The One and Only Ivan

Applegate, Katherine.  The Only and Ivan.   NY:HarperCollins, 2012.   Recommended: Grades: 4-6

I confess I was reluctant to read this book primarily because the protagonist was a silverback gorilla – I have vivid memories of King Kong rushing through various cities of America leaving death and destruction in his wake. However, Ivan is no King Kong … he is imprisoned in an Arcade Mall that barely functions as a circus/zoo. He was once a main attraction when he was young and cute. Now after 27 years, his claim to fame is that he can draw. Although his works are unintelligible – they sell, but it’s not enough.  The bright spot of his days are his conversations with Bob the stray dog, Stella the wise old elephant and Julie the daughter of the maintenance man.  However, Stella is unwell – her feet are infected and Ivan is rightfully worried.  Then one day a baby elephant named Ruby joins the team, but all is not well.  Stella dies, but in her passing she elicits a promise from Ivan that he will rescue Ruby from the life she seems doomed to face. Ivan doggedly pursues his promise, but at what price to himself?

This was actually an enjoyable read.  I was expecting PETA-related propaganda, but really found very little in the story line.  Instead, I discovered a story that bore the truths of friendship and sacrificial love.  Ivan is an enjoyable even likable character.  Stella is a wise old elephant. Ruby is a guileless, but fearful baby looking for someone to believe in.  Julie is a crusader ready to take up the cause.  Bob is the dog who has been beaten up life so much that he is afraid to trust.  All of these characters together give a different take in a different setting on the much loved Charlotte’s Web.