The One and Only Ivan (udgave 2015)

When Ivan, a gorilla who has lived for years in a down-and-out circus-themed mall, meets Ruby, a baby elephant that has been added to the mall, he decides that he must find her a better life.

I read this one one sitting and really liked it. I expected it be depressing and it was but with some hope and lightness. Simple enough prose for young readers but still really nice and sometimes poetic. The few illustrations are perfect at capturing the emotion of the story. The story is a bit far- fetched toward the end, but I can't complain when most of the characters are animals who talk to each other. ( )

-3.5 stars- I'm just listening before watching the movie. Personally, I don't like the concept of animal in captivity, but the story has good moments, message and ending. ( )

Children's novel with lessons for all. Based on a true event of a gorilla caged for years for human enjoyment finally released to live in a zoo environment. Felt some sympathy for Mack who tried raising Ivan in his family, moving him to a cage to be in shows for profit. I think he thought he was doing the best for the gorilla. Ivan, the gorilla, becomes friends with a girl who gives him the opportunity to create pictures, a baby elephant that reminds him of his own childhood, and other animals that become friends. Ivan after years in captivity realizes that he needs to take action to change things. His drawings earn money for Mack but eventually help Ivan convey his message of wanting a zoo environment as a better place for animals to live. ( )