SYNOPSIS

A lonesome, artistic gorilla (Ivan) serving as a circus attraction in a roadside shopping center tells us about his friendship with an itinerant dog (Bob), a newly-arrived baby elephant (Ruby), and the custodian’s daughter (Julia). The circus manager, while cruel toward Ruby, loved and raised Ivan at his own home after poachers killed Ivan’s parents in Africa. Ivan uses his exceptional intelligence and artistic skill to beg Julia for help out of the zoo. Thanks to Julia’s actions, the animals are rehabilitated into a large national zoo, in the company of new animal friends and semi-wilderness. Bob will join, too.

(There’s a sequel, The One and Only Bob.)

PERFECT AGE 9 – 14

THEMES

• Animals have interesting inner lives and deep feelings, and understand humans better than we suspect
• Animal cruelty comes in many forms, even when seemingly well intentioned, like circus entertainment
• We can learn from animals how to be kind and take care of each other

We love

• Hearing the story from Ivan’s perspective is endearing and immediately engaging
• Awesome, rich vocabulary even though a gorilla is speaking (and somehow, anthropomorphizing an animal does not feel irksome or fake)
• Ivan’s and Bob’s sense of humor is contagious; they are both deeply empathetic and great role models for children learning to care for animals
• The book is based on a true story and can help engage children in discussions about rehabilitation or better care for circus animals, why zoos do good work, etc.

WATCH OUT FOR (Language, Big / Sensitive Topics, Outdated Concepts):

• An elephant dies because of the keeper’s negligence; two grown gorillas are killed by poachers in the wild and their baby is smuggled into the US; animals’ living conditions in the circus are not ideal – some advance prep and context for your child may be helpful.

CONVERSATION STARTERS

• Who was your favorite character? What did you like most about them?
• Have you heard about animals making art? Why is it possible for some animals to draw, do you think?
• If you could speak to Ivan when he feels sad, what would you say to him?
• What do you think of Julia’s actions? Tell me about a situation when you were creative or brave!