The One and Only Ivan (The One and Only #1) in MCLS Reading Challenge

Dec 08, 2016 Sarah rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, the-kids, fiction, own, chapterbooks-read-aloud-to-kids, 2016

Bits and pieces that stood out...
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All day, I watch humans scurry from store to store. They pass their green paper, dry as old leaves and smelling of a thousand hands, back and forth and back again.

They hunt frantically, stalking, pushing, grumbling. Then they leave, clutching bags filled with things - bright things, soft things, big things - but no matter how full the bags, they always come back for more.

- - -

But even though I draw the same things over and over again, I never ...more

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Jan 16, 2013 Mary Ann rated it it was amazing

So Happy Ivan won the Newbery today!
This is an interesting story told from the point of view of a very smart gorilla!

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Mar 16, 2013 Stephanie rated it really liked it

Shelves: reviewed, middle-grade

This was a super cute children’s book with a lot of heart and a great message. It is narrated by Ivan, a gorilla, who lives in a circus themed mall, in a small confinement. It is also about the other animals who live there, including Stella, an old, pained elephant, and Bob, a spunky stray dog. At night, when the people leave, the animals speak to one another, they joke, and they reminisce about better days. Ivan also creates paintings of objects around him, and while he sees beautiful art, his This was a super cute children’s book with a lot of heart and a great message. It is narrated by Ivan, a gorilla, who lives in a circus themed mall, in a small confinement. It is also about the other animals who live there, including Stella, an old, pained elephant, and Bob, a spunky stray dog. At night, when the people leave, the animals speak to one another, they joke, and they reminisce about better days. Ivan also creates paintings of objects around him, and while he sees beautiful art, his owner sees mere scribbles. When Ruby, a baby elephant arrives, Ivan realizes at last that life in the mall is not as it should be, and he vows to save Ruby from their desolate, confined life.

I absolutely loved Ivan. He was incredibly astute and hilarious in his observations without ever meaning to be. There were a lot of things Ivan said/thought that really cracked me up, and I loved his tone – so serious and honest in the way that only children, and apparently animals, can be. I’m reminded of the time my aunt took me shopping with her when I was little and she was trying on clothes. She asked me how she looked and I told her she looked bad. That’s kind of what Ivan reminded me of, in a way. My intentions were not to be hurtful, only to be honest, and Ivan’s reflections of life around him were so honest, sweet, and funny in that same way.

As a huge animal lover, I really appreciated the personification of these animals. I love how the author presented them as creatures with thoughts, feelings, desires, and memories, and that she made them very human-like. Seeing animals in that perspective helps show that animals deserve rights and fair treatment. I initially picked this book up because I have had a lifelong fascination with Koko, an adult gorilla who knows sign language. I even have a stuffed gorilla of Koko that I got in kindergarten and have kept to this day. Koko paints, communicates in sign language, and even had a pet cat at one point. While animals cannot communicate in the same way that we do, they have feelings and thoughts. I love how Katherine Applegate delivered this message in such a funny but honest way.

While I enjoyed the message and thought the story was enjoyable and a very fast read, I don’t think it’s one of my favorites. I think this is only because of how simple the storytelling was, and that’s because this book was designed for children. I’d still recommend it though, especially if you’re an animal lover like myself.
...more

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Feb 12, 2013 Bob rated it liked it

Lovely little book, but not sure why it won the Newbery.....

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Dec 05, 2012 Claire Talbot rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, middle-grade, books-i-still-think-about

I just finished this book, and although it is targeted for children, I feel it is an excellent book for animal lovers of any age. You will be cheering for Ivan as he plans to help his new friend, Ruby the baby elephant. Especially touching because the story is based on a true story of a gorilla held in solitary captivity for almost 30 years, before being placed with a group of gorillas in the Atlanta zoo. I loved the art aspect of the story, too. A gorilla with a talent!

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Apr 11, 2017 Emily rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2017-mcls-a-z-challenge, 2017-popsugar, audiobook

I wasn't really sure what to I would think of this book. I have tried other Applegate books and struggled to complete them.

I was astounded at the depth of the character of Ivan. We see this wonderful transformation and personal growth as Ivan acknowledges the limitations of his existence. We see him struggle with loss of friend. And we see him take action to change his circumstances. It's a great life lesson for everyone.

P.S. Spoiler Alert: there's an HEA! ...more

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Mar 19, 2013 Janine DiVasta rated it really liked it · review of another edition

It is a beautiful story not only about the relationship Ivan has with Ruby, but, about his understanding about what has been happening to him and his fellow friends over the years. It is a story of hope and determination. This book is a great story for all ages.

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