Sharon McQueen Talks about Her Fascination with The Story of Ferdinand

Picture books may come and go, but The Story of Ferdinand—a tale about a little bull who prefers to sit under a cork tree smelling flowers rather than butt heads with other bulls—is still one of the most beloved stories for kids and adults. Why has this 72-year-old story of peace and contentment by Munro Leaf and Robert Lawson been so successful and controversial? Sharon McQueen, a children's librarian and doctoral candidate at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, School of Library and Information Studies, is determined to find out in her dissertation: "The Story of the Story of Ferdinand: The Creation of a Cultural Icon." McQueen recently received the Jesse H. Shera Award for the Support of Dissertation Research.

Why is The Story of Ferdinand both successful and controversial?
Everyone's got their own opinion, their own take. I think that's why the book was controversial—due to these various interpretations and the fact that it happened to be published, and successful, during a period of widespread conflict. The book was successful because a high percentage of readers strongly identify with Ferdinand. They see him the way the author did, as an individual choosing his own path. As Munro Leaf himself said, it’s "a happy-ending story about being yourself." Also, it's funny, darn it! read more...