Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla: A Picture Book for Kids (Ages 4-7) About Rescue and Animal Welfare

by Katherine Applegate, G. Brian Karas (Illustrator)

In a spare, powerful text and evocative illustrations, the Newbery medalist Katherine Applegate and the artist G. Brian Karas present the extraordinary real story of a special gorilla.

Captured as a baby, Ivan was brought to a Tacoma, Washington, mall to attract shoppers. Gradually, public pressure built until a better way of life for Ivan was found at Zoo Atlanta. From the Congo to America, and from a local business attraction to a national symbol of animal welfare, Ivan the Shopping Mall Gorilla traveled an astonishing distance in miles and in impact.

This is his true story and includes photographs of Ivan in the back matter.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Animals, Childrens, Biography, Juvenile, Nature

40 pages, Hardcover

First published October 7, 2014

About the author

#1 New York Times bestselling author Katherine Applegate has written many books for young readers, including THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN, winner of the 2013 Newbery Medal.

Katherine’s picture books include THE BUFFALO STORM, illustrated by Jan Ormerod (Clarion Books); THE REMARKABLE TRUE STORY OF IVAN, THE SHOPPING MALL GORILLA, illustrated by G. Brian Karas (Clarion Books); SOMETIMES YOU FLY, illustrