The One and Only Family — Content Guide for Parents

Themes present
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Content themes
Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
An instant #1 New York Times and indie bestseller!
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.
Frequently asked questions
Is The One and Only Family appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The book includes themes of death, captivity, and the climate crisis, which may involve emotionally intense situations. While the narrative may recount past traumas and cruel conditions faced by characters, it does not depict graphic violence. The mention of 'blood' suggests some level of physicality but does not indicate explicit violence between characters. The book addresses heavy subjects such as captivity and trauma, which may be distressing for some readers. The emotional weight of these themes could be considered scary for younger audiences, but it is framed in a way that balances with hope and resilience.
Does The One and Only Family have violence?
The book includes themes of death, captivity, and the climate crisis, which may involve emotionally intense situations. While the narrative may recount past traumas and cruel conditions faced by characters, it does not depict graphic violence. The mention of 'blood' suggests some level of physicality but does not indicate explicit violence between characters.
Does The One and Only Family have scary content?
The book addresses heavy subjects such as captivity and trauma, which may be distressing for some readers. The emotional weight of these themes could be considered scary for younger audiences, but it is framed in a way that balances with hope and resilience.
Does The One and Only Family have religious themes?
No religious content in the book itself. The search results reference the author's background and other unrelated content, but do not indicate any religious themes or practices in the narrative.
Does The One and Only Family have racial/cultural content?
No explicit racial themes or discussions are present in the book. The search results do not indicate that race is a central theme or plot point.
Does The One and Only Family have profanity?
No profanity is mentioned in the book. The search results do not provide any evidence of strong language or swearing in the narrative.
Does The One and Only Family have climate change?
The book addresses themes of climate change, species extinction, and wildlife conservation, highlighting the importance of protecting the environment. These themes are woven into the narrative as part of the characters' experiences and challenges.
Does The One and Only Family have sexual identity?
No sexual content is present in the book. The search results do not indicate any themes or references related to sexuality in the narrative.
Does The One and Only Family have gender roles?
The book does not actively discuss or critique gender roles. While it may feature characters in various roles, there is no indication of traditional or modern gender role themes being central to the narrative.
Does The One and Only Family have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes or characters are mentioned in the book's narrative. The search results focus on general lists of LGBTQ+ characters in media and do not provide specific references to LGBTQ+ content in 'The One and Only Family.'



