What do you think?
Rate this book
The One and Only Ivan #4
The One and Only Family
For more than a decade, readers have been enchanted by the modern classic The One and Only Ivan , a Newbery Award winner and a #1 New York Times bestseller, and by its bestselling sequels, The One and Only Bob and The One and Only Ruby . Powerhouse author Katherine Applegate invites readers back into Ivan’s world for one last adventure—his most exciting yet. Ivan has been happily living in a wildlife sanctuary, with his friend Ruby next door in the elephant enclosure, frequent visits from his canine friend Bob, and his mate Kinyani by his side. And in the happiest turn of all, Ivan and Kinyani have welcomed a set of twins to their family! Ivan loves being a papa, even though it can be hard sometimes. But as he navigates the joys and challenges of parenthood, he can’t help but recall his life before the glass walls of the mall circus, his own childhood in the jungle—and his own twin. In the tradition of timeless classics like Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little , the one and only Katherine Applegate has crafted a poignant, delightful, heartbreaking, unforgettable final foray into the world of Ivan, the world’s favorite silverback.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published May 7, 2024
About the author
Katherine Applegate
279 books5,611 followersKatherine Applegate is the author of The One and Only Ivan, winner of the 2013 Newbery Medal. Her novel Crenshaw spent over twenty weeks on the New York Times children's bestseller list, and her first middle-grade stand-alone novel, the award-winning Home of the Brave, continues to be included on state reading lists, summer reading lists, and class reading lists.
Katherine has written three picture books: The Buffalo Storm; The Remarkable True Story of Ivan, the Shopping Mall Gorilla (often used as a companion book to The One and Only Ivan for younger readers); and Sometimes You Fly (publishing in spring, 2018). For beginning readers, Katherine wrote Roscoe Riley Rules, a seven-book series.
With her husband, Michael Grant, Katherine co-wrote Animorphs, a long-running series that has sold over 35 million books worldwide.
Katherine lives in Marin County, California, with her family and assorted pets.
Katherine has written three picture books: The Buffalo Storm; The Remarkable True Story of Ivan, the Shopping Mall Gorilla (often used as a companion book to The One and Only Ivan for younger readers); and Sometimes You Fly (publishing in spring, 2018). For beginning readers, Katherine wrote Roscoe Riley Rules, a seven-book series.
With her husband, Michael Grant, Katherine co-wrote Animorphs, a long-running series that has sold over 35 million books worldwide.
Katherine lives in Marin County, California, with her family and assorted pets.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
May 8, 2024
Absolutely beautiful ending to the series. I loved reading from the point of view of Ivan again, but this time hearing him speak from a much happier place, physically and mentally.
May 10, 2024
This series is just lovely.
January 28, 2024
“I am Ivan. And I am a dad.”
🦍
Ivan gets to see Ruby and Bob as he continues to live his life in the wildlife sanctuary. He has his mate, Kinyani, and life is so much better than it used to be. When Ivan finds out he’s going to be a father, he immediately starts worrying about what kind of dad he’s going to be. When the twins are born, everything Ivan thought he knew is thrown at the window. It’s a terrifying, yet wondrous experience, but Ivan constantly wonders how much he should share with the twins about his past. In protecting them, he also not being honest. How will Ivan protect his kids but also prepare them for the world?
🦍
I’m so sad this masterful MG quartet by @kaaauthor is ending. I’ve been with Ivan since book 1 and am going to miss him and his extended family. This novel made me laugh and cry and was the perfect way to end this series. This title releases May 7. 5 ⭐️
CW: death (recounted), captivity, climate crisis, endangered animals, blood
🦍
Ivan gets to see Ruby and Bob as he continues to live his life in the wildlife sanctuary. He has his mate, Kinyani, and life is so much better than it used to be. When Ivan finds out he’s going to be a father, he immediately starts worrying about what kind of dad he’s going to be. When the twins are born, everything Ivan thought he knew is thrown at the window. It’s a terrifying, yet wondrous experience, but Ivan constantly wonders how much he should share with the twins about his past. In protecting them, he also not being honest. How will Ivan protect his kids but also prepare them for the world?
