The One and Only IVan by Katherine Applegate - Paperback

This book was impossible to put down. I started reading it and couldn’t stop. This is the fastest I finished a book, and it only took me 2 days to read. I would REALLY encourage you to read this book if your looking for a heart felt book that’ll make you cry (I cried like 5-6 times 🤣)

Amazing story, a good purchase and addition to the childrens library, opens up imagination

قصة ممتازة وتغليف جيد

The book it self us very good.. but I recieved it in very poor packaging that the book looked old and with sides teared up.

Wonderful book for kids. Well packaged and delivered promptly.

Splendido libro per bambino . Rilegato bene , caratteri grandi e la storia è entusiasmante . Consigliato per i bimbi . Niente da dire .

This book won the Newbery Medal for Children's Literature in 2013, and it was much deserved. Here's what the book has going for it: 1. The Targeted age of the reader: In recent years people have complained that the Newbery Medal was being awarded to books that were for an older demographic, like older teenagers. I'm not sure I agree with that, because when you read the earlier Newbery Medal books you can tell by the vocabulary and subject matter that the intent has always been for these books to enrich the young reader regardless of age. With that said, Ivan is a book that has a slightly younger age group in mind. Which is important as it will introduce the young reader to great stories spurring them on to try to read more Newbery Medal books. 2. The story is based on a true story. Ivan was real! The main parts of the story are true. This would be a great school book for a young, say 5th grade, class to read, and then research the true story. A simple Google search will turn up all kinds of information about the real Ivan, pictures and all. In turn this information could be used in projects and presentations. 3. I love the characters! I truly enjoyed getting to know every character presented in the story. From the animals to the humans, each one has a great personality that I really enjoyed. My two favorite characters were the young girl, Julia and the dog, Bob. The author could easily write more books about Ivan, and Julia and Bob. 4. The illustrations are nice, and very contemporary. What I didn't Like: 1. The book is separated out, but not into chapters. I wish she had done that. I really felt a "Charlotte's Web" vibe to this book. The plot and characters have some similarities that just made the book overall enjoyable to read. I recently heard that Disney has bought the movie rights to this story, and I hope that's correct. It would make a great movie!

The One and Only Ivan Katherine Applegate’s *The One and Only Ivan* is a poignant tale that deeply explores the emotions and struggles of animals confined in captivity. Central to the story is Ivan, a silverback gorilla who has spent 9855 days in a zoo, experiencing the profound loneliness that comes with being isolated from his natural habitat and fellow creatures. The word "alone" resonates not just with him but serves as a poignant reminder of the pain and emotional vacuum that many zoo animals endure. Through Ivan’s narrative, we see him represent all animals who suffer the trauma of losing their loved ones to poaching or those who are trapped in a life far removed from the wild. When Ivan catches a glimpse of another gorilla on television, his world shifts; he realizes that he is not the only one of his kind. This revelation leads to sleepless nights consumed with thoughts of the other gorillas, sparking a desire for connection and freedom that runs deep within him. Ivan shares his world with his companions: Stella, an elephant bearing scars from her days in the circus, and Bob, a stray dog. The bond among these characters is incredibly touching, depicting the depths of their friendship as they navigate life within the confines of the zoo. Their emotional struggles evoke a sense of empathy, especially when young Ruby, another elephant, enters their lives, serving as a reminder of the innocence lost in a world of captivity. The story captures the heart-wrenching moments of Stella’s decline and her final wishes for Ivan to protect Ruby, which underscores the sacrifices made for love and friendship. The risks Ivan takes to fulfill Stella’s promise are both noble and heart-wrenching, revealing his internal conflict between comfort and the yearning for freedom. The zoo, portrayed as a prison, offers a fabricated sense of socializing, yet for Ivan, the wild remains a haunting memory that fades each day. Amidst these profound themes, Applegate weaves moments of tenderness, such as the sweet bond shared between animals. The imagery of one animal pulling a bug from another's fur exemplifies the simplicity and beauty of companionship—a stark contrast to the harsh realities they face. *The One and Only Ivan* is a deeply emotional narrative that sends a powerful message about the importance of freedom, the bonds of friendship, and the innate desire for a life that can be fully lived. It encourages readers to reflect on the treatment of animals and ignites a passion for compassion. This story is not just for children; it is a profound reminder to all of us of the importance of empathy and a call to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Never judge a book by its cover - I did. The cover is charming and is the reason I was drawn to it. I must admit, it took me a little while to get into the book. It is written in an unusual way - very short paragraphs of one or two sentences, which at first felt disjointed. But bear with it. The story is told from the point of view of Ivan, a silver-back gorilla who is kept in a cage 'domain' in a shopping mall. He watches as life passes him by along with his few companions. He has trouble remembering anything much from his past and relies on Stella the elephant to do this. One day a new baby elephant arrives and she begins to change Ivan's outlook. This is a charming story, providing an interesting insight of how life might be if you were a captive gorilla. Its a tale of friendship, determination and hope. It as a joy to read and would appeal to older readers who are interested in animals (it is based on some true facts) and protecting them.