Gordon the Goat

by Munro Leaf

A young goat who blindly follows the herd is caught up in a Texas twister

Genres: Fiction, Childrens, Picture Books

46 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Wilbur Monroe Leaf AKA Munro Leaf, author and illustrator of dozens of children’s books.

He is best remembered for his signature character, Ferdinand, the Spanish bull who preferred smelling flowers to fighting in a ring in Spain. Composed in less than an hour one Sunday afternoon in 1935, the book sparked controversy. With the Spanish Civil War raging, political critics charged that it was a satirical attack on aggression. In Germany, the book was burned; in India, Ghandi called it his favorite. Even today, Ferdinand continues to charm children around the world—the story has been translated into over 60 languages.

Reviews

[Prabhat sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gordon the Goat by Munro Leaf- Hindi language presentation by Arvind Gupta- Children’s Illustrated Colour Picture Book- The book narrates the story of Gordon, a male goat who resides in a fenced barn with other goats. Like other goats, Gordon also likes to eat leaves of shrubs. When moving out of the barn, if Gordon finds clothes drying on a line, he tries to eat them. Among goats, there are leaders. Members of the goat group follow them. Gordon also does not lead but he follows. Today, the group of walking towards a hill to find a pasture. Gordon is on the end of the queue.They reach an open area with little grass. Gordon tastes the weeds and finds it tasteless. He feels giddy. Just then, they view a tornado moving towards them. Leader moves towards the tornado and they are blown in the strong wind. They flow and fall. All are hurt, their bones pain. Now, Gordon takes a decision. He will not blindly follow the leader. He will take a decision on the situation. Coloured illustrations help the reader to relate to the narrative. I have read the Hindi language translation of this book.

[booklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Children's story about a goat who learns to make up his own mind and not be a blind follower.

[Karen Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a children's classic I have read many, many times and this past weekend (March 22, 2008) read it again - aloud - for my four grandchildren (and their parents!). Just try to find a nice copy at an affordable price: it's impossible! The publisher should do another printing of this little jewel!

[Sally · Rating 2 out of 5]

Moral of the story is: don't be a follower, or you might be sucked up into a tornado, or at the very least, eat untasty weeds.