10/06/2026
The Story of Ferdinand, written by Munro Leaf and illustrated by Robert Lawson, was first published in 1936 and has become a beloved American classic, selling more than 4 million copies in the United States.
Ferdinand is a bull who is taken to Madrid to fight in the bull fight there, but he has no interest in fighting. He would rather “sit just quietly and smell the flowers.” When Ferdinand refuses to fight, much to the disappointment of his captors, he is returned home.
During Franco’s rule in Spain, Ferdinand was banned, while in the United States it was criticized and challenged from opposite political directions—some saw it as a pro-fascist story, while others viewed it as pro-communist. Its history is a reminder that the same book can be interpreted very differently depending on the political and cultural moment—and that attempts to control what others read can come from different directions.
That’s one reason libraries matter. Libraries give readers the freedom to encounter books for themselves, explore ideas they may disagree with, and make their own judgments. The next time you visit your library, check out The Story of Ferdinand—and while you’re here, take a look at our display highlighting the 11 most challenged books of 2025.
