Our most read nighttime story lately has been "The Story of Ferdinand" by Munro Leaf. The story of the sweet bull who prefers to sit under his tree and smell the flowers rather than fight is a great lesson for little boys who learning to not fight. Graham thinks he likes to sit in the shade because it is summer and he is hot; Graham says he would rather sit in the shade, too! Rob thinks he likes the flowers because they smell good and maybe Ferdinand's mommy grows the flowers for him to smell. However, Rob wants to visit a bull ring and see a Matador (or Man-doo as he calls them). Each time we read, we find something new to like about this story.
What we parents didn't know is this 76 year old story was originally written as pacifist propaganda at the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War. It was initially banned after publication, but eventually became a "mucho" loved book published in many languages throughout the world. In schools, this text is currently being used with lessons to fight bullying. And, if you've seen The Blind Side you remember Sandra Bullock's character reads this to her children and decides Mike is Ferdinand.
For more the source of some of these tidbits and more information, visit this NYTimes article about the 75th anniversary of this adorable book we love. May you not find yourself in a bullring but under a shady tree today!
