A review by newkgirl
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

adventurous emotional funny hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Trigger warning: animal abuse mentioned and an animal death

Ivan is a smart Gorilla who understands a good amount about the world he lives in, which is a small cage in a shopping mall and he’s fairly content there. But when things started getting tough for his owner and a new baby elephant is brought in, things change quickly. Ivan makes a promise to his friend Stella, an elephant kept in a cage near his to save Ruby, the new baby elephant from the same fate as they are suffering. Suddenly Ivan has a purpose in life and it’s one he intends to achieve. 

This book is lighthearted and heartwarming but does touch on the tragedy of animals that are kept for entertainment purposes and the resulting abuse they suffer. I enjoyed Ivan’s commentary on people and how he saw the world. The cast of characters were lovable and well developed despite being such a short story. The plot was engaging and well thought out with a lovely ending. 
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