Ivan the Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla

Ivan The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla by Katherine Applegate

Illustrated by G. Brian Karas

Published by Clarion Books

2014
Shelf:  Picture Book
Ages:  4-8

Opening Line:  "In leafy calm, in gentle arms, a gorilla's life began."

Favorite Quotes:  "In leafy calm, in gentle arms, a gorilla's life began again."

Blurb:  "In spare, moving words and evocative illustrations, Newberry medalist Katherine Applegate and artist G. Brain Karas present the extraordinary real account of a special gorilla."  This is the true story of Ivan, the shopping mall gorilla who captured our hearts, and captivated our minds.

Within its pages: 
The illustrations are simply astounding and breathtaking, and clearly depict the trials and tribulations of this beloved gorilla.  In fact, Karas spent plenty of time observing gorillas and their behaviors at our very own Bronx Zoo.  Karas does a stellar job of capturing Ivan's emotions in this picture book geared towards younger readers, but surely to be enjoyed and appreciated by all ages. 

 


 

Shelf  it!

To all Bookies who fell in love with the brave and heroic gorilla in the Newberry-winning, The One and Only Ivan by Applegate, this is a must-read, simply put!  This picture book adaptation is a great companion piece to the middle-grade novel, The One and Only Ivan. It could also stand alone and will work as a great way to build background, and spark curisioty that might entice younger readers to give a longer novel a try. We love everything about this book, from the dedication, to the true story in picture book form, and the background information on Ivan.  It is understandable why he has become such a fixture in so many people's hearts.  A must-shelf for all fans of Ivan!

More Bookie Fun:

Book Trailer
Katherine Applegate tells the true story of Ivan in her new picture

            

Isabella: Star of the Story

Isabella:   Star of the Story, Just How Much can a Little Girl Dream? by Jennifer Fosberry

Pictures by Mike Litwin

Published by Sourcebooks

2013
Shelf:  Picture Book
Ages 4 and up

Opening Line:  "Slow down Isabella," the father said, "those books aren't going anywhere."
"Oh yes they are - some lucky books are going home with me!" the little girl said.

Favorite Quotes:  "I know that you will never OUTGROW a good story."

Blurb:  Each day is an epic adventure with the little Isabella.  Join Isabella on her latest journey through the library where she's on a quest to find that "just right" book.  Virtually impossible to choose just one, Isabella likens herself to a variety of timeless storybook characters, such as Peter Pan, Goldilocks, Black Beauty, and many others.  At the end of the day, she's just Isabella, someone who loves a good book....a true Bookie! 

Within its pages: 

Litwin's illustrations are colorful and vivid, with a touch of magic!  Bookies will enjoy trying to figure out who the character will be on the upcoming page, by looking at the clue on each page before a new character arrives.  For example. a bowl of porridge for Goldilocks can be found on the page that precedes this character or a horse shoe for Black Beauty. 

The final pages provide some background, and trivia for each of the characters and stories mentioned along Isabella's literary journey. 

                                   

Shelf  it!

The very spunky and charming Isabella returns in the third installment of this picture book series. True to form, Isabella's spark and zest for life are both delightful and infectious.  A great book to include in a library study, help foster a love of reading, and/or cuddle up with.  After all, Isabella is an extraordinary girl who loves a good book....certainly something all bookies can relate to. 

Be sure to visit the author's page for an interactive read aloud of this story.

"All you need is a library card and a big imagination."