🦍
I’m so sad this masterful MG quartet by @kaaauthor is ending. I’ve been with Ivan since book 1 and am going to miss him and his extended family. This novel made me laugh and cry and was the perfect way to end this series. This title releases May 7. 5 ⭐️
CW: death (recounted), captivity, climate crisis, endangered animals, blood
May 17, 2024
this was such a sweet end to this series 💗 i loved seeing ivan become a father and seeing him grapple with his past and the difficult things he has been through. i also loved the dynamics of ivan’s relationship with kinyani and his friendship with bob, ruby and the other gorillas. these books are so wholesome yet heartbreaking at the same time. it is incredibly sad to think about the terrible things that animals in the wild go through, but it is also an important topic! i love that these books shed light on something that is difficult while maintaining a hopeful atmosphere 💗
May 13, 2024
“I tried to believe in myself, and on the days I couldn’t… I had friends who believed in me.”
“I wonder if everyone carries the weight of secret sadness with them. Perhaps, if it weren’t secret, it wouldn’t be a burden.”
Seeing Ivan as a father was so wholesome! I loved seeing the gang again, and hearing the wise words from Bob helping Ivan prep for fatherhood and after.
This was everything I needed.
The tears came for me multiple times.
What I love about Katherine’s writing, is that it’s cute, funny, and always packs a punch of realness. You learn, you grow, and you always leave her books feeling like you’ve just spent time with friends.
“I wonder if everyone carries the weight of secret sadness with them. Perhaps, if it weren’t secret, it wouldn’t be a burden.”
Seeing Ivan as a father was so wholesome! I loved seeing the gang again, and hearing the wise words from Bob helping Ivan prep for fatherhood and after.
This was everything I needed.
The tears came for me multiple times.
What I love about Katherine’s writing, is that it’s cute, funny, and always packs a punch of realness. You learn, you grow, and you always leave her books feeling like you’ve just spent time with friends.
May 15, 2024
Such a wonderful wrap up to Ivan's (and Bob's and Ruby's) story. Lovely to be back in this world for one final visit. Justin & I buddy read this in one sitting.
May 15, 2024
A cute ending to the quartet! Buddy read with Di. I remember reading the first 2 books when it was still a duology! Well written, thoughtful, and entertaining books.
May 16, 2024
Loved it! What a sweet last book about Ivan. I was waiting for this to come out and wasn't disappointed. I couldn't put it down.
May 8, 2024
I am ONLY taking a star off because I don't see this book fitting into the same reader age range as the other three. This book follows adult Ivan as he becomes a parent and I feel like a lot of the book might go over my students' heads. However I still absolutely loved this book! I think it's a perfect culmination for the adults who love Ivan!
March 15, 2024
Aw Ivan is back!! What a sweet story. I love seeing what Ivan was probably feeling in the zoo. Be prepared to cry. Great ending of the series.
May 14, 2024
The end to one of my favorite series to share with students. It was a nice ending. The family element seems more catered to an adult audience than a kid one but I'll let me students be the final judges!
May 12, 2024
A wonderful ending to the One and Only series. As a parent, this one had me feeling big feelings.
April 4, 2024
What a sweet ending to the One and Only quartet of stories! Ivan becomes a dad in this last installment. I loved how Katherine Applegate puts Ivan's worries about impending fatherhood into kid-friendly language so that maybe they will understand where their own parents are coming from with their concerns. It was awesome to see the whole group of Ivan, Bob, and Ruby back together. While her previous books were sadder, I found this one more hopeful and light. Maybe that was me? Yes, there were parts where there was some melancholy and anxiety, but not nearly as much as Ivan's first book. Definitely purchasing a copy or two for my school library!
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for this advance copy!
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for this advance copy!
February 5, 2024
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Ivan and Kinyani are settling into a routine life in the wildlife preserve. A hurricane damaged many of the buildings, but the primate enclosure is being enlarged and repaired. When Bob points out that Kinyani has gained some weight, Ivan assumes it is because the two are eating too many mangoes and bananas, but Bob tells him it is because Kinyani is going to have a baby. Ivan takes some time to get used to the idea of being a father, and remembers his home in Africa, his twin, Tag, and other parts of his life. He's not sure how to approach these with a baby, especially since Kinyani doesn't seem to think it's important. She spends lots of time with doctors, and when she is in labor, Ivan is kept away from her on the other side of the glass. It takes a while for him to be allowed to see the twin infants, whom the public names Tuma and Raji. The twins require lots of care, and Ivan learns to deal with this new chapter in his life.
