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The One and Only Ivan  By  cover art

The One and Only Ivan

By: Katherine Applegate
Narrated by: Adam Grupper
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Publisher's summary

Winner of the Newbery Medal 2013.

Now a major motion picture available on Disney+! 

Inspired by a true story, this is the beautifully written tale of how a mighty gorilla wins his freedom. A winning blend of humour and poignancy that will appeal to fans of Michael Morpurgo.

Ivan is an easygoing gorilla who has spent his life performing for the crowds at the Exit 8 shopping mall. He rarely misses life in the jungle. In fact, he hardly thinks about it at all. But everything changes when a baby elephant called Ruby arrives and Ivan realises he must find a new life for them both.

Told from Ivan’s perspective, this is a stand-out novel with a pertinent message, ideal for listeners of 9+.

©2019 Katherine Applegate (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic reviews

"Beautifully written, intelligent, and brave book...Quite simply, this story is life-changing." (Patricia MacLachlan, Newbery Medalist)

What listeners say about The One and Only Ivan

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  • Nicola
  • 08-01-23

Lovly❤️❤️❤️

Really well read and a beautiful and funny story very wholesome defiantly recommend this Fab!

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  • Anonymous User
  • 11-01-22

An emotional listen

kids and I really enjoyed listening to this book told from the perspective of the Ivan. All three of us were fully engaged in the story. Daughter 6, Son 9, and I. Very heart breaking and heart warming at the same time.

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  • Lindsay Cowan
  • 08-21-20

The one and only ivan

Good emotional book and so sad when I heard his sister died good true story

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  • J W FERRIS
  • 09-17-19

Ivan

What a beautiful book so heart warming i found it i intend to read it again a bit later down the line but I would recommend it to anyone who just wants a light hearted book to read

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  • Editor Felicity
  • 12-17-22

The one and only Ivan is very well worth a listen

For anyone who has a soft spot for animals, The One and only Ivan is a lovely story based with some imagination on a true story… Five stars all round!

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  • Anonymous User
  • 08-27-22

Great story

The story is great. I knew it was based on a true story but didn't know how much. It's sad but also relieving to know some parts aren't real.
The narrator is great, especially as Ivan. It might be better to have other people do the other animals voices

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  • Chani
  • 09-23-20

~Highly recommend to ALL~

Considerate & contemplative towards our brethren of the animal kingdom.
***Exceptional narration by Adam Grupper.***
A remarkable tale, played out within the fascinating minds of honest, loveable animals.
Beautiful. Raw, but beautiful. I loved it!

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