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mahalekshmi_v's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this cute and touching story. It is narrated by Ivan,the gorilla who lives in a bad condition along with his other animal friends and hopes to get out of this place for good.
I loved every single character in this book.
I loved every single character in this book.
aacam's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
buttercupita's review against another edition
4.0
Another amazing Applegate book. The edition I have includes her Newbury acceptance speech, which actually became the most powerful part of the book for me. In response to a parent who worried that the book might cause a child too much sadness, Applegate responds:
"We live in a world where children are bullied into despair, and even suicide; where armed guards in a school halllway are considered desireable; where libraries are padlocked because of budget cuts; where breakfasts and backpacks, for too many children, are unaffordable.
Children know all about sadness. We can't hide it from them. We can only teach them how to cope with its inevitability and to harness their imaginations in the search for joy and wonder."
The One and Only Ivan certainly provokes sadness, but it also inspires joy. It will definitely be part of my classroom.
"We live in a world where children are bullied into despair, and even suicide; where armed guards in a school halllway are considered desireable; where libraries are padlocked because of budget cuts; where breakfasts and backpacks, for too many children, are unaffordable.
Children know all about sadness. We can't hide it from them. We can only teach them how to cope with its inevitability and to harness their imaginations in the search for joy and wonder."
The One and Only Ivan certainly provokes sadness, but it also inspires joy. It will definitely be part of my classroom.
emilyb_chicago's review against another edition
3.0
The short chapters, stream of consciousness feel and unique viewpoint really worked for my 9 year old, who loved this book. My 6 year old and I, however, found it difficult to finish. I enjoy the story as a whole, but the implementation just did not connect with me and it took months to get through.
abbyprinceatwood's review against another edition
5.0
I read this at the urging of my 8 year old nephew, and I'm so glad I did! What a wonderful story!
bbratzke710's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Animal cruelty, and Animal death
kkegley's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
kim_j_dare's review against another edition
4.0
This story of Ivan, a silverback gorilla who has lived in captivity since he was captured as a baby, is loosely based on the true story of another Ivan who now resides in Zoo Atlanta. The Ivan of the story is also a roadside attraction in a shopping mall, and is fairly content with his life until a young elephant named Ruby is brought in to the attraction. Ivan makes a promise to his friend Stella, an older elephant who attempts to care for Ruby when she arrives, but who ultimately succumbs to an infection and dies. Determined to help Ruby escape this life of captivity, Ivan turns to his art. He is aided by the daughter of the groundskeeper, and it is ultimately her ability to see his message in his artwork that brings Ivan the public attention that he needs to get himself and Ruby removed from their shopping mall cages and relocated to a more spacious and animal-friendly zoo. The story and illustrations are sweet and engaging, and although the extent to which Ivan's artwork brings about his rescue is a little farfetched, children will enjoy suspending their disbelief as they listen to Ivan tell his tale.
jaimie_lynn's review against another edition
5.0
"Humans. Sometimes they make chimps look smart."
So....who knew a kids book could destroy me in everyway possible? Not I said the cat.
Whoever knows me knows I HATE road side animal attractions, circuses, any take a picture with this animal or swim with that animal, Seaworld, and even some zoos. I'm an advocate for animals through and through.
This book was tooooough on my heart. It took everything I had not to cry the entire way through but when I got to the ending I sobbed like baby.
The book takes place at The Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade. The place is run by Mack who has a gorilla, an elephant, and basically 2 dogs. The story is told by Ivan the gorilla and I love him so so much. You get the inside look at his feelings, what he's been through, and what's happening around him.
This is SUCH a good book for many reasons. Unfortunately I'm not going to share those reasons because I can't do it without giving a lot of the book away and I really don't like adding spoilers. But this is a great book for anyone. Even though it's labeled a kids book, I loved it at 34 and I would have loved it being even older as well. I can't wait to read The One and Only Bob! ❤️
So....who knew a kids book could destroy me in everyway possible? Not I said the cat.
Whoever knows me knows I HATE road side animal attractions, circuses, any take a picture with this animal or swim with that animal, Seaworld, and even some zoos. I'm an advocate for animals through and through.
This book was tooooough on my heart. It took everything I had not to cry the entire way through but when I got to the ending I sobbed like baby.
The book takes place at The Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade. The place is run by Mack who has a gorilla, an elephant, and basically 2 dogs. The story is told by Ivan the gorilla and I love him so so much. You get the inside look at his feelings, what he's been through, and what's happening around him.
This is SUCH a good book for many reasons. Unfortunately I'm not going to share those reasons because I can't do it without giving a lot of the book away and I really don't like adding spoilers. But this is a great book for anyone. Even though it's labeled a kids book, I loved it at 34 and I would have loved it being even older as well. I can't wait to read The One and Only Bob! ❤️