The One and Only Ivan

Ivan is an easygoing gorilla. Living at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade,he has grown accustomed to humans watching him through the glass walls of his domain. He rarely misses his life in the jungle. In facthe hardly ever thinks about it at all. InsteadIvan thinks about TV shows heΓÇÖs seen and about his friends Stellaan elderly elephantand Boba stray dog. But mostly Ivan thinks about art and how to capture the taste of a mango or the sound of leaves with color and a well-placed line. Then he meets Rubya baby elephant taken from her familyand she makes Ivan see their homeΓÇöand his own artΓÇöthrough new eyes. When Ruby arriveschange comes with herand itΓÇÖs up to Ivan to make it a change for the better. Katherine Applegate blends humor and poignancy to create IvanΓÇÖs unforgettable first-person narration in a story of friendshipartand hope.