Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Newbery Award Book Review: The One and Only Ivan

Title:  The One and Only Ivan
Author:  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.

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