The One and Only Ivan, written by Katherine Applegate, tells the poignant story of a gorilla named Ivan who lives in captivity at a shopping mall. Through Ivan's eyes, readers explore themes of friendship, freedom, and the importance of art as he reflects on his life and the animals around him. The narrative highlights Ivan's bond with other animals, particularly a young elephant named Ruby, and his desire to escape and find a better life for them. This novel is suitable for young readers and is often used in educational settings to discuss animal rights and empathy. Applegate's storytelling is enriched with illustrations by Patricia Castelao, making it a visually engaging experience.

Key Points

  • Explores the life of Ivan, a gorilla held captive in a shopping mall, highlighting his thoughts and feelings.
  • Addresses themes of friendship, freedom, and the impact of art on Ivan's life and identity.
  • Features a strong bond between Ivan and Ruby, a young elephant, emphasizing the importance of compassion.
  • Suitable for young readers and often included in school curricula to discuss animal rights and empathy.
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Katherine Applegate
200 pages
Language:English
Type:Book
Children's Books
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Katherine Applegate
200 pages
Language:English
Type:Book
Children's Books
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KATHERINEAPPLEGATE
The
ONE
AND
ONLY
Ivan
illustrationsby
PatriciaCastelao
Dedication
forJulia
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End of Document
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Figures

The One and Only Ivan — Figure 1
The One and Only Ivan — hello
Anger is precious. A silverback uses anger to maintain order and warn his troop of danger. When my
The One and Only Ivan — That’s all right. I’m not drawing for them. I’m drawing for me.
The One and Only Ivan — My visitors are often surprised when they see the TV Mack put in my domain. They seem to find it
The One and Only Ivan — Figure 6
His first night on the highway, Bob slept in the icy mud of the ditch. When he woke, he was so cold
The One and Only Ivan — bob and julia
The One and Only Ivan — Mack holds my picture up to the window. Julia tilts her head. She squeezes one eye shut. Then she
I’m glad for Stella. But when I glance at her, I see she is not glad at all.
The One and Only Ivan — stella and ruby
“Sure is. I can draw all kinds of things. I’m especially good at fruit.”
The humans stop eating their popcorn. They coo. They clap.
The One and Only Ivan — the one and only ivan
The One and Only Ivan — Figure 15
But many days I forget what I am supposed to be. Am I a human? Am I a gorilla?
And so on, until there are nine thousand eight hundred and seventy-six X’s marching across my wall
The One and Only Ivan — I get a bigger glob from the pot and slap my hand down on the page. When I pull my hand off the
The One and Only Ivan — bad guys
But my nighttime picture isn’t quite right. It’s big, that’s for sure. When I place all the pieces on the
I stare at the huge expanse of colors and shapes. I don’t know how to explain to Bob that it isn’t done
“What is it? No, wait: let me guess. A ladder?”
picture. “Can’t say I blame the guy, stuck in that tiny cage all these years.”
The One and Only Ivan — Figure 24
In the evening, George and Mack talk about them. Mack says they’re protesting the wrong guy. He says
The One and Only Ivan — new box
drawing.
The One and Only Ivan — Figure 28
The One and Only Ivan — still there
The One and Only Ivan — nest
I call to Ruby, but the wind tugs at my words and I know she’ll never hear me.
“You said you didn’t want a home,” I say.
The One and Only Ivan — “For—” She gestures toward me. “For this.”

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FAQs

What is the main setting of The One and Only Ivan?
The One and Only Ivan is primarily set in the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, where Ivan, a gorilla, lives in a glass cage. This environment is described as a human habitat that is far removed from the natural jungle. The mall features various attractions, including a carousel and different animal exhibits, creating a stark contrast to the wild setting Ivan once knew.
Who are the main characters in The One and Only Ivan?
The main characters include Ivan, the silverback gorilla; Ruby, a young elephant; Stella, an older elephant; and Bob, a stray dog. Ivan serves as the narrator, sharing his thoughts and experiences. Ruby is introduced as a new addition to the mall, prompting Ivan to reflect on their lives and the need for change. Stella is Ivan's wise friend who shares stories from her past, while Bob provides comic relief and companionship.
What does Ivan enjoy doing in his spare time?
In his spare time, Ivan enjoys drawing and painting. He expresses his creativity using crayons and paper, often drawing simple items from his environment, such as bananas and apples. Ivan finds solace in art, as it allows him to momentarily escape his confinement and engage with his imagination. His drawings eventually gain attention, leading to sales at the gift shop.
How does Ivan feel about his life in captivity?
Ivan feels a deep sense of loneliness and confinement in his life at the mall. He reflects on his past in the wild and struggles with the reality of being a captive animal. Despite his size and strength, he often feels powerless and longs for freedom. Ivan's emotions are complex; he experiences moments of contentment through art but is also burdened by the memories of his family and the loss of his natural habitat.
What promise does Ivan make to Stella?
Ivan promises Stella that he will take care of Ruby, the young elephant, and ensure she has a better life than they do. Stella, who is aware of her declining health, asks Ivan to look after Ruby and help her find a place where she can be free and happy. This promise becomes a driving force for Ivan as he contemplates how to fulfill it.
What is the significance of the billboard in the story?
The billboard at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall is significant as it advertises Ivan as the 'One and Only Ivan, Mighty Silverback.' It symbolizes Ivan's status as an attraction and the commercialization of his existence. Over time, the billboard becomes a focal point for change, as it draws attention to the plight of Ruby and the need for her freedom, ultimately leading to public outcry and support for their rescue.
How does Ivan's view of humans change throughout the story?
Ivan's view of humans evolves as he interacts with Ruby and Julia, the girl who visits him. Initially, he perceives humans as loud and intrusive, often causing him frustration. However, as he witnesses their compassion, particularly through Julia's drawings and her efforts to help him and Ruby, he begins to see that humans can also be caring and kind. This duality reflects Ivan's complex feelings about captivity and his hope for a better future.

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