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

            

The One and Only Ivan

  

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

Published by Harper

2012

Ages 8-12

Shelf: Middle Grade 

Opening Line:  "I am Ivan.  I am a gorilla.  It's not as easy as it looks."

Favorite Quotes: "
"Her pictures are like pieces of a dream."

"Old age is a powerful disguise."

"Memories are precious."

"I always tell the truth.  Although I sometimes confuse the facts."

"I don't know why.  I never know the why of humans."

"But many days I forget what I am supposed to be.  Am I a human? Am I a gorilla?"

"It's an odd story to remember, I have to admit.  My story has a strange shape:  a stunted beginning, an endless middle."

"That's called artistic license."

Blurb:  Based on a true story of a real gorilla named Ivan, Ivan is a gorilla who lives in a shopping mall.  His circle of friends consists of:  Bob, the dog, Stella and Ruby, the elephants, and Julia, the human.  Ivan didn't always live in a shopping mall.  He was captured by the bad humans, and lost his family.  Ivan counts his days in captivity, and there are many.  He lives in a stupor spending his days behind a glass. But when Ruby comes into his life something awakens inside Ivan.  Will Ivan ever be free and live among his kin again?

Within its pages:

There are many teaching themes to tap into with this wondrous novel:  Friendship, courage, determination,  animals in captivity, perseverance, personification, and finding your inner strength.  The author highlights the importance of keeping a promise, and how we can reach deeper than we sometimes think possible.  For younger students, The One and Only Ivan would be an excellent read aloud.  One that will surely evoke some deep, rich discussions around the various themes that emerge within the text.

The way the book is organized, with short paragraphs and chapters (sometimes just a couple of lines per page) is a great example that sometimes less is definitely more.  Applegate is able to show how powerful just a couple of words can be.  It's a great example to share with those kids intimidated by the empty page when they need to write.

Shelf  it!

Ivan is a fighter, and his friendships give him a sense of pride and purpose.  In Ivan's mind, humans don't make sense....humans and their words, they just talk too much.  This is a wonderfully remarkable and powerful story.  An absolute must shelf! Applegate has a found a way to reach deep into your heart and soul with this deeply poignant and captivating story.  It will tug at your heart strings, and you might even cry, we're just saying!
Just stop reading this blog already, and GO SHELF IT!!! :-)

The book's website has a wonderful book trailer that will surely have kids begging to read the book and will also provide more info. on the real Ivan.

FYI - A picture book about the true story of Ivan, the gorilla, is due to be released in early October by Katherine Applegate.  Yay!