The One and Only Ivan Full-Color Collector's Edition — Content Guide for Parents
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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
Soon to be a major motion picture!
This large-format collector's edition of the Newbery Medal winner and #1 New York Times bestseller features:
• Full-color interior artwork from illustrator Patricia Castelao
• A special letter from Katherine Applegate
• The Newbery Medal acceptance speech
• A letter from the real Ivan's caretaker at Zoo Atlanta
• Ivan's "signature"
• Sketches and illustrations that were not part of the original book.
Inspired by the true story of a captive silverback gorilla known as Ivan, this stirring and unforgettable novel celebrates the transformative power of unexpected friendships.
Having spent twenty-seven 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.
Hailed as a best book of the year by Kirkus, School Library Journal, and Amazon, Katherine Applegate's novel blends humor and poignancy to create this incredible tale of friendship, art, and hope told from Ivan's own point of view, in the tradition of timeless classics such as Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little.
Frequently asked questions
Is The One and Only Ivan Full-Color Collector's Edition appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The book contains instances of violence, including the death of an animal due to lack of veterinary care and Ruby being threatened with an elephant hook to make her perform tricks. These elements depict the physical and emotional cruelty of humans toward animals. The narrative includes themes that may be scary for younger readers, such as Ruby being captured and sold, and the physical abuse of animals to make them perform tricks. These elements could be distressing for some children.
Does The One and Only Ivan Full-Color Collector's Edition have violence?
The book contains instances of violence, including the death of an animal due to lack of veterinary care and Ruby being threatened with an elephant hook to make her perform tricks. These elements depict the physical and emotional cruelty of humans toward animals.
Does The One and Only Ivan Full-Color Collector's Edition have scary content?
The narrative includes themes that may be scary for younger readers, such as Ruby being captured and sold, and the physical abuse of animals to make them perform tricks. These elements could be distressing for some children.
Does The One and Only Ivan Full-Color Collector's Edition have religious themes?
No religious content in the book itself. The search results do not reference any religious practices, beliefs, or ceremonies within the narrative of 'The One and Only Ivan'.
Does The One and Only Ivan Full-Color Collector's Edition have racial/cultural content?
The search results do not indicate any explicit themes of race or racism in the narrative of 'The One and Only Ivan'. The story focuses on animal captivity rather than racial issues.
Does The One and Only Ivan Full-Color Collector's Edition have profanity?
The term 'me-balls' is used in the book, referring to the excrement thrown by Ivan at rude visitors. While not traditional profanity, it is crude language related to bodily functions.
Does The One and Only Ivan Full-Color Collector's Edition have climate change?
While climate change is mentioned in the context of the broader series, it is not a theme present in 'The One and Only Ivan' itself. The search results do not indicate any climate-related content specific to this book.
Does The One and Only Ivan Full-Color Collector's Edition have sexual identity?
The book includes crude language, such as the term 'me-balls' used by Ivan to describe the excrement he throws at tourists. This is presented in a humorous context but does involve bodily functions.
Does The One and Only Ivan Full-Color Collector's Edition have gender roles?
The book does not actively discuss or critique gender roles. The narrative centers around animals and their experiences, without a focus on human gender dynamics.
Does The One and Only Ivan Full-Color Collector's Edition have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes or characters are mentioned in the book. The search results do not indicate any LGBTQ+ content in the narrative of 'The One and Only Ivan'.
