The One and Only Ivan

palindrome - Katherine Applegate's The One and Only Ivan makes you think about what it means to be human by showing you the world through the eyes of a non-human. This book is narrated in the first person by its protagonist, Ivan. Ivan is quiet, easygoing, artistic, and a gorilla. Until a baby elephant called Ruby moves into the domain next to Ivan's at Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, Ivan calls his glass domain home. But with the help of spirited and playful Ruby, the helpful young human Julia, a feisty stray dog called Bob, and the wise, big-hearted elephant known as Stella, Ivan realizes what home really is--and starts an adventure trying to get there. I would recommend this book to animal-lovers and deep-thinkers. It has a lot of example of animal abuse and neglect in circuses, so if you are passionate about that issue you will probably enjoy The One and Only Ivan. Ivan also makes the reader think about the rights that all creatures have: do animals have a right to live as humans? Are humans obligated to care for animals? Who has a right to a true home? This book has very little action, but a lot of heart. Its language is simple and innocent, being told through the eyes of a gorilla, so even early readers may find that they can enjoy the One and Only Ivan. However, the simple language doesn't take away from the story for more advanced readers. In fact, it only adds to the sadness and philosophical thinking of the story. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a story that will make them think, smile, and cry. Reading The One and Only Ivan gives the reader both questions and answers about being a human and not being a human. I strongly recommend The One and Only Ivan to anyone who wants an original, moving, and deep story to read.

November 14, 2011
Inspired by a true story, Applegate (Home of the Brave) offers a haunting tale told from the perspective of Ivan, a silverback gorilla who has been confined to a small “domain” of concrete, metal, and glass for 27 years. Joining Ivan at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade are Stella, an aging elephant, and Bob, a feisty stray dog. While other animals perform, Ivan makes art, watches TV, and offers melancholy assessments of their situation. When Ruby, an inquisitive baby elephant, arrives and Stella dies from neglect, her dying wish is for Ivan to help Ruby escape. The brief chapters read like free-verse poetry, the extra line breaks between paragraphs driving home the contrast between Ivan and humans, who in his opinion, “waste words. They toss them like banana peels and leave them to rot.” As is to be expected, there’s significant anthropomorphism, but Applegate is largely successful in creating a protagonist who can understand humans yet feels like a gorilla. Although Ivan’s role in the events leading to their rescue reads as too human, readers will be left rethinking our relationship to animals. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8–12.

January 1, 2012

Gr 3-7-This tender tale of friendship and hope is narrated by a silverback gorilla living at The Big Top Mall, a shabby, circus-themed roadside attraction. For years, Ivan was passively content. He had his art, unlimited bananas, and his friends: Stella (an elephant), Bob (a stray dog), and Julia (a human child). Ivan's eyes are finally opened to his deplorable surroundings when he loses a friend due to neglect. The last straw is when he witnesses the attraction's owner abusing Ruby, a newly acquired baby elephant. Thus, Ivan is inspired to take action. With some help from his human friends, his dream of a better life for all the Big Top's animals just might come true. The character of Ivan, as explained in an author's note, is inspired by a real gorilla that lived through similar conditions before being adopted by Zoo Atlanta. Applegate makes a powerful statement about the treatment of animals-especially those living in captivity-and reminds readers that all creatures deserve a safe place to call home. Castelao's delightful illustrations enhance this lovely story, and the characters will capture readers' hearts and never let go. A must-have.-Alissa J. LeMerise, Oxford Public Library, MI

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