Finding Hope in Unexpected Places: A Cozy Review of The One and Only Ivan
As a mom blogger navigating the wonderfully chaotic world of raising little ones, bedtime story struggles are all too familiar to me. After a long day filled with meals, tantrums, and endless rounds of “Mommy, can we read just one more book?”—you know the kind of night when you crave both quiet and quality time—I stumbled upon The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. A story about a gorilla living in captivity felt unexpectedly soothing, like a gentle hug at the end of a busy day. Setting the stage for our reading adventure, I thought, “What could we discover together?”
This enchanting novel tells the story of Ivan, a silverback gorilla, who has lived in a shopping mall for twenty-seven years, observing humans and occasionally painting. His world shifts when a baby elephant, Ruby, joins him. As their friendship blossoms, Ivan is forced to look beyond the glass enclosure of his life and reflect on freedom, artistry, and the bond that connects us all. My kids (ages 6 and 8) were riveted from the very first page. The themes of friendship and hope resonated with them, sparking heartfelt discussions about kindness and our responsibility to one another.
The first-person narrative, narrated by Ivan himself, is where the magic lies. Applegate employs an economical yet rich language that tells a profound story without being overwhelming. The clever use of personification made our reading session come alive; my children giggled at Ivan’s descriptions of his life while also feeling a pang of sadness for his situation. Each page turn revealed themes of hope wrapped in humor, and the illustrations brought Ivan and Ruby’s world vibrantly to life.
What truly engaged my kids was the humor interwoven with the poignancy. They laughed out loud at Bob, the street-smart dog who steals the show with his witty commentary. “Mom, he reminds me of our dog!” my eldest exclaimed, pointing to Bob’s antics. Such moments warmed my heart and made our reading time feel like a shared adventure.
And, oh, the conversations that flowed from our reading! We found ourselves discussing animal rights, the importance of friendship, and even the concept of home. One night, my youngest, with a furrowed brow, asked, “Is Ivan really happy living there?” The book planted seeds for deeper reflections, demonstrating its power beyond mere storytelling.
In wrapping up our cozy reading sessions, I can’t help but recommend The One and Only Ivan to families with kids aged 8 and up. It’s perfect for those looking to blend humor with important life lessons. Whether your child is an animal lover, an aspiring artist, or simply someone who enjoys a touching narrative, this book will surely find a place in your hearts—and bookshelves.
For us, it’s become more than just a one-time read; it’s a family favorite we’ll revisit, especially as we look forward to diving into the sequel, The One and Only Bob. Because, like Ivan, we all have our stories, and they deserve to be heard.
