Heidi Branz

The One and Only Ivan is a beautiful and touching book. It is based on the true story of a gorilla named Ivan. In the beginning, the reader meets Ivan (a gorilla), Stella (an elephant), and Bob (a stray dog) in a mall where they live in their "domains." Soon, we find out that Ivan is an artist. He paints pictures for his owner at the mall to sell. In the middle, Ivan becomes more and more unsatisfied living in the mall. He yearns for the freedom of a large domain, and to live with other gorillas. In the end, Ivan must use creative problem solving in order to reach get what he wants (and what he wants for his friend, Ruby). I recommend this book because the characters are very believable. Also, it was easy for me to make personal connections and feel compassion for the animals in the story. I have already read this book twice and I plan to read it again!

The One and Only Ivan is a beautiful and touching book. It is based on the true story of a gorilla named Ivan. In the beginning, the reader meets Ivan (a gorilla), Stella (an elephant), and Bob (a stray dog) in a mall where they live in their "domains." Soon, we find out that Ivan is an artist. He paints pictures for his owner at the mall to sell. In the middle, Ivan becomes more and more unsatisfied living in the mall. He yearns for the freedom of a large domain, and to live with other gorillas. In the end, Ivan must use creative problem solving in order to reach get what he wants (and what he wants for his friend, Ruby). I recommend this book because the characters are very believable. Also, it was easy for me to make personal connections and feel compassion for the animals in the story. I have already read this book twice and I plan to read it again!