-communist children's book allowed in Poland.

The preeminent leader of Indian nationalism and civil rights, Mahatma Gandhi--whose nonviolent and pacifistic practices went on to inspire Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr.--even called it his favorite book.

The story was adapted by Walt Disney into a short animated film entitled Ferdinand the Bull in 1938. Ferdinand the Bull won the 1938 Academy Award for Best Short Subject (Cartoons).

First line

Once upon a time in Spain there was a little bull and his name was Ferdinand.

First edition identification

-A signed first edition sold for $16,500 in 2014, and unsigned can list for $10,000. First editions state "First Published September 1936 on copyright page -

Details

  • Title The Story of Ferdinand
  • Author Munro Leaf; Robert Lawson (Illustrator)
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition Later Printing
  • Pages 72
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Puffin Books, New York, New York, U.S.A.
  • Publication date 1977-06-30
  • Illustrated Yes
  • Features Illustrated
  • ISBN 9780140502343 / 0140502343
  • Weight 0.43 lbs (0.20 kg)
  • Dimensions 8.96 x 7.23 x 0.19 in (22.76 x 18.36 x 0.48 cm)
  • Age range 03 to 05 years
  • Grade levels P - K
  • Reading level 760
  • Category Children's Books/Baby-Preschool
  • Library of Congress subjects Bulls
  • Library of Congress Catalogue Number 77071234
  • Dewey Decimal Code E

Media reviews

Citations

  • People Weekly, 12/24/2007, Page 60

About the author

Wilbur Monroe Leaf (aka Munro Leaf) (1905-1976) was an American author of children's literature who wrote and illustrated many books during his long career. His books were illustrated by a number of famous artists, including Ludwig Bemelmans, Robert Lawson, and Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss). He is best known for The Story of Ferdinand (1936).

Robert Lawson (1892-1957) received his art training at the New York School of Fine and Applied Arts. His favorite medium, pen and ink, is used expressively and with detail in his black and white illustrations in The Story of Ferdinand (by Munro Leaf). In addition to illustrating many children's books, including Mr. Popper's Penguins, Robert Lawson also wrote and illustrated a number of his own books for children. In 1940, he was awarded the Caldecott Medal for his picture book illustrations in They Were Strong and Good and in 1944, he was awarded the Newbery Medal for his middle grade novel Rabbit Hill.

More Copies for Sale

The Story of Ferdinand (Picture Puffins)
Stock photo: cover may vary

The Story of Ferdinand (Picture Puffins)

by Leaf, Munro

  • Used
  • Good
  • Paperback
Condition
Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140502343 / 0140502343
Quantity available
2
Seller
Item price
A$1.91
A$5.77 Delivery to USA

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Description:
Puffin Books, 6/30/1977 12:00:01 A. paperback. Good. 0.1575 in x 8.8189 in x 7.2441 in.
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Item price
A$1.91
A$5.77 Delivery to USA
The Story of Ferdinand (Picture Puffins)
Stock photo: cover may vary

The Story of Ferdinand (Picture Puffins)

by Leaf, Munro

  • Used
Condition
Used
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140502343 / 0140502343
Quantity available
1
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Item price
A$3.60
A$4.34 Delivery to USA

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Description:
Puffin Books. Used - Very Good. A bright, square, and overall a nice copy
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Item price
A$3.60
A$4.34 Delivery to USA
The Story of Ferdinand (Picture Puffins)
Stock photo: cover may vary

The Story of Ferdinand (Picture Puffins)

by Leaf, Munro

  • Used
Condition
Used
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140502343 / 0140502343
Quantity available
1
Seller
Item price
A$3.60
A$4.34 Delivery to USA

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Description:
Puffin Books. Used - Good. A sound copy with only light wear. Overall a solid copy at a great price!
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A$3.60
A$4.34 Delivery to USA
The Story of Ferdinand
Stock photo: cover may vary

The Story of Ferdinand

by Munro Leaf; Robert Lawson [Illustrator]

  • Used
  • Good
  • Paperback
Condition
Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140502343 / 0140502343
Quantity available
2
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Item price
A$7.74
Free Delivery to USA

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Description:
Puffin Books, 1977-06-30. Paperback. Good. 8x7x0.
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Item price
A$7.74
Free Delivery to USA
The Story of Ferdinand
Stock photo: cover may vary

The Story of Ferdinand

by Munro Leaf; Robert Lawson [Illustrator]

  • Used
  • Good
  • Paperback
Condition
Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140502343 / 0140502343
Quantity available
1
Seller
Item price
A$7.74
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Puffin Books, 1977-06-30. Paperback. Good. 8x7x0.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$7.74
Free Delivery to USA
The Story of Ferdinand
Stock photo: cover may vary

The Story of Ferdinand

by Munro Leaf; Robert Lawson [Illustrator]

  • Used
  • Good
  • Paperback
Condition
Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140502343 / 0140502343
Quantity available
1
Seller
Item price
A$7.74
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Puffin Books, 1977-06-30. Paperback. Good. 8x7x0.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$7.74
Free Delivery to USA
The Story of Ferdinand
Stock photo: cover may vary

The Story of Ferdinand

by Munro Leaf; Robert Lawson [Illustrator]

  • Used
  • Acceptable
  • Paperback
Condition
Acceptable
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140502343 / 0140502343
Quantity available
2
Seller
Item price
A$7.74
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Puffin Books, 1977-06-30. Paperback. Acceptable. 8x7x0.
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Item price
A$7.74
Free Delivery to USA
The Story of Ferdinand
Stock photo: cover may vary

The Story of Ferdinand

by Munro Leaf; Robert Lawson [Illustrator]

  • Used
  • Acceptable
  • Paperback
Condition
Acceptable
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140502343 / 0140502343
Quantity available
1
Seller
Item price
A$7.74
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Puffin Books, 1977-06-30. Paperback. Acceptable. 8x7x0.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$7.74
Free Delivery to USA
The Story of Ferdinand (Picture Puffins)
Stock photo: cover may vary

The Story of Ferdinand (Picture Puffins)

by Leaf, Munro

  • Used
  • Very good
Condition
Very good
Edition
Kids Edition
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140502343 / 0140502343
Quantity available
1
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Item price
A$8.86
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Description:
Puffin Books. Kids Edition. Very Good. It's a well-cared-for item that has seen limited use. The item may show minor signs of wear. All the text is legible, with all pages included. It may have slight markings and/or highlighting.
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Item price
A$8.86
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The Story of Ferdinand

The Story of Ferdinand

by Leaf, Munro

  • Used
  • Good
  • Paperback
Condition
Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140502343 / 0140502343
Quantity available
161
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Item price
A$9.38
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Description:
Puffin Books, 1977. Paperback. Good. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
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Item price
A$9.38
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