The One and Only Ivan

Amazing story, a good purchase and addition to the childrens library, opens up imagination

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Was written well. I don't believe we came from apes and it's almost the third sentence in the book. Also I think it's too graphic in detailing what humans do to gorillas in the wild. Cutting their hands and heads off is not something I want to read to my children.

I was not emotionally prepared for this story. I was asked by one of my students to get The One and Only Ivan for our school library and because I am a delightful person I bought a copy. Then I read it. We like to vet as many of the books that we can so that we don’t cause any upset to our students. I really wasn’t prepared for this story.I am not a lover of animal stories. It isn’t that I actively won’t read them but they wouldn’t be my first choice. The One and Only Ivan is based on the true story of Ivan the gorilla who was kept in captivity in a mall in America. In this story, the animals are anthropomorphised and we see from their point of view what it is like to live in captivity. The other animals – mainly the elephants Ruby and Stella – make Ivan remember what life is like outside of captivity.The One and Only Ivan had me in bits. If you do read it then please keep the box of tissues handy because you will need them.The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate is available now.

Never judge a book by its cover - I did. The cover is charming and is the reason I was drawn to it.I must admit, it took me a little while to get into the book. It is written in an unusual way - very short paragraphs of one or two sentences, which at first felt disjointed. But bear with it.The story is told from the point of view of Ivan, a silver-back gorilla who is kept in a cage 'domain' in a shopping mall. He watches as life passes him by along with his few companions. He has trouble remembering anything much from his past and relies on Stella the elephant to do this. One day a new baby elephant arrives and she begins to change Ivan's outlook.This is a charming story, providing an interesting insight of how life might be if you were a captive gorilla. Its a tale of friendship, determination and hope. It as a joy to read and would appeal to older readers who are interested in animals (it is based on some true facts) and protecting them.

Oh my goodness. I cried and was delightfully amazed in equal measures. Reminded me of Jeanne Willis’ Dumb Creatures. Loved it.

Touching and beautifully written. Told from the perspective of Ivan the Gorilla it tells the story of his rescue from a shopping mall where he's been kept in isolation since arriving in the US. Because it's meant to be a gorilla talking the whole book is written in simple sentences with each chapter being very brief - makes for an interesting read and perfect for primary school children who are studying how structure and style can be used to convey a lot about a character.