Book review:The One and Only Ivan

Bianca Schulze

The One and Only Ivanis a bestselling novel about hope and friendship.It is about a real silver?back gorilla named Ivan who was held captive（被囚禁的）for 27 years.

Narrated by Ivan himself, a beautiful story of friendship unfolds between Ivan, an elephant named Stella,and a stray dog named Bob.Ivan is comfortable in his area in the shopping mall where he watches TV and makes artworks that are sold to the people who watch him through glass windows far from the jungle.Stella, on the other hand, has a longer memory than Ivan and she longs to live in a zoo where larger living space is provided.Ruby, a new baby elephant, which has been saved from the wild, is introduced to the Big Top Mall where she is to learn circus（馬戲表演）tricks from Stella.Soon after, Stella becomes sick.Before she passes away, she charges Ivan with taking care of Ruby.Ivan begins to recall his time in the jungle and his desire for freedom and to help Ruby.

The One and Only Ivanwon the Newbery Medal in 2013 and has consistently been a bestselling novel.Katherine, the author, was inspired to writeThe One and Only Ivanafter reading about the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, the“Shopping Mall Go?rilla”.The real Ivan lived alone in a tiny cage for 27 years at a shopping mall before being moved to Zoo Atlanta after a public outcry.He was a beloved celebrity at the zoo and was well known for his paintings,which he“signed”with a thumb?print.

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