The Story of Ferdinand

Author: Munro Leaf

Title: The Story of Ferdinand

Illustrator: Robert Lawson

Genre:  Picture Book, Fiction

Subgenre: Culture, Classic

Theme: Kindness, Peace

Primary and Secondary Characters: Ferdinand, Mother Cow, Banderilleros, Picadores, Matador

Awards: ABA Indies Choice Book Award Nominee

Publishing Company: Puffin Books

Date of Publication: Original Publication January 1, 1936/ Published in Picture Puffins 1977

Brief Summary and How to Use With Students:

                This literary classic is sure to captivate the heart of any child. While all the other bulls wanted to fight Ferdinand would sit by his favorite cork tree and smell the flowers. This story delivers the timeless message that it is okay to be different and to always be yourself.

                The Story of Ferdinand is a great book to use as an introductory book into meeting Tennessee Kindergarten and First Grade Cultural Content State Standards. It also is a good pick to read for boys. My brother, who is a third grader, let me read this book to him because he remembered hearing it read during the movie Blind Side and while reading enjoyed the illustrations. More importantly, it can be used to teach students that they are perfect just the way they are!

K.1.01 Understand the diversity of human cultures.

a. Identify personal attributes, such as physical characteristics, that are common to all

people such as physical characteristics.

b. Identify differences among people.

c. Recognize how individuals learn to do skills and customs from their culture.

d. Recognize all cultures have family units where decisions are made.

K.1.02 Discuss cultures and human patterns of places and regions of the world.

a. Understand that some differences among people are a result of their culture.

b. Identify similarities and differences in food, clothes, homes, games, and families in

different cultures.

c. Explain how means of transportation may be diversified in different cultures in response

to the environment.

d. Compare family customs and traditions among cultures.

e. Describe customs of the local community.

K.1.03 Recognize the contributions that individuals and people of various ethnic, racial,

religious, and socioeconomic groups have made to the development of civilizations.

a. Recognize contributions of different cultures around the world.

b. Explain the value of family traditions and customs.

1.1.01 Understand the diversity of human cultures.

a. Recognize that culture is learned behavior that includes customs, beliefs, rules,

life ways, language, food, and clothing,

b. Recognize people learn customs from their culture,

c. explain the culture of the family and community,

d. Recognize people use diverse languages to communicate with one another.

1.1.02 Discuss cultures and human patterns of places and regions of the world.

a. Define multiculturalism,

b. Explain the culture of a place,

c. Describe the importance of diverse beliefs, customs, and traditions of families.

1.1.03 Recognize the contributions of individuals and people of various ethnic, racial,

religious, and socioeconomic groups to the development of civilizations.

a. Understand individual differences in languages, beliefs, and customs that may be

unique to one's culture.

b. Retell stories from diversely selected folktales, myths, and legends.