Title: The One and Only IvanAuthor: Katherine Applegate
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
Ages: 8-12
The one and only Ivan is a gifted artist and silverback gorilla who has spent most of his life living with his human owner, Mack. He is the star attraction at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade off of I-95. He lives with an older elephant, Stella, and a stray dog, Bob, who rents out napping space on Ivan's great belly. Their world changes dramatically when a new baby elephant, Ruby, joins the group, and tragedy strikes. Ivan makes a promise to Stella that he must keep, and hatches a plan to execute it through his artwork and a little help from his artist friend, Julia.
This story is told through short entries from Ivan's perspective. The occasional illustrations add a nice visual element to the already heavily descriptive story. This Newbery Award winning book will appeal to children ages 8 and up, and animal lovers of all ages.
