Title : The One and Only IvanAuthor : Katherine Applegate
Publication date : Published January 17th 2012 by HarperCollins
I am so in the mood for children books lately. I don't think, I will ever outgrown them, they always have a place in my heart, no matter what. The One and Only Ivan is also a gloomy book, just as I "promised" in my previous posts, so please bear with me *winks*
Now, let's talk about The One and Only Ivan. Ivan is a captured gorilla, lives at the mall along with his friend, Stella, an elderly elephant, and Bob, a stray dog. He's used being stared all day by the mall visitors. During the difficult times, Ivan's owner bought a little baby elephant, Ruby. Together, Ivan and Ruby struggle to change their life forever.
If I could describe The One and Only Ivan with one word, it would be "superb". Applegate is the master when it comes to churning your feeling. I think she's one of very few children book authors out there that can make a simple tale to be extremely heart touching. This book makes me cry, both of sadness and joy. To sum it up, this book is simply impressive!
Ivan stole my hearts during the first few chapters. I admire his feelings toward Stella and the fact that they care for each other is very heartwarming. I think it's a good message for children, and honestly, this is a must read for them. Oh, Bob is also adorable, he makes me giggle all the time. The characters, in fact make each others shine, and it's just incredible.
As for the ending, it is totally worth it! I finished it only within 2 days (which is extremely fast, considering my schedule and reading speed), it's definitely a page turner. Before I knew it, I reached I the last page and it's awesome.
Time for my favorite quote!
I seriously recommend this book, even to those of you who don't really read children literature. It makes me laugh, it makes me cry, I am sure it would leave you the same as well. High 5 rating for The One and Only Ivan. I wish all children book to be this good!My family tree spreads wide as well. I am a great ape, and you are a great ape, and so are chimpanzees and orangutans and bonobos, all of us distant and distrustful cousins.
Now, over to you, do you like reading children literature?
