Finding Peace in the Pages: A Mom’s Journey with The Story of Ferdinand
As a busy mom, bedtime sometimes feels like a sprint more than a routine, especially when my children are stalling instead of snuggling in. Just the other night, after a hectic day of juggling work, dinner, and bath time chaos, we finally settled down with some storytime. In a moment of nostalgia, I reached for The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf, curious if it would resonate differently with my little ones than it did with my younger self. After all, who couldn’t benefit from a gentle reminder about being true to themselves?
The Story of Ferdinand tells the tale of a peace-loving bull who would rather smell flowers than fight in the bullring. When the other young bulls engage in playful antics, Ferdinand quietly watches, choosing to savor the simple joy around him. The plot is straightforward but carries weighty themes of individuality and pacifism, making it rich for discussion. My five-year-old, with his wild imagination, was immediately taken by Ferdinand’s choice to embrace his true nature instead of conforming to expectations. “Mom, he just wants to be happy!” he exclaimed, and that innocent wisdom took my breath away.
What truly captivated us were the delightful illustrations. The art is whimsical and charming, a beautiful blend of vibrant colors that invite laughter and wonder. We laughed together as we turned pages, especially when Ferdinand gets stung by the bumblebee—an unexpected moment of comic relief that had us giggling. My younger child, always keen on animals, was completely enthralled, pointing out each character’s unique details, like the different hats worn by the men selecting bulls. It led to a fun little research session about different types of hats, turning our reading time into an enriching exploration.
Of course, as we read, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own childhood. I vividly remembered my younger self finding this story dull, yet now, when shared with my kids, its messages felt remarkably relevant. It sparked a conversation about the importance of embracing who you truly are, a lesson I wish I had learned earlier. “Can you be a bull and not want to fight?” my child queried, his chubby little face scrunched in concentration. I nodded, realizing how different their perceptions are from mine at their age.
At the end of our reading, I found myself recommending The Story of Ferdinand not just for its pacifist themes but as an encouragement for young readers to stand firm in their identities. I believe it resonates best with kids aged 4 to 8—especially those who may feel a little different from their peers. This is a book that offers not just a one-time read but a comforting familiarity that we’ll return to again.
The Story of Ferdinand has found a spot on our shelf as a gentle family favorite, a reminder to embrace peace and individuality in our busy household. As we navigate the beautiful chaos of parenthood, it’s valuable to take a moment, just like Ferdinand, to pause, breathe, and simply enjoy the flowers around us.
