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The One and Only Ivan

By: Katherine Applegate, Patricia Castelao
Narrated by: Adam Grupper
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Publisher's summary

Soon to be a major motion picture!

Winner of the Newbery Medal and a number one New York Times best seller

This stirring and unforgettable novel from renowned author Katherine Applegate celebrates the transformative power of unexpected friendships. Inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, this novel is told from the point of view of Ivan himself. This acclaimed middle grade novel is an excellent choice for tween readers in grades 5 to 6, especially during homeschooling. It’s a fun way to keep your child entertained and engaged while not in the classroom.

Having spent 27 years behind the glass walls of his enclosure in a shopping mall, Ivan has grown accustomed to humans watching him. He hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle. Instead, Ivan occupies himself with television, his friends Stella and Bob, and painting. But when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild, he is forced to see their home, and his art, through new eyes.

The One and Only Ivan was hailed as a best book of the year by Kirkus, School Library Journal, and Amazon, demonstrating it is a true classic in the making.

In the tradition of timeless stories like Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little, Katherine Applegate blends humor and poignancy to create Ivan's unforgettable first-person narration in a story of friendship, art, and hope. An author's note depicts the differences between the fictional story and true events.

Plus don't miss The One and Only Bob, Katherine Applegate's return to the world of Ivan, Bob, and Ruby!

©2012 Katherine Applegate (P)2013 HarperCollins Publishers
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Featured Article: The top 100 kids books of all time


Listening to a story is the first way that we’re introduced to books as kids. And while our parents and grandparents (and babysitters and siblings!) are no doubt wonderful narrators who left indelible marks on our bookish hearts, the performances featured on this list elevate these stories to new heights. Representing listens for kids ages 0-12, and featuring animals, magical creatures, awkward middle schoolers, and more, our kids essentials will help you rediscover the magic of childhood.

What listeners say about The One and Only Ivan

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  • Overall
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Very nice story

I often listen/read kids' books with my 10-year-old daughter and usually like them. The One and Only Ivan was no exception. It's one of this year's Sunshine State Books for 3rd-5th graders. They (Florida education officials) select 15 books each year and we've yet to come across one that hasn't been excellent. This book teaches about kindness and the importance of "peer" interaction. The chapters in the book were numerous and short. The story snippets were organized and easy to follow. Everything blended together well. Listen (and read along) with your kid. You will both enjoy the experience.

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103 people found this helpful

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Fabulous Story for all ages.

Made me laugh, made me cry and couldn't wait to see what happened next. Good read.

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14 people found this helpful

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Amazing book to listen to with your children!!

We listened to this during a car trip and my 9 and 5 year olds were enthralled by the story!

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1 person found this helpful

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Story a little slow

The story was good, but a little slow, and predictable. I did enjoy listening to it while working around the house. The narrator was excellent and pleasant to listen too.

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  • Overall
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The One and Only Ivan

The One and Only Ivan was a great book I really loved it. I would recommend this book to anyone I know it is a great book and very interesting to listen too. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. Thank you.

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  • Overall
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Incredible book for adults and kids

I would give 6 stars if I could. Listened with my 11 yr old son and it couldn't have been better. Funny, gripping, touching.

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  • Overall
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Touching and Heartfelt

My whole family loved this book! We listened to the whole thing on a road trip and couldn’t wait to get back in the car after each stop. I would definitely recommend it and the ending was wonderful!

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My 10 year old made me do it.

I've enjoyed this story more then I thought I would. My 10 year old son recommend it to me when he finished it and loved it too.

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  • Overall
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Survival and Friendship

This is a fictional tale about love and true friendship. Animals, much like people, need loving companionship to survive this cruel world.

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  • Overall
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Heartfelt Story for All Ages

My grandsons were reading this story and and told me I would love it!! Indeed I did — a beautiful story of friendship between animals and humans. I have read and listened to The One and Only I am!! I highly recommend this book for all ages!!!

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