Strengths: Ivan has always managed to create a "found family" for himself wherever he is, even in the shopping mall, so it's gratifying to see him be able to raise a family of his own along with his mate. The zoo is undergoing some transformation, and seeing that from an animal perspective is interesting. The short, verse-like chapters and the illustrations will make this accessible to younger readers while Ivan's introspection about his lot in life will appeal to older ones as well. The real story of Ivan is very sad, and Applegate's ability to give him a happy, if fictional, ending is appreciated.
Weaknesses: There's a lot of philosophy in this about memories and parenting, and I'm not sure how much this will resonate with young readers, who will be more interested in the twins antics.
What I really think: The is an essential conclusion to this series, which includes The One and Only Ivan, The One and Only Bob, and The One and Only Ruby.
Ivan and Kinyani are settling into a routine life in the wildlife preserve. A hurricane damaged many of the buildings, but the primate enclosure is being enlarged and repaired. When Bob points out that Kinyani has gained some weight, Ivan assumes it is because the two are eating too many mangoes and bananas, but Bob tells him it is because Kinyani is going to have a baby. Ivan takes some time to get used to the idea of being a father, and remembers his home in Africa, his twin, Tag, and other parts of his life. He's not sure how to approach these with a baby, especially since Kinyani doesn't seem to think it's important. She spends lots of time with doctors, and when she is in labor, Ivan is kept away from her on the other side of the glass. It takes a while for him to be allowed to see the twin infants, whom the public names Tuma and Raji. The twins require lots of care, and Ivan learns to deal with this new chapter in his life.
Strengths: Ivan has always managed to create a "found family" for himself wherever he is, even in the shopping mall, so it's gratifying to see him be able to raise a family of his own along with his mate. The zoo is undergoing some transformation, and seeing that from an animal perspective is interesting. The short, verse-like chapters and the illustrations will make this accessible to younger readers while Ivan's introspection about his lot in life will appeal to older ones as well. The real story of Ivan is very sad, and Applegate's ability to give him a happy, if fictional, ending is appreciated.
Weaknesses: There's a lot of philosophy in this about memories and parenting, and I'm not sure how much this will resonate with young readers, who will be more interested in the twins antics.
What I really think: The is an essential conclusion to this series, which includes The One and Only Ivan, The One and Only Bob, and The One and Only Ruby.
May 8, 2024
First sentence: I am Ivan. I'm about to become a dad. I'm hoping it's as easy as it looks.
Premise/plot: The One and Only Ivan is the fourth book in Katherine Applegate's series. Previous titles--as I'm sure many know--include The One and Only Ivan, The One and Only Bob, and The One and Only Ruby. Ivan and his gorilla partner, Kinyani, are going to be parents. This book--written in verse--chronicles Ivan's adventures/misadventures as a dad as "Big Daddy."
My thoughts: I LOVED this one. Is it for kids? Maybe. Maybe not. Is it for adults who read children's books? Almost definitely. Perhaps not exclusively. But The One and Only Ivan has been published for over ten years. He is such a memorable character that readers of all ages may want to read this one. The Ivan books (and sequels) have a timeless feel to them. This one gets VERY reflective and philosophical. I think adults will almost definitely connect with the narration. The writing just resonates at times. So many places I ended up highlighting. I am so glad I read this one.
Quotes:
Look at a gorilla infant's hand. Or a human baby's hand, if you don't happen to have access to a newborn gorilla. Which I suppose is quite likely. How could anything possibly be so small and so perfect? Now extend a finger, the way I am doing, the way every father since the beginning of time has done, and watch the way that tiny hand grabs hold as if it means the difference between life and death. Because perhaps it does. My son is holding on to me. Maybe it is not because of love, or need, or purpose. Maybe the movement is ingrained in a way we can't begin to understand. Perhaps babies hold on to fingers because they must. And perhaps that's all we need to know.
