"The One and Only Ivan" is a touching and thought-provoking tale that will inspire readers to think about the treatment of animals and the importance of empathy and compassion.

Going back and reading the first book in the series after you have read the second and third was great. Everything that happens in this book just hits differently after you have read Bob and Ruby's perspectives and it makes it even better than the first time.
Looking forward to reading The One and Only Family when it is released May 7, 2024. ( )

An Animal Tale that makes Kids think

Should animals be kept in cages? Should they be kept in zoos? This book is based on a real "Ivan". It will provide interesting, thoughtful discussion topics for students. ( )

Loved this book! Any animal lover will enjoy it! ( )

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate and illustrated by Patricia Castelao is a Newberry Medal children’s book that will appeal to all ages. We meet a silverback gorilla named Ivan who has lived in a cage in a shopping mall for most of his life. Ivan considers himself and artist and indeed, his crayon pictures are sold for $25.00. He lives with his friends, Stella the Elephant and Bob the dog. While Ivan and Stella are part of the show that the mall puts on three times a day, Bob is a homeless dog who has taken up residency with them.

Ivan is an easygoing gorilla, mostly content with his life but when a young elephant called Ruby is brought into their midst and Stella becomes her protector, Ivan makes a promise to help Ruby get away from the mall and find a better home where she won’t be chained up and has other elephants for company. Ivan eventually comes up with a plan that sees huge changes come about for all the animals.

I absolutely loved this story and Ivan is such a memorable character. The One and Only Ivan is a wonderful book for elementary children and animal lovers of all ages. The story is narrated by Ivan and is in turns funny, sad, loving and uplifting. An absolute children’s classic! ( )