Ferdinand the Bull Gets 90th Anniversary Exhibition at The Carle

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts, will host "Under the Cork Tree: The Story of Ferdinand" from May 9 to November 8, 2026, celebrating the 90th anniversary of Munro Leaf and Robert Lawson's classic children's book. Guest curator Jane Bayard Curley organized the exhibition, which includes original drawings by Lawson, Leaf's manuscript, materials from Walt Disney Studio's 1938 Academy Award-winning animated adaptation, related merchandise, and a contemporary artwork inspired by Ferdinand. The show explores the origins of the pacifist bull who became an icon of peace and self-determination. Curley noted Ferdinand's relevance in today's world, calling him "a touchstone" who embodies peaceful life and staying true to oneself. The museum expressed excitement to share the anniversary with lifelong fans and new readers.