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 twenty-seven years behind the glass walls of his enclosure in a shopping mall, Ivan has grown accustomed to humans watching him.

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. This unforgettable novel from renowned author Katherine Applegate celebrates the transformative power of unexpected friendship. If you would like to buy this book on Amazon, click here.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+ Not quite Newbery caliber, in my opinion, but then again, I’m an iconoclast who prefers Applegate’s Wishtree to the award-winning The One and Only Ivan. The short chapters, action, and humorous narration will hook Ivan’s old friends and new readers alike.Ĭons: While the second half of the book (once the weather hit) had plenty of action, I found the first part a little meandering. Those fans won’t be disappointed, and will enjoy getting to know the funny, feisty Bob a bit better. Pros: It doesn’t much matter what I say here, this book will be a runaway bestseller as the many fans of The One and Only Ivan (soon to be a major motion picture) wil clamor to find out what happened to Ivan, Ruby, Bob, and the rest. The life-threatening situations help Bob to realize what is important to him and to learn the value of his friends and family. After flying for the first time during the tornado, Bob gets to work in a series of harrowing rescues, both at the zoo and the animal shelter down the street. He’s still close to Ivan and Ruby, often visiting them in their new zoo home, and happens to be there one day when a tornado strikes, followed by a hurricane. But Bob has been through enough to be wary about getting too attached, refusing to do what he’s supposed to at obedience training. For the first time in his life, he has two meals a day, a comfortable bed, and people who love him. Summary: Bob, the stray dog who befriended Ivan and Ruby in The One and Only Ivan has his own story to tell now that he’s been adopted by Julia and her family. Published by HarperCollins (Published May 5)

The one and only book series