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The One and Only Ivan cover art

The One and Only Ivan

Written by: Katherine Applegate, Patricia Castelao
Narrated by: Adam Grupper
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Publisher's Summary

Soon to be a major motion picture!

Winner of the Newbery Medal and a number one New York Times best seller

This stirring and unforgettable novel from renowned author Katherine Applegate celebrates the transformative power of unexpected friendships. Inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, this novel is told from the point of view of Ivan himself. This acclaimed middle grade novel is an excellent choice for tween readers in grades 5 to 6, especially during homeschooling. It’s a fun way to keep your child entertained and engaged while not in the classroom.

Having spent 27 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.

The One and Only Ivan was hailed as a best book of the year by Kirkus, School Library Journal, and Amazon, demonstrating it is a true classic in the making.

In the tradition of timeless stories like Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little, Katherine Applegate blends humor and poignancy to create Ivan's unforgettable first-person narration in a story of friendship, art, and hope. An author's note depicts the differences between the fictional story and true events.

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

©2012 Katherine Applegate (P)2013 HarperCollins Publishers

Featured Article: The Best Family Audiobooks for All Ages

Sharing stories with your loved ones is an amazing bonding experience. You may remember having a book read to you when you were a child and the magic it brought into your life. By listening to an audiobook with your family, you can offer that same experience to your own children. Whether you’re looking for a fun story or a learning activity, this list has some of the greatest family audiobooks by bestselling authors. Relive some of the stories that you loved as a child with your own kids or discover new ones to enjoy together on long trips or in the comfort of your own home. Here are the top family audiobooks for all ages.

What listeners say about The One and Only Ivan

Average Customer Ratings
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Great story to listen to at bedtime with kids.

We're looking forward to listening to the one and only Bob. My kids loved it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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great family book

was a great book for the whole family. there were are couple parts that brought tears.

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  • Overall
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What a good book!

I read it with my son.. We can’t wait to see the movie now. Starting The one and only Bob next!

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2kids1mum

We loved this. The voices and story were great. We can't wait to listen to " The One and Only Bob.

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  • Overall
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Can I give it 5 1/2 stars?

Very good book because I love gorillas and I love dogs, and elephants, and art.

-AB 8 years old

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