I have my story. The twins will have theirs. Stories, it seems to me, are living things. Once you set them free, they're like offspring. They have destinies of their own. They're no longer your responsibility. They belong to the world.
Premise/plot: The One and Only Ivan is the fourth book in Katherine Applegate's series. Previous titles--as I'm sure many know--include The One and Only Ivan, The One and Only Bob, and The One and Only Ruby. Ivan and his gorilla partner, Kinyani, are going to be parents. This book--written in verse--chronicles Ivan's adventures/misadventures as a dad as "Big Daddy."
My thoughts: I LOVED this one. Is it for kids? Maybe. Maybe not. Is it for adults who read children's books? Almost definitely. Perhaps not exclusively. But The One and Only Ivan has been published for over ten years. He is such a memorable character that readers of all ages may want to read this one. The Ivan books (and sequels) have a timeless feel to them. This one gets VERY reflective and philosophical. I think adults will almost definitely connect with the narration. The writing just resonates at times. So many places I ended up highlighting. I am so glad I read this one.
Quotes:
Look at a gorilla infant's hand. Or a human baby's hand, if you don't happen to have access to a newborn gorilla. Which I suppose is quite likely. How could anything possibly be so small and so perfect? Now extend a finger, the way I am doing, the way every father since the beginning of time has done, and watch the way that tiny hand grabs hold as if it means the difference between life and death. Because perhaps it does. My son is holding on to me. Maybe it is not because of love, or need, or purpose. Maybe the movement is ingrained in a way we can't begin to understand. Perhaps babies hold on to fingers because they must. And perhaps that's all we need to know.
I have my story. The twins will have theirs. Stories, it seems to me, are living things. Once you set them free, they're like offspring. They have destinies of their own. They're no longer your responsibility. They belong to the world.
May 16, 2024
Review from my little sister Laly (11):
Ivan had been living a relatively peaceful life until one day, his friends Bob and Kinyani shared some life-altering news with him. They told him that he was going to be a father. As it turned out, Kinyani had given birth to twins, and Ivan was the father. He knew he had to be a meaningful presence in their lives, but he also had to cope with the secrets of his past. He had to conceal the circumstances that led to this unexpected situation and his challenges.
As an avid reader and fan of the Only series, I was thrilled to receive this latest book in my mailbox. It felt like reuniting with old friends after a long separation.
The characters were just as endearing as ever, and I was immediately drawn into their lives again. Ivan's unwavering concern and love for the twins, Raji and Tuma, was particularly touching and heartwarming to read about. Bob's charm was as irresistible as always. At the same time, Ruby had some tough competition for the title of the cutest character in the story.
The book's plot was captivating, and I was utterly engrossed in the story from start to finish. The humor throughout the book added a delightful element to the already enjoyable read. The book beautifully portrayed the joys and struggles of parenthood, including the occasional toddler tantrum.
When I turned the final page, I was filled with mixed emotions. On one hand, I was sad to leave these characters behind once again. On the other hand, I felt inspired by the story's message of the unbreakable bond between particular animals.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a heartwarming and engaging story that celebrates the power of love and connection.
Happy Reading, Laly ❤️ 📚
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ivan had been living a relatively peaceful life until one day, his friends Bob and Kinyani shared some life-altering news with him. They told him that he was going to be a father. As it turned out, Kinyani had given birth to twins, and Ivan was the father. He knew he had to be a meaningful presence in their lives, but he also had to cope with the secrets of his past. He had to conceal the circumstances that led to this unexpected situation and his challenges.
As an avid reader and fan of the Only series, I was thrilled to receive this latest book in my mailbox. It felt like reuniting with old friends after a long separation.
The characters were just as endearing as ever, and I was immediately drawn into their lives again. Ivan's unwavering concern and love for the twins, Raji and Tuma, was particularly touching and heartwarming to read about. Bob's charm was as irresistible as always. At the same time, Ruby had some tough competition for the title of the cutest character in the story.
The book's plot was captivating, and I was utterly engrossed in the story from start to finish. The humor throughout the book added a delightful element to the already enjoyable read. The book beautifully portrayed the joys and struggles of parenthood, including the occasional toddler tantrum.
