Know a young reader that loves animals? Then this is the book for them.
“Everyone has parents,” Bob explains. “It’s unavoidable.”The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate is a beautiful story about a caged gorilla named Ivan. He spends the majority of his life on display at a local circus-themed mall. Ivan, along with an elephant best friend named Stella, a dog named Bob and a few other rag-tag animals, sit around as the mall slowly dies. They’re not mistreated, but they lack space and proper care from their owner.
“I always tell the truth,” Stella replied. “Although sometimes I confuse the facts.”
The book is told from Ivan’s point of view as he communicates with the other animals and gives his opinions on humans and his life. This book is wonderful and heartbreaking at the same time.
We’re dreamers, poets, philosophers, nap takers.
I was reading this short book (best suited for upper elementary or lower middle level readers) during the same week I watched the movie Water for Elephants. I tried to read Water for Elephants a couple times, but each time got stuck after a couple chapters so I hesitated to watch the movie.
I’m really glad I decided to watch–it was a good movie. Definitely a chick-flick and not something Chris would watch, but a good little Friday night movie. If you haven’t seen the movie, I suggest watching it. The movie is set around a circus in the mid 1900’s and halfway through the movie, the ringmaster acquires an elephant that he doesn’t treat very well. Watching Water for Elephants and reading The One and Only Ivan the same week made me extra animal sensitive and weepy, I’m not going to lie. Actually, I was a mess. People hurting animals gets me every time.
In the book, Ivan longs for the freedom he had with his family before being captured and caged. And when a new little elephant, Ruby, arrives at the mall, Ivan makes a promise to Stella that Ruby won’t end up like her. As a reader, I found myself worrying about Ivan and how he could keep his promise. Things didn’t look good for him, but I was still hopeful.
This book would make a great read for a struggling or reluctant reader since the pages are short, there are a few pictures scattered throughout, and it’s high interest. Or if you’re an adult who likes animals, go ahead and read this yourself. It’s a cute story about friendship.
“Do you think,” she asks, “that I’ll die in this domain someday, like Aunt Stella?”
Once again I consider lying, but when I look at Ruby, the half-formed words die
in my throat. “Not if I can help it,” I say instead.
There so many nice books outside. Need to get this one!
Good luck 🙂