The One and Only Ivan

As a child, this is a great book about a gorilla trying to find his home. 

As an adult, this is a great book about how society treats animals.

The one and only Ivan is a silverback gorilla living in a domain with the homeless dog, Bob. Next door is Stella, the elephant. This ragtag group of friends are always laughing, telling stories, drawing, joking. But sometimes it's sad. The visitors are becoming less frequent, drawing supplies are hard to come by, and the owner Mack is sick of it. He needs something new. Soon enough, a baby elephant named Ruby joins Stella in her domain. Aunt Stella needs a promise from Ivan, she needs to know Ruby will get out of this cage. Ivan tries his hardest to gain attention from Julia, along with art supplies. Ivan's inner artist can finally be recognized! Julia knows he has a message to get out, it's just a matter of deciphering what he means. With Julia's help, Ivan brings the fame back to Big Top Mall. They bring visitors from all over to see The One and Only Ivan and precious Ruby walk around the ring with Snickers on her back! But a newscaster eventually uncovers Mack's dirty little secret. Could he be abusing these animals? Should someone stop him? What happens when Big Top Mall closes down for good? Where will they go? Ivan knows Ruby needs a home, Ivan needs a home, even Bob needs a home. One day, they will get just that, a H-O-M-E. 

For a children's book, I found myself laughing at so many different places in this book. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, should read this book! Katherine Applegate can make you laugh and break your heart all at the same time. It speaks volumes about how some animals are treated while in confinement. Many zoo's have created a semi-sense of home for these animals. Keeping them in contact with others of their own species is the only way for animals to truly understand what their life is about. Locking them away, teaching them tricks, and physically and mentally abusing them their entire lives is not something we should allow.
ELEPHANTS ARE PEOPLE TOO!

Looking for the rest of the series?
The One and Only Bob

The One and Only Ruby