The One and Only Ivan

Rating: 5/5

Author: Katherine Applegate

Pages: 304

Genre: Children’s Fiction

Synopsis:

First, I must say how completely wonderful this book is. Because of that, I’m afraid I’m going to give away too much. This is a book that you need to experience for yourself. I’m serious! Go out and get a copy and read! It’s a quick read despite its 304 pages. There are big gaps between paragraphs and the chapters are short and there are even a few pictures! Please do yourself a favor and read this book!

Now then, time for a brief synopsis in which I try not to give too much away.

Ivan is a silverback gorilla and has spent the majority of his life in a small domain inside the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade. Mostly, he’s content with life. He has some great friends—Stella, the elephant next door, and Bob, a stray dog who spends each night curled up on Ivan’s rather large stomach. He has his TV, plenty of his favorite treat (yogurt raisins), and his art (Ivan loves to draw and paint).

But the animals and their daily shows are losing popularity. In an attempt to save the show and his income, their owner, Mack, brings a new friend to their domain—a baby elephant named Ruby, and suddenly everything is different. It’s like Ivan’s eyes are being opened for the first time. Change is coming—there’s no doubt about that—and Ivan realizes he has the power to make it become a change for the better.

My Reaction:

There. That will do. No spoilers there.

Now, how can I convey to you just how truly magnificent this book was?

By showering it with compliments obviously.

This book is the reason that I enjoy children’s fiction. Every once in a while you get a gem of a book that is so completely golden! The sort of story with life and depth that sucks you right in from start to finish and finds a special place in your heart to curl up in and remain forever. It makes you think. It makes you smile. It makes you tear up a bit. It’s brilliant.

Yes, it really is that good. It is well deserving of the Newbery honor it received.

This book actually made me gasp and tear up multiple times. It’s such a beautiful, at times heartbreaking, story. I was so immersed in it, and I love the characters!

You truly just need to experience this book for yourself. This is one of the best books I’ve read for a long time. It’s definitely going on the “Danielle’s Most Favorite Books Ever” list.

Interesting note: Ivan is based off a real gorilla! He passed away in 2012, and the Seattle Times wrote an article about him. Read it here.

Reader Guidance:

This book has a few heart wrenching moments. Nothing overly graphic. The story deals with animals that were taken from their parents at a young age, their parents were killed, some weren’t treated super well in a circus environment.

I really don’t want to give any of the story away, but know there is mention of what is called a “claw stick” being used on animals, animals being killed or dying, and a mention of limbs of animals being cut off to be used for other things and sold.

Similar Books:

The way I felt about this book reminded me of a few other children’s books I love:

Winne the Pooh by A.A. Milne

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

Next Book:

Do you guys remember that movie Rise of Guardians that came out in like 2012? Did you know it's based off a book series? There are four books total starting with Nicholas St. North and the Nightmare King. 

I'm really curious about this series, so let's give it a go!

Please go out and read The One and Only Ivan and tell me what you think! And don't forget to send along your recommendations!