THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN 

by Katherine Applegate  and Ill. by Patricia Catelao

 

Applegate, Katherine, Ill. Patricia Catelao. 2012. THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN. New York: HarperColins Children’s Books. ISBN 9780061992254.

Plot Summary:

The story is narrated by caged gorilla named Ivan who becomes disillusioned with his isolated and enslaved life. He befriends his fellow captive animal cell mates and becomes especially drawn to a young elephant that is brought into Ivan’s world of isolation. With his artistic skills, he is able to change the life of Ruby the young elephant and his will never be the same. This novel is written in non-rhyming verse that is an easy read for young children between the ages of 8 and 12, yet intriguing enough to pull on the heart-strings of adults.  The black and white illustrations that pepper the story are just enough to enhance the emotion of the story without slowing the reader down. Along with poem titles above each sequence in the story a convenient glossary is provided at the beginning of the novel to add the read in understanding key terms used by Ivan. The end of the story reveals author’s notes, acknowledgements and about the author information, which help readers comprehend the facts behind the fiction. This novel is best read aloud to feel the pace and emotion of each line. It can be read to children over a period of several sessions in order to retain their interest and maintain the flow of the story.   

Critical Analysis:

The non-rhyming verse style of the novel is indicated by the poem titles written as a heading for each sequence of verses. Each has its own story to tell and once it is done new verses continue the flow or abruptly proceed to the next sequence of the story. The deliberate use of short sentences to quicken the pace of the story and the emotional level is evident throughout the novel. The long and short sentences create a beat which slows with long and quickens with short. Much imagery is reveal when Ivan speaks about things he knows and sees. One example of this is when finally is out of his cage and uses one word descriptors by saying, “Sky. Grass. Tree. Ant. Stick…  Mine. Mine. Mine.”

The black and white images highlight the text by not being over used but used enough to show the emotion of the text. In one sequence where Ruby and Mack, her owner, are being photographed by a newspaper man, Ruby’s eyes look sad, while Mack is elated.

The emotions run the spectrum in this verse novel from sad lows to happy highs. The joys and sorrows are enhanced by the words, the images, and the short or long sentences, which also convey a tone to the text.

The design and organization of the book was done well and concise. The spacing gave the reader time to reflect on what was just read and a pause to continue on with the story. The reference aids of the glossary and the author’s notes both help the readers understanding and relate the facts to the fiction of the story. Since this novel was based on actual events and a live gorilla’s true story.

The intended audience is of children between the ages of 8 and 12, but the story is interestingly written and told to hold the attention of teens and adults. With so many awards and accolades, this novel is a definite read for all who enjoy good literature, verse novels and happy endings.    

Review Excerpt:

The ONE AND ONLY IVAN received The Kirkus Star which is awarded to books of exceptional merit and received the Kirkus Reviews Best of Children’s Books 2012. The Kirkus review stated, “Utterly believable, this bittersweet story, complete with an author’s note identifying the real Ivan, will inspire a new generation of advocates.” The novel received many awards and accolades including, the 2013 John Newbery Medal, the Texas Bluebonnet Award 2013-14 Master List, School Library Journal Best of Children’s Books 2012, Amazon 2012 Best Books of the Year, Middle Grade, Chicago Public Library Best of the Best 2012, New York Public Library 100 Books for Reading and Sharing, 2012, and many more.

Connections:

This story had such a unique style and perspective that I have trouble making a connection to another that is similar. The only one that continues to enter my mind is P. D. Eastman’s ARE YOU MY MOTHER? Narrated from the baby birds point of view and with similar rhythmical qualities, Eastman’s book reveals the baby bird’s emotions and did Applegate’s Ivan.   

Personal Response:

I found the story to have an excellent pace and tempo with excitement and intrigue waiting around every turn of the page. The sadness of Ivan loss of his family, his friend, and his freedom humanizes him to the point that I almost forgot he was not human. When Ivan find a new friend who he decides to protect and help in the only way he can, in his drawings, the story takes a different path of discovery. Sadness, fear, anxiety, and heart felt joy are some of the emotions Katherine Applegate leaves on the page for me to hold and let go.   

References:

Good Reads (n.d.). The One and Only Ivan book cover. Retrieved from http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11594337-the-one-and-only-ivan

Kirkus Reviews (2011, September 28). The One and Only Ivan. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/katherine-applegate/one-and-only-ivan/