When I turned the final page, I was filled with mixed emotions. On one hand, I was sad to leave these characters behind once again. On the other hand, I felt inspired by the story's message of the unbreakable bond between particular animals.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a heartwarming and engaging story that celebrates the power of love and connection.
Happy Reading, Laly ❤️ 📚
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 16, 2024
I can see how this final book might not be everyone's cup of tea, but for me, it felt like the series came full circle.
I know the real Ivan didn't go on to become a parent, but this is a work of fiction, so it didn't bother me. Being a parent myself made me feel a connection with the new-parent-world of Ivan and Kinyani (although twins...#yikes! Glad mine were spaced out).
There's an exchange between Ivan, Bob, and Ruby, that really stood out to me; it's not a spoiler, in my opinion, but just in case...
And I just loved this line from the Author's Note:
Who would have thought that that Newbery winning book from 12 years ago would create such a journey for this unique family to embark upon?
Thank you, Katherine Applegate, for giving Ivan, Bob, Ruby, and their friends/family voices to tell their stories.
I know the real Ivan didn't go on to become a parent, but this is a work of fiction, so it didn't bother me. Being a parent myself made me feel a connection with the new-parent-world of Ivan and Kinyani (although twins...#yikes! Glad mine were spaced out).
There's an exchange between Ivan, Bob, and Ruby, that really stood out to me; it's not a spoiler, in my opinion, but just in case...
And I just loved this line from the Author's Note:
Who would have thought that that Newbery winning book from 12 years ago would create such a journey for this unique family to embark upon?
Thank you, Katherine Applegate, for giving Ivan, Bob, Ruby, and their friends/family voices to tell their stories.
May 14, 2024
So I am one of those people who absolutely adores The One and Only Ivan. It truly is one of my Newbery favorites. The syntax with which Katherine Applegate brings characters to life (gorillas, dogs, elephants) is in a top notch class.
And I loved visiting with Ivan one final time in "The One and Only Family."
As a parent, this book resonated with me on so many levels. The impending parenthood. The struggles with parenting toddlers. The daunting task in the role of raising a child. One might argue that much of this will go over middle grade readers' heads. Others might say this book will be less appealing due to the subject matter. But I am a person who believes we need to give students more credit than we do....and children will love going home to Ivan, Bob, Ruby and all the others.
There are so many quotes I loved in this book. And yes I loved them because they were relatable on a parenting level. But that's huge: a middle grade novelist so accurately tapping into the parent psyche. Ultimately, Ivan is reminded of what we parents are: you can only do so much. You cannot prepare for everything that can happen...and we have to be okay with that.
Do I think this book is a Newbery winner like its predecessor? Like the one that started it all? Not necessarily....but it still will find its way to my bookshelf.
And I loved visiting with Ivan one final time in "The One and Only Family."
As a parent, this book resonated with me on so many levels. The impending parenthood. The struggles with parenting toddlers. The daunting task in the role of raising a child. One might argue that much of this will go over middle grade readers' heads. Others might say this book will be less appealing due to the subject matter. But I am a person who believes we need to give students more credit than we do....and children will love going home to Ivan, Bob, Ruby and all the others.
There are so many quotes I loved in this book. And yes I loved them because they were relatable on a parenting level. But that's huge: a middle grade novelist so accurately tapping into the parent psyche. Ultimately, Ivan is reminded of what we parents are: you can only do so much. You cannot prepare for everything that can happen...and we have to be okay with that.
Do I think this book is a Newbery winner like its predecessor? Like the one that started it all? Not necessarily....but it still will find its way to my bookshelf.
May 18, 2024
Read as an audiobook
I had no idea The One and Only Family was coming out until I was randomly browsing Barnes & Noble online and saw an advertisement for this book. As soon as the audiobook was available on Everand, I immediately read it. And I read it in a day. Which further solidified I need to read more books by Katherine Applegate.
