The One and Only Ivan (Katherine Applegate)

Ivan the gorilla lives in a 'mall zoo' off I-95 with an old elephant (Stella) and stray dog (Bob). Taken from the jungle when he was young, he doesn't remember much about his former life. He passes his days well enough and loves to paint pictures. He enjoys visits from Julia, a fellow artist (but a human one) who visits him nightly while her dad cleans the place. 

One day, a baby elephant (Ruby) arrives. It is clear that Ruby is unhappy, and (as an elephant) she remembers everything about her past. Ivan soon realizes he needs to get Ruby to a better place—a real zoo. But how can a gorilla possibly do such a thing?

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Powerful, heartbreaking, and profound, this children's book is a tale of deep sadness, real friendship, and true love. Applegate does a good job of painting an accurate picture of the emotions we experience, neither sugar-coating the hardships nor minimizing the joys of this world—and she does it all through animals that can talk to each other (but not with humans), Charlotte's Web style. Impressive and highly recommended.

Rating: A