*Please note: This post contains affiliate links.
As we grow older, we tend to deepen our roots into reality. We lose our imaginary friends, our ability to create something from nothing, and our desire to make every moment a chance to play. And so, the imaginations of adults don’t always work as well as those of kids.
I think this is also part of the reason adults don’t typically read books written from the point-of-view of animals. It’s so far out there. Clearly imaginary. Too off base from reality.
And so, usually only children’s books get away with talking animals.
I say all this as a forewarning: today I’m going to be sharing a story written from the perspective of a gorilla. And I’d recommend this treasure to readers of all ages.
The One and Only Ivan (Amazon Affiliate Link) by Katherine Applegate stars a gentle gorilla named Ivan, an elderly elephant named Stella, and a tiny but powerful dog named Bob.
When a baby elephant named Ruby joins them at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall, Ivan launches a plan to rescue his friends.
Here’s what I love about this story:
Applegate masterfully weaves this tale using threads of a true story, along with threads of her imagination. While the story is clearly fiction, Ivan was a real gorilla who spent many years living in a cage at a circus-themed mall in Washington before moving to a zoo in Atlanta, Georgia.
I also love the underlying themes of hope in The One and Only Ivan. Not to spoil the story, but Ivan’s life at the beginning of the story is not easy. His home at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall is not ideal. And his lack of control over his circumstances is overwhelming.
And yet, there is hope.
Aren’t our lives often the same way?
As much as we’d love to always be in control, we’re not. We live in a messy world and so inevitability, our lives get messy as well.
But no matter what is going on in our lives, there is hope. Hope in our friendships, hope in the creative gifts God has given us, and ultimately, hope in our Creator.
So if you’re looking for a funny, sweet animal story with strong themes of hope that you can enjoy with your whole family, pick up a copy of The One and Only Ivan. The link below is an affiliate link for Amazon, which helps support me in creating more posts like this one!
And never forget… you are onederfully created.
Love,
Becca