The One and Only Family is the concluding novel in a series. One of the central characters, Ivan, becomes a father to twins and his entire reality changes. Even if you are not a parent (like me), you can get something from this book. Ivan, born in the wild and abducted as a baby then forced into captivity for many years, has the truth of his family's situation clash with his instincts as a Silverback father. Even as his loved ones try to reassure him that they are safer in the sanctuary and, while it's not the wild, the family is protected. But there is also the matter that Ivan's kids will never know the true freedom of living in the jungle. The book is all about the best thing to do is love children as best you can and prepare them for the world they live in.
The great writing and the incredible narrator sucked me in. I love the found family these animals have formed after everything they went through in the previous books. I loved being inside Ivan's head when he realized his mate was pregnant...because, obviously, animals don't think about reproduction the way humans do. Plus, this is a book written for kids. Regardless, it was a delight being back with Ivan and the family one more time. It was sweet and deeply emotional. The One and Only Family was a terrific finale.
I had no idea The One and Only Family was coming out until I was randomly browsing Barnes & Noble online and saw an advertisement for this book. As soon as the audiobook was available on Everand, I immediately read it. And I read it in a day. Which further solidified I need to read more books by Katherine Applegate.
The One and Only Family is the concluding novel in a series. One of the central characters, Ivan, becomes a father to twins and his entire reality changes. Even if you are not a parent (like me), you can get something from this book. Ivan, born in the wild and abducted as a baby then forced into captivity for many years, has the truth of his family's situation clash with his instincts as a Silverback father. Even as his loved ones try to reassure him that they are safer in the sanctuary and, while it's not the wild, the family is protected. But there is also the matter that Ivan's kids will never know the true freedom of living in the jungle. The book is all about the best thing to do is love children as best you can and prepare them for the world they live in.
The great writing and the incredible narrator sucked me in. I love the found family these animals have formed after everything they went through in the previous books. I loved being inside Ivan's head when he realized his mate was pregnant...because, obviously, animals don't think about reproduction the way humans do. Plus, this is a book written for kids. Regardless, it was a delight being back with Ivan and the family one more time. It was sweet and deeply emotional. The One and Only Family was a terrific finale.
March 8, 2024
I loved this last book in the One and Only Ivan family series! It was a nice culminating story to share one last time of Ivan's, Bob's, and Ruby's stories. It would help to read all the books in order or at least Ivan's story before reading this book. You should keep tissues close by while reading, just in case. I really, really loved hearing from Ivan again and all his friends. I liked reading about how Ivan was dealing with changes and realizations too (I don't want to give too much away). I think readers will be able to relate to things happening in the story on many different levels.
A must-have for all libraries! A must-read as well! All these books in the series including this one, would be great classroom or family read-alouds.
#KatherineApplegate #OneAndOnlyFamily #OneAndOnlyIvan #OneAndOnlyBob #OneAndOnlyRuby #SchoolLibrary #SchoolLibrarians #ReadABook #Books #Read #KidLit #ElementaryBooks #ElemReads #MGReads MGBooks #MGLit
A must-have for all libraries! A must-read as well! All these books in the series including this one, would be great classroom or family read-alouds.
#KatherineApplegate #OneAndOnlyFamily #OneAndOnlyIvan #OneAndOnlyBob #OneAndOnlyRuby #SchoolLibrary #SchoolLibrarians #ReadABook #Books #Read #KidLit #ElementaryBooks #ElemReads #MGReads MGBooks #MGLit
May 7, 2024
So sad to come to the end of The One and Only quartet, but how well we close this story of a family that extends to friends. but we can always go back to volume 1 and reread it.
It's a story of parenthood. Ivan and Kinyani are going to be parents. It worries Ivan a lot. He has so many emotions in him sad memories and a duty to protect that fear takes over. The fear for their twins who bring joy and mischief to their lives. But they aren't alone. The zoo, the vets, and their friends Ruby and Bob will always be there to support them even when Ivan doubts himself. I love that the author has Ivan realize that to protect and educate doesn't mean to hide trues from them but to prepare them for life with as much knowledge as possible of good and bad things.
Easy to read, with beautiful illustrations, this verse novel is the perfect ending to the story of Ivan (inspired by a real gorilla who was rescued from a circus in a mall).
Thank you theshelfstuff for the copy
It's a story of parenthood. Ivan and Kinyani are going to be parents. It worries Ivan a lot. He has so many emotions in him sad memories and a duty to protect that fear takes over. The fear for their twins who bring joy and mischief to their lives. But they aren't alone. The zoo, the vets, and their friends Ruby and Bob will always be there to support them even when Ivan doubts himself. I love that the author has Ivan realize that to protect and educate doesn't mean to hide trues from them but to prepare them for life with as much knowledge as possible of good and bad things.
Easy to read, with beautiful illustrations, this verse novel is the perfect ending to the story of Ivan (inspired by a real gorilla who was rescued from a circus in a mall).
Thank you theshelfstuff for the copy
May 8, 2024
The story--my story--my taken flight, like all stories do. I know there's no turning back.
You can't exile stories.
You can't ban truth.
You can't cage hope.
I know that now. ~ The one and only Ivan
If you have been following this series like I have, you won't want to miss this final episode. The beloved silverback friend Ivan has a new title: Big Daddy. He and his partner Kinyani are about to become parents. Old friends Ruby and Bitsy, Bob, and Julia are joyfully anticipating the new arrival of a baby gorilla. There is also a documentary being made about Ivan that adds an additional layer of joy
and excitement to life at the zoo. Life has not always been easy for our friends and at times they ponder the what ifs of living under human supervision or in the wild. There will be much to discuss for those teachers who share this new title with their classroom.
Thank you to HarperCollins and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
You can't exile stories.
You can't ban truth.
You can't cage hope.
I know that now. ~ The one and only Ivan
If you have been following this series like I have, you won't want to miss this final episode. The beloved silverback friend Ivan has a new title: Big Daddy. He and his partner Kinyani are about to become parents. Old friends Ruby and Bitsy, Bob, and Julia are joyfully anticipating the new arrival of a baby gorilla. There is also a documentary being made about Ivan that adds an additional layer of joy
and excitement to life at the zoo. Life has not always been easy for our friends and at times they ponder the what ifs of living under human supervision or in the wild. There will be much to discuss for those teachers who share this new title with their classroom.
Thank you to HarperCollins and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
May 22, 2024
Katherine Applegate made her wise, art-loving ape Ivan a household word. The author won our hearts with tales about the Silverback gorilla, beginning in 2015, with “The One and Only Ivan.” Three more Ivan books followed. Now the series draws to a close with “The One and Only Family,” wrapping up the story of Ivan and his menagerie of steadfast pals. In Applegate’s newest, Ivan has news—a surprise big enough to blow the top off a circus tent. Ivan is going to be a father, something neither Ivan or his companion feel they’re quite ready for.
Boy or girl, you might ask? We can't let that announcement out of the bag and spoil the fun for kids who'll be pleased to find out for themselves.
Suffice it to say that fatherhood ends up being eye-opening and miraculous for Ivan, a joy and a reflective experience that causes him to look back on his past, and to make peace with a changing world his offspring will inhabit.
This finale earns a whopping 5 ripe bananas.
Boy or girl, you might ask? We can't let that announcement out of the bag and spoil the fun for kids who'll be pleased to find out for themselves.
Suffice it to say that fatherhood ends up being eye-opening and miraculous for Ivan, a joy and a reflective experience that causes him to look back on his past, and to make peace with a changing world his offspring will inhabit.
This finale earns a whopping 5 ripe bananas.
January 28, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for providing me with an e-arc of The One and Only Family. I have enjoyed this fast-paced series written in verse. Each one allows the reader to truly understand the characters and what makes them each unique. This one revolves around Ivans relationship with Kinyani and then his relationship with his twins (Tuma and Raji). The worries he has and how much is he willing to tell his twins about his past. Ivan ultimately discovers the importance of stories and that as Kinyani tells him, "it's not about protecting [the twins] from the world, it's preparing them for it". A hard lesson for any parent, as parents human, animal, etc. can't protect their young from every single aspect of the world, it is not possible. A great book to end the One and Only Quartet. Thank you Katherine Applegate for writing this truly powerful series.
May 10, 2024
A lovely conclusion to the story of Ivan. One of my favorite parts of The One and Only Ruby was seeing Ivan in a peaceful place - a mature Ivan with a partner and in a safe, if not free, place. A zoo isn't the wild but it is better than the mall and Ivan seemed finally content. In The One and Only Family, we get to see content Ivan knocked off balance by some rambunctious twins, and we get to see him find his footing again. The series comes full circle - after Ivan loses his born-family and makes a built-family, now he has a born-family again.
As always, Katherine Applegate delivers deeper lessons with a deft touch and just the right words. Unlike most humans, Katherine doesn't waste words. Instead she chooses carefully, and lands every one perfectly.
As always, Katherine Applegate delivers deeper lessons with a deft touch and just the right words. Unlike most humans, Katherine doesn't waste words. Instead she chooses carefully, and lands every one perfectly.
May 12, 2024
Finally - Ivan is back! Nothing will ever be as good as The One and Only Ivan but in my opinion this one was much better than the Bob and Ruby installments in the series. I loved being back in Ivan's head and having him narrate the story. All of our favorite characters are back and now Ivan is going to be a dad to twins! This brings up a lot of emotions about his past. I did wish for a little more plot - there is a great moment of tension towards the end of the book, but it is resolved so quickly. I think it could have been made a bigger part of the book to spark some action. Overall, nothing compares to the original and I think this book would make for a nice ending to this series instead of forcing more stories.
May 19, 2024
Ivan is a very observant, caring gorilla who has been captive nearly his entire life. He is older in this book and now the leader of his gorilla troop. This story is mainly about Ivan becoming a parent.
All the main characters from the other 3 books are present as well as some new ones.
Ivan’s concerns over parenting are definitely relatable if you are a parent yourself.
I really enjoyed the interaction between Ivan and his children. Thought it was fun that Ruby the elephant has a tag along elephant now.
A great read but not as good as The One and Only Ivan…. This is largely due to a lot of the story was spent on Kinyani’s health concerns as well as not having the same emotional impact overall.
All the main characters from the other 3 books are present as well as some new ones.
Ivan’s concerns over parenting are definitely relatable if you are a parent yourself.
I really enjoyed the interaction between Ivan and his children. Thought it was fun that Ruby the elephant has a tag along elephant now.
A great read but not as good as The One and Only Ivan…. This is largely due to a lot of the story was spent on Kinyani’s health concerns as well as not having the same emotional impact overall.
May 22, 2024
There is nothing like introducing kids to Katherine Applegate's brilliant the One and Only Ivan. It's so reassuring to see how hooked the kids get, and how hungry they are for more. So Katherine Applegate dazzled her tiny fans again with The One and Only Bob and the One and Only Ruby. Now, we have the final book, and the charm remains: Ivan, the steady silverback, who shields the history of his pain with his responsibilities; his adorable offspring and his perceptive mate; Ruby, who is in her own reserve, and Bob the dog, who has a human family. Children will devour this. Watch their empathy go up as they understand multiple points of view and history through these fully developed characters. Katherine Applegate does it again, with power and panache.
May 23, 2024
I had a conversation with a co-worker who said that no kid is going to like this book. I think that is a bit extreme because it is about animals and kids eat that up, but I think the point they were trying to make is this book is totally written for parents and will make every parent feel all warm and fuzzy inside. And you know what? Parents deserve this. When you plow through a series with your kids, it feels nice to be rewarded with something for you. As a dad with a toddler, this book was everything I needed in my life right now. Had I read this book when I was ten I probably wouldn't have thought twice about it and when I pick it up again in my 70s it'll probably bring a smile to my face, but dad with toddler...this hit hard.
May 12, 2024
The One and Only Family is the fourth and final book in the series that began with The One and Only Ivan. This time around Ivan has found love with his habitat-mate, Kinyani. When he learns that he is going to be a father, he is both excited and terrified. Becoming a dad brings up painful memories for Ivan - from being captured by poachers and losing his twin sister, to being a pet and then kept on display at a shopping mall. As a silverback gorilla, Ivan's job is to protect his troop, most especially his children.
This sweet story nicely wraps up the series. While not quite as good as the first book in the series, this one was very enjoyable.
Thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for a review copy of The One and Only Family.
This sweet story nicely wraps up the series. While not quite as good as the first book in the series, this one was very enjoyable.
Thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for a review copy of The One and Only Family.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews