Little Egret and Toro

by Robert Vavra, Robert Vavra

A book about friendship and loyalty, Little Egret and Toro is the touching and inspiring story of a cattle egret and the fighting bull who saves his life — after which, years later, Little Egret is able to return the favor. The egret warns the bull that he will wind up in the butcher shop if he goes into the bullring, so when he does fight, the bird devises a plan to save him.

Genres: Picture Books

60 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1974

Reviews

[Prabhat sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Egret and Toro by Robert Vavra, Illustrator John Fulton- Children’s Illustrated Motivational & Educative Black & white Picture Book- The book narrates the story of a little white Egret and a Buffalo who resided in South Spain. (1) In Spain, Bull Fighting is the national game. Bull fighters travel to forests and find young Buffaloes whom they prepare to fight. (2) Egrets eats the fleas and gnats which are parasites which suck the blood of the Buffalo. (3) One day, when mother egret was away, a fox attacked the nest of an Egret. The Buffalo ran and chased the fox away. Egret thanked him and said that he will return his benevolent act. (4) They became friends and Egret shared the story of what he saw during his flying trips. Egret informed Toro that no buffalo comes out alive from a bull fighting ring. Pieces of his body are hung on the shop of a butcher, (5) When hunters attempted to catch Toro, Egret tried to help but still Toro and prepared for a bull fight. (6) An old buffalo informed the Egret that if the President and members of the Bull fight raises his white handkerchief, that bull is returned for safe living. (7) Door of the fighting ring was opened and Toro entered. Bull fighters called Matadors pulled out their swords. (8) Women had arrived in the stadium wearing their black dress. (9) Band started playing and the Trumpet was blown. (10) Egret devices a plan. She flew to his group of Egrets, invited them to fly with him. (10) The President was old and his eyes could not see properly. (11) He thought that all members have raised their white handkerchief, so he also raised his white handkerchief indicating that this Toro be sent back to the jungle. Thus the Egret returned the favour to Toro. This an educative story. Coloured illustrations help the reader to relate to the story. I have read the Hindi language translation of this book.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most beautiful black and white detailed illustrations accompany the outstanding story of love and friendship.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this old-fashioned (because it IS old) story of friendship between an egret and a bull. I'm a sucker for this kind of picture book. I'd like to have some framed prints of these illustrations to decorate the bare walls of our house.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

The straight-ahead illustration in black pen, surrounded generously with the white of the page, was very satisfying. The story focuses on the life-changing value of friendship. Linear story doesn't quite succeed at pulling the reader into the experience of the characters.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would work as a good read-aloud for older kids... 7 & up.

[Mercy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Makes me think of a more mature Ferdinand