The mall almost closes until a new baby elephant arrives. He goes through a lot of things with his friends but he still wants to go somewhere with other gorillas because he thinks he is the only gorilla he will ever know. Ivan has other animal friends that include an old elephant named Stella who is sick and in pain. Also pay attention at the end because it explains how this is based on a true story.'The One and Only Ivan' by Katherine Applegate is about a silverback gorilla named Ivan who lives at a mall and video arcade told from his perspective. We did listen and follow along with the paper book/kindle because there are great pictures and Katherine Applegate does some cool effects for the pages (like when Ivan is talking). This is one of my top 20 children's chapter books:) It does not speak negatively about zoos because those are the ones who come and help. As a parent I believe there are many underlying themes about animal cruelty. But in the end all is happy:) If you have ever wondered what it is like for a gorilla, abused elephants, and a stray dog to live together in a small domain at the mall and see what they really think of it, you need to read this. So prepare your kids if they are sensitive.

Yes, my daughter and I loved this! Completely different than many books because it is told from Ivan's (the gorilla) point of view. Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? Plus don't miss The One and Only Bob, Katherine Applegate's return to the world of Ivan, Bob, and Ruby! An author's note depicts the differences between the fictional story and true events. In the tradition of timeless stories like Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little, Katherine Applegate blends humor and poignancy to create Ivan's unforgettable first-person narration in a story of friendship, art, and hope. The One and Only Ivan was hailed as a best book of the year by Kirkus, School Library Journal, and Amazon, demonstrating it is a true classic in the making. But when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild, he is forced to see their home, and his art, through new eyes. Instead, Ivan occupies himself with television, his friends Stella and Bob, and painting.

He hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle. Having spent 27 years behind the glass walls of his enclosure in a shopping mall, Ivan has grown accustomed to humans watching him. It’s a fun way to keep your child entertained and engaged while not in the classroom.

This acclaimed middle grade novel is an excellent choice for tween readers in grades 5 to 6, especially during homeschooling. Inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, this novel is told from the point of view of Ivan himself. This stirring and unforgettable novel from renowned author Katherine Applegate celebrates the transformative power of unexpected friendships. Winner of the Newbery Medal and a number one New York Times best seller

One and only ıvan