The Value of Sitting Quietly

I hope The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf is not a new book to you. I hope, like me, you were exposed early on to this classic children's story of a gentle bull who is mistakenly chosen to fight the matador. I loved this book as a kid. When I saw it at the library this morning, I knew it was going to be my pick for the day. It is such a simple story, but one that charms even young readers.

Ferdinand is not like his fellow bulls; instead of fighting all day he is content to sit under a tree and smell the flowers. When men come to the pasture to choose a bull for the Bull Fight, Ferdinand is stung by a bee and his violent reaction cause the men to choose him as the fiercest bull. You can guess what happens when mild Ferdinand enters the bull ring!

I like how this story teaches children the value of being yourself, following your heart, and enjoying simple pleasures. I found this site which has a list of corresponding activities you can do with your child. Instead of a craft, I chose simply to read the book with Little Page under our own "cork tree", a japanese maple out front. It was a sweet time together, enjoying a good book and the fresh air before naptime.