The One and Only Ivan: A Newbery Award Winner Paperback – 6 Jan. 2015

The kids really liked this book, I'd recommend it.It's a long time ago written for me to write a detailed review, I'll just say that it's all about the memories and reading these with your kids is better than any holiday or present you'll ever get them.

Never judge a book by its cover - I did. The cover is charming and is the reason I was drawn to it.I must admit, it took me a little while to get into the book. It is written in an unusual way - very short paragraphs of one or two sentences, which at first felt disjointed. But bear with it.The story is told from the point of view of Ivan, a silver-back gorilla who is kept in a cage 'domain' in a shopping mall. He watches as life passes him by along with his few companions. He has trouble remembering anything much from his past and relies on Stella the elephant to do this. One day a new baby elephant arrives and she begins to change Ivan's outlook.This is a charming story, providing an interesting insight of how life might be if you were a captive gorilla. Its a tale of friendship, determination and hope. It as a joy to read and would appeal to older readers who are interested in animals (it is based on some true facts) and protecting them.

Excellent book. My daughters and I have thoroughly enjoyed our bedtime reading with Ivan's story. The author's skilful storytelling draws you in from the start, with a very ingenious narrator's perspective which places the focus on Ivan and his view of the world around him. It is a very effective way to convey the desolate situation in which he lives. The story contains some heart rendering episodes of human cruelty which are incredibly sad and poignant but it also offers hope, restoring your faith in the kindness of humans.

This is a delightful story about friendship, love and longing. Ivan narration was very plausible and he remained a gorilla not a pretend human.His eating of the crayons and pencils is hilarious. Children should get a good idea of what it is like to be captured and imprisoned.

As a child O remember being taken to a zoo where the cages for the apes were tiny and I knew how unhappy the gorilla looked. What a brilliant way to tell the true life story of Ivan. Loved it!

A truly moving story that I shared with my 11 year old daughter! Very moving and based on a true story of the gorilla Ivan. The main characters are so believable and the ups and downs throughout keep you wanting to read on.

Experienced all the feels. 💛💛Identified good literary techniques.Great character dialogue and thoughts which were not out of place.

Really nice to have page long or two page chapters so it is easy to pick up for young readers. It brought lots of conversations about animals in captivity and we enjoyed watching the film after and finding out about the real Ivan.