Mrs. C is back with another book talk to kids. If you’re looking for children’s literature that will make you laugh, cry and give you all the feels, check out The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. This book is fiction, as it’s told from the point of view of Ivan, a gorilla, but it’s also based on a true story. Watch Mrs. C’s book talk video, and then scroll down to check out the book for yourself.

Mrs. C’s Virtual Book Talk: “The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine ApplegateBook Information

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

Lexile/ Grade Level: 570/ Grades 3–8

First Released: 2012

Part of a Series?: No

Synopsis: “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.”

Where Can I Find It? Axis 360, OverDrive eBook, OverDrive eAudiobook or hoopla

Call Number: JF APPLEGATE