Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Heartwarming story of a heroic, artistic, captive gorilla.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 24 parent reviews
Based on 39 kid reviews
Kids say this book is adorable and captivating, appealing to a wide range of ages, though it does contain some dark and sad themes that may be challenging for younger readers. Many appreciate its heartfelt messages about animal rights, friendship, and loyalty, while others find it intense, yet ultimately rewarding with a beautiful ending.
- emotional depth
- animal rights
- age-appropriate
- captivating story
- strong themes
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Based on the true story of a gorilla who now lives happily in a lowland gorilla habitat at Zoo Atlanta but before that had spent 27 years in a cage in a shopping mall after being captured as a baby in Africa, THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN tells, from the gorilla's standpoint, of life in the circus mall, being gawked at by tourists, and how it all seems so normal. But the arrival of a baby elephant starts to trigger memories, and before long Ivan finds himself making promises he's not sure how he's going to keep.
Is It Any Good?
Animal-loving kids -- and just about anyone with a heart -- will become quite fond of the artistic Ivan and his multi-species friends (including the kid, Julia). Applegate's affinity for animals led her to co-author the hugely popular Animorphs science-fiction series, in which kids have the power to transform into a particular animal and thus see the world from their perspective. Her decision to tell Ivan's story through the gorilla's eyes will be more engaging for some kids than others, but it's a good bet for those who've enjoyed other animal-oriented tales.
Applegate is deeply concerned about a number of animal-welfare-related issues that come to the fore in this book, some of which are more complex than can be addressed in the voice of a gorilla in a book for 8-year-olds. Interesting discussions may ensue -- one reader may feel that the narrative (and the glossary) suffers at times from didacticism or information overload, while another could be moved to become the next Jane Goodall.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the families of gorillas and elephants and how attached to one another members of those families become.
Do you have a zoo you can visit that features habitats like the ones in the animals' original homes so you can see how they really live? Do they seem happy?
Which was better for helping Ivan solve problems, throwing balls of poop or creating art?
Animal stories are very popular with kids. Why do you think that is?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Patricia Castelao
- Genre : Animals
- Topics : Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HarperCollins Children's Books
- Publication date : January 17, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 320
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Newbery Medal and Honors
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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