Ferdinand the Bull was created by Munro Leaf, with illustrations by Robert Lawson, as the titular character of the children's book 'The Story of Ferdinand' published in 1936.
The children's book 'The Story of Ferdinand' was first published by Viking Press in 1936, introducing Ferdinand to the world as a gentle bull who prefers smelling flowers over fighting in bullfights.
Walt Disney Studios released an animated short film adaptation of 'Ferdinand the Bull' in 1938 which won the Academy Award for Best Short Subject (Cartoons).
20th Century Fox released a full-length animated feature film titled 'Ferdinand', based on the character created by Munro Leaf, introducing the character to a new generation.