The One and Only Ivan

By Katherine Applegate, Patricia Castelao (Illustrator)

Book #1 in the The One and Only series

A captive gorilla's world shifts when a baby elephant arrives, challenging his view of home and art.

6.0/7 Bookroo expert·4.3/5 Goodreads · 216,215 ratings

304 pages· 25,905 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

$20.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Ivan, a gorilla living in a mall, finds comfort in art and his friends. But when Ruby, a young elephant, arrives, Ivan's perspective on captivity and creativity is transformed. As he grapples with new emotions, Ivan must decide if he can change their world for the better. Can unexpected friendships inspire hope and freedom? Discover a tale of courage and transformation through Ivan's eyes.

From the publisher

Soon to be a major motion picture! This Harper Classic edition of the Newbery Medal winner and #1 New York Times bestseller includes an author’s note, a letter from the real Ivan’s caretaker at Zoo Atlanta, Ivan’s “signature,” discussion questions, and more. This unforgettable novel from renowned author Katherine Applegate celebrates the transformative power of unexpected friendship. 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. Having spent twenty-seven years behind the glass walls of his enclosure in a shopping mall, Ivan has grown accustomed to humans watching him. He hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle. Instead, Ivan occupies himself with television, his friends Stella and Bob, and painting. 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. In the tradition of timeless classics such as Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little. Katherine Applegate’s novel blends humor and poignancy to create this incredible tale of friendship, art, and hope. The One and Only Ivan was named to multiple state lists, received three starred reviews, and was hailed as a best book of the year by Kirkus, School Library Journal, and Amazon. Plus don’t miss Katherine Applegate’s Endling series!