The One and Only Ivan

By: Katherine Applegate

Narrated by: Adam Grupper

The #1 New York Times bestselling and Newbery Award-winning novel The One and Only Ivan is now a major motion picture streaming on Disney+

This unforgettable novel from renowned author Katherine Applegate celebrates the transformative power of unexpected friendship. Inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, this illustrated book is told from the point of view of Ivan himself.

Having spent twenty-seven years behind the glass walls of his enclosure in a shopping mall, Ivan has grown accustomed to humans watching him. He hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle. Instead, Ivan occupies himself with television, his friends Stella and Bob, and painting. 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.

In the tradition of timeless stories like Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little, Katherine Applegate blends humor and poignancy to create an unforgettable story of friendship, art, and hope.

The One and Only Ivan features first-person narrative; author's use of literary devices (personification, imagery); and story elements (plot, character development, perspective).

This acclaimed middle grade novel is an excellent choice for tween readers in grades 5 to 8, for independent reading, homeschooling, and sharing in the classroom.

Plus don't miss The One and Only Bob, Katherine Applegate's return to the world of Ivan, Bob, and Ruby!

Don’t give up....

We tried this on a family trip last year & no one was feeling it... started it again on our way home from skiing & no one wanted to turn it off. I cried my eyes out for half the book, but I’m a cryer. So good... makes you think as it entertains you. Highly recommend!

Heartwarming

I thought that this book would seem very juvenile and that I wouldn’t enjoy it much (I am a 5th grade teacher), but boy, was I wrong. I loved it! So sweet and really tugged at my heartstrings. As soon as I finished, I went and ordered a hard copy for my classroom library. I definitely recommend!

Not a children’s book

This is not a book I would recommend for the under 12 age group unless a parent has read the book first and feels they’re ready. There are some very distressing moments for an adult; I expect a sensitive child could be negatively impacted.
It’s not just sad or horrific events, but the questions about us as humans that come up, that are difficult for an adult to grapple with; a child requires the guidance of a caring adult.
Grupper’s clipped narration works well for communicating Ivan.

Fantastic!

My 4th grader had The One and Only Ivan as his assigned summer reading book. It was above his reading level, so we bought in on Audible so he could follow along with his book. It was fantastic, the story is heartbreaking as you connect with the characters, but has the perfect ending. We loved it!

A Must for the whole family!

Everyone in our family from teen to 2 year old was entertained by this sweet book! It will be a classic and we will listen to it again!