The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

Reviewed by Lori

The One and Only Ivan

Title: The One and Only Ivan

Author: Katherine Applegate
(Illustrations by Patricia Castelao)

Perma-Bound Catalogue #: 57635

Description: Based on a true story, the book tells of Ivan, a captive gorilla who uses art to bridge the gap between his cage and the outside world.

2013 Newberry Award Winner

Rubric Rating: Level 4: Love it


Why I Read It: That cover is just adorable.  A quick flip put this book on the top of my reading pile.


Lori's Notes: Ivan, a silverback gorilla, lives in a mall zoo with several other animals.  When a young elephant, Ruby, arrives to help increase traffic (and therefore sales) to the mall, Ivan becomes her surrogate guardian.  Not able to communicate effectively with the humans around him, Ivan uses art to help rescue Ruby and in turn himself.  The cast of characters is rounded out with matronly elephant Stella, Bob the stray dog, and Julia the caretaker's daughter who is a kindred artist.  A fantastic fast read.  It's both heart warming and sad.  The chapters are short and there are many moments of humour throughout the book - especially with the gorilla's voice as narrator.

Recommended Readers:  Everybody.  This novel has a broad range of appeal.  It would make a fantastic read aloud for younger readers.  With its quick chapters and line breaks it is a good recommendation for reluctant readers.  And anyone can enjoy this story.

Favourite Passages: 

 "My family tree spreads wide as well.  I am a great ape, and you are a great ape, and so are chimpanzees and orangutans and bonobos, all of us distance and distrustful cousins.  I know this is troubling.  I too find it hard to believe there is a connection across time and space, linking me to a race of ill-mannered clowns.  Chimps.  There's no excuse for them."  Page 4-5
"A new animal is coming to the Big Top Mall.  How do we know this? Because we listen, we watch, and most of all, we sniff the air.  Human always smell odd when change is in the air." Page 60
"I can't let Ruby be another one and only" Page 206
"Humans. Sometimes they make chimps look smart." Page 213

Themes: Relationships, Family, Friendship, Artists, Performance, Compassion, Humour, Animal Captivity and Welfare, Animal Communication, Anthropomorphism.

Cross-Genre Links:
Media Search: Ivan the Gorilla
Media Search: Koko the Gorilla
Wikipedia Category: Art by Animals
Movie: Gorilla's in the Mist (1988)
Movie: Disney's Tarzan (1999)
Music: You'll be in my Heart by Phil Collins

Related Reading:
Non-fiction Early Reader: Koko's Kitten (Cat #: 172580)
Non-fiction Chapter Book: Talented Animals (Cat #: 292298)
Picture Book: Elephants Can Paint Too! (Cat #: 88479)
Non-fiction: Gorillas (Cat #: 69146)
Series by K.A. Applegate: Animorphs

Possible Discussion or Essay Topics:
  • Why do you think Ivan insists on calling his cage a "domain"?
  • Katherine Applegate has created animal characters that seem to feel and experience the world the way we do as humans.  Is it possible for animals to portray "human" emotions?
  • Do you think animals in zoos are treated humanely?
  • What are the consequences of Mack purchasing wild animals for his mall?
  • Julia and Ivan seem to connect as artists despite not being able to talk to one another. What other ways have animals and humans found for communicating?





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