The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

"COME TO THE EXIT 8 BIG TOP MALL & VIDEO ARCADE, HOME OF THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN, MIGHTY SILVERBACK."

Ivan has lived in his domain at the Big Top Mall for decades. He has become accustomed to his glass walls, hard cement floor, dirty water pool, tire swing, and an old TV. Ivan is used to humans watching his every move, attending the shows at two, four, and seven, 365 days a year.

His adopted family include Mack, the very increasingly moody owner and show clown; Stella the elephant; Bob, the dog of unknown origins who enjoys sleeping on Ivan's belly; Julia, an artist and the daughter of George, the mall custodian. Julia visits daily and gave Ivan his first crayons and paper. His artwork is sold in the store of $20, $25 with frame.

Each animal has their own story of how they came to the Big Top Mall and each can sense when change is coming. Hard times means less attendance and Mack buys another younger elephant named Ruby, hoping to boost interest.

Ruby is innocent and bonds with Stella, Stella who is old and sick. Stella has always told Ivan stories and she wants Ivan to remember his past. There is something else Stella wants from the One and Only Ivan. She wants him to make and keep a promise to her, a promise to take care of Ruby. Ivan has an idea, one that could change not only Ruby's life but his own.

Why I picked up the book: I had heard good things about it and then Ivan won the 2013 Newbery.

Why I finished it: I liked Ivan and wanted to see if and how he would keep his promise to Stella. It was interesting to find out that the author was inspired by a real gorilla named Ivan. I can't wait until my child is older and I can read it with him.

I'd give it to: anyone looking for a Newbery winner, a class read-aloud, or a book told from an animal's perspective.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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