Ivan the gorilla has lived in a cage at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall for twenty-eight years. His friends and companions are an elderly ailing elephant named Stella and a scrappy stray dog named Bob. Both Ivan and Stella are expected to perform mindless tricks three times a day to bring paying customers to the ramshackle circus run by Ivan’s owner, Mack. Stella grudgingly does the usual elephant tricks and Ivan paints abstract pictures, which are sold in the gift shop. Although Ivan, Stella, and Bob can all talk to and understand one another, they can’t communicate with their human caretakers. In fact, they understand little of human behavior. Humans are worse than chimps, according to Ivan. When business slows down, Mack adds a baby elephant named Ruby to his circus. She quickly endears herself to the other animals with her innocence and vulnerability. Ivan promises dying Stella he’ll do whatever he can to find Ruby a better home—but how? The answer lies with his pictures, and in the empathy, kindness, and keen observations of the circus custodian’s young daughter. A novel defined by distinctive characters and propelled by Ivan’s memorable voice is fast-paced, funny, and wise—filled with feeling but never overly sentimental. A great choice for a read-aloud, this book also offers short sentences with lots of white space, adding appeal for reluctant readers. (Ages 8–11)

The #1 New York Times bestselling and Newbery Award-winning novel The One and Only Ivan is now a major motion picture streaming on Disney+

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 stories like Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little, Katherine Applegate blends humor and poignancy to create an unforgettable story of friendship, art, and hope.

The One and Only Ivan features first-person narrative; author's use of literary devices (personification, imagery); and story elements (plot, character development, perspective).

This acclaimed middle grade novel is an excellent choice for tween readers in grades 5 to 8, for independent reading, homeschooling, and sharing in the classroom.

Plus don't miss The One and Only Bob, Katherine Applegate's return to the world of Ivan, Bob, and Ruby!