In “The One and Only Ivan,” author Katherine Applegate takes readers on an unforgettable journey into the world of Ivan, a silverback gorilla living in captivity at the Big Top Mall. This heartwarming and thought-provoking novel tells the story of Ivan’s life, his friendships, and his quest for freedom.
Ivan has spent most of his life in a small cage, entertaining visitors with his impressive size and strength. But behind his powerful exterior, Ivan is a gentle and introspective creature, longing for something more. When a baby elephant named Ruby arrives at the mall, Ivan’s world is turned upside down. He forms a deep bond with Ruby and begins to question the nature of their existence.
As Ivan reflects on his past and contemplates his future, he starts to realize that life in captivity is not where he belongs. With the help of his friends, including Bob, a stray dog, and Stella, an aging elephant, Ivan hatches a plan to escape and find a better life for himself and his newfound family.
“The One and Only Ivan” is a powerful and beautifully written novel that explores themes of friendship, empathy, and the importance of standing up for what is right. Through Ivan’s eyes, readers are reminded of the importance of compassion and the inherent worth of every living creature. This book is a must-read for animal lovers of all ages.
Setting
The mall is described as a rundown and outdated place, with faded signs and cracked pavement. It is a place that has seen better days and is struggling to attract customers. The animals in the mall, including Ivan the gorilla, Stella the elephant, and Bob the dog, live in small cages and perform for the mall visitors.
Within the mall, there are different areas that play a significant role in the story. The main attraction is the gorilla enclosure, where Ivan spends most of his time. The enclosure consists of a concrete floor and metal bars, with a tire swing and a small pool for Ivan’s enjoyment. It is a stark and confined space that contrasts with the vastness of the jungle Ivan remembers.
There is also a small room behind the enclosure where Ivan sleeps. It is a cramped and dimly lit space, with only a mattress and a few personal belongings. This room serves as Ivan’s refuge from the noise and chaos of the mall.
The Jungle
Although the majority of the story takes place in the mall, the jungle is an important setting that is frequently referenced. Ivan often reminisces about his life in the wild and the freedom he once had. The jungle represents Ivan’s true home and serves as a symbol of his longing for a life outside of captivity.
The Outside World
While the mall is the primary setting of the story, there are also references to the outside world. Characters mention the existence of zoos, circuses, and other places where animals are kept in captivity. These references highlight the broader issue of animal welfare and the need for change in how animals are treated.
Characters
The One and Only Ivan is a heartwarming story that revolves around several memorable characters. Here are some of the key characters in the book:
- Ivan: The main protagonist of the story, Ivan is a silverback gorilla who has spent most of his life in captivity at the Big Top Mall. He is a gentle and introspective gorilla, known for his artistic talent.
- Stella: A wise and nurturing elephant, Stella is Ivan’s closest friend at the mall. She acts as a mother figure to Ivan and often shares her wisdom and experiences with him.
- Bob: A stray dog who lives in the mall, Bob is a loyal and humorous character. He often provides comic relief and serves as a source of comfort to Ivan.
- Julia: The daughter of the mall’s custodian, Julia is a young girl who develops a special bond with Ivan. She is kind-hearted and helps Ivan rediscover his passion for art.
- Mack: The owner of the Big Top Mall, Mack is a greedy and exploitative character. He sees the animals as mere commodities and is more concerned with profit than their well-being.
- Ruby: A baby elephant who is brought to the mall, Ruby becomes a source of hope for Ivan and the other animals. She represents the possibility of a better life outside of captivity.
These characters, along with others, play significant roles in the story, highlighting themes of friendship, compassion, and the importance of freedom.
Plot
The One and Only Ivan is a children’s novel written by Katherine Applegate. The plot centers around a silverback gorilla named Ivan who lives in a shopping mall circus attraction called the Big Top Mall. Ivan has spent most of his life in captivity and has grown accustomed to his surroundings.
The story begins when a young elephant named Ruby joins the circus. Ivan takes it upon himself to protect Ruby and help her adjust to her new life. As Ivan spends more time with Ruby, he starts to question his own existence and the ethics of keeping animals in captivity.
Ivan befriends a stray dog named Bob and a young girl named Julia who visits the mall regularly. With their help, Ivan comes up with a plan to escape the circus and find a better life for himself and the other animals. They use art as a way to communicate their feelings and gain support from the public.
Throughout the story, Ivan reflects on his past and the memories of his family in the wild. He learns the importance of friendship, empathy, and standing up for what is right. The plot unfolds with suspense and emotion as Ivan and his friends work together to create a brighter future for all the animals at the Big Top Mall.
In the end, Ivan and his friends succeed in their mission to find a new home for the animals. They are relocated to a zoo where they can live in a more natural and spacious environment. Ivan, now free from captivity, can finally embrace his true identity as the one and only Ivan.
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