The One and Only Ivan

By: Katherine Applegate

Narrated by: Adam Grupper

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 fact, he hardly ever thinks about it at all.

Instead, Ivan thinks about TV shows he’s seen and about his friends Stella, an elderly elephant, and Bob, a 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 Ruby, a baby elephant taken from her family, and she makes Ivan see their home—and his own art—through new eyes. When Ruby arrives, change comes with her, and it’s up to Ivan to make it a change for the better.

Katherine Applegate blends humor and poignancy to create Ivan’s unforgettable first-person narration in a story of friendship, art, and hope.

Very nice story

I often listen/read kids' books with my 10-year-old daughter and usually like them. The One and Only Ivan was no exception. It's one of this year's Sunshine State Books for 3rd-5th graders. They (Florida education officials) select 15 books each year and we've yet to come across one that hasn't been excellent. This book teaches about kindness and the importance of "peer" interaction. The chapters in the book were numerous and short. The story snippets were organized and easy to follow. Everything blended together well. Listen (and read along) with your kid. You will both enjoy the experience.

Fabulous Story for all ages.

Made me laugh, made me cry and couldn't wait to see what happened next. Good read.

Amazing book to listen to with your children!!

We listened to this during a car trip and my 9 and 5 year olds were enthralled by the story!

Story a little slow

The story was good, but a little slow, and predictable. I did enjoy listening to it while working around the house. The narrator was excellent and pleasant to listen too.

The One and Only Ivan

The One and Only Ivan was a great book I really loved it. I would recommend this book to anyone I know it is a great book and very interesting to listen too. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. Thank you.