Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2015

Review

This nonfiction picture book tells the story of the gorilla on whom the author also based her book The One and Only Ivan. Ivan starts out with an idyllic life in the jungle with his family, swinging from the trees, playing with other gorillas, and generally just enjoying life. When he was around six months old, he was captured by poachers and taken with a baby girl gorilla to a shopping center in Tacoma, Washington to be put on display. For a few years he lives with a human family, during which time the tone of the story remains upbeat. When he gets too big to live in their house, he is forced to live on display in a cage in the mall. He lived there for twenty seven years. This part of the story is sad and clearly a lonely, unhappy time for Ivan. Gradually, his plight became known as people became more aware of the needs of animals held in captivity. Ivan was eventually moved to Zoo Atlanta where he lived out his days with other gorillas in an enclosure made especially for them. Applegate's text lets the reader slowly realize Ivan's plight, while Karas' illustrations beautifully convey the story. They truly portray Ivan's feelings to the reader making this a poignant read. A great book to add to your collection.

Overall Book Score: very good