The One and Only Ivan Audiobook By Katherine Applegate, Patricia Castelao cover art

The One and Only Ivan

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The One and Only Ivan

By: Katherine Applegate, Patricia Castelao
Narrated by: Adam Grupper
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About this listen

Soon to be a major motion picture!

Winner of the Newbery Medal and a number one New York Times best seller

This stirring and unforgettable novel from renowned author Katherine Applegate celebrates the transformative power of unexpected friendships. Inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, this novel is told from the point of view of Ivan himself. This acclaimed middle grade novel is an excellent choice for tween readers in grades 5 to 6, especially during homeschooling. It’s a fun way to keep your child entertained and engaged while not in the classroom.

Having spent 27 years behind the glass walls of his enclosure in a shopping mall, Ivan has grown accustomed to humans watching him. He hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle. Instead, Ivan occupies himself with television, his friends Stella and Bob, and painting. But when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild, he is forced to see their home, and his art, through new eyes.

The One and Only Ivan was hailed as a best book of the year by Kirkus, School Library Journal, and Amazon, demonstrating it is a true classic in the making.

In the tradition of timeless stories like Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little, Katherine Applegate blends humor and poignancy to create Ivan's unforgettable first-person narration in a story of friendship, art, and hope. An author's note depicts the differences between the fictional story and true events.

Plus don't miss The One and Only Bob, Katherine Applegate's return to the world of Ivan, Bob, and Ruby!

©2012 Katherine Applegate (P)2013 HarperCollins Publishers
Animal Fiction Animals Animals & Nature Apes & Monkeys Fiction Growing Up Growing Up & Facts of Life Literature & Fiction Series Essentials Heartfelt Feel-Good Witty
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Featured Article: The Best Family Audiobooks for All Ages


Sharing stories with your family can leave a lasting impression. As a parent, you probably remember the magic of having a book read aloud to you as a kid, and family audiobooks offer that same experience for your own children. Whether you’re looking to help increase literacy or discover the joy of group listening, our list has some of the best family audiobooks, from best sellers to newcomer favorites. Here are the best family audiobooks.

What listeners say about The One and Only Ivan

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Heartwarming Story Touching Tale Excellent Narration Captivating Storytelling Well-crafted Plot
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Very deep, well written story.

starts immediately, this deep narrative reads surprisingly easily. Just who is the author targeting? Read and see

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Amazing

I was ready to be amazed. It was truly gratifying. Heard it three times already.

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Engaging

My students enjoyed listening to this audiobook. I'm hoping to encourage reluctant readers to follow along with the audiobook.

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Captivating story!

And yes, I see the double entendres. 😁

This is a cute little story told from the POV of the silverback gorilla Ivan who is the main attraction of a tiny circus housed in a functioning mall. When a the baby elephant arrives, the menagerie’s delicate balance of affected contentment is broken and they yearn for more — if only just for young Rosie. The 3 hour and 45-minute length was the perfect length. Long enough to fully invest in each animal’s backstory without over preaching the heartbreak.
#sweepstakes

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love it!

children's book? lol as an adult, I even cried. what a great story, must read!!

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Great for kids!

My 6 and 4 year old loved listening to this book! Easy to follow for kids!

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A deep story for young minds

My 6yr old and I loved this story. It was a strong, honest story with heartfelt emotions. Loved it!

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The One and Only Ivan

It has somewhat of a slow start. Once you get into it the story is great!

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fantastic

It's a great story and performed so well. my whole enjoyed it 9yo and 6yo boys.

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good little story

I really enjoyed this book. This is a story about a silverback gorilla in captivity, but it's from the gorilla's point of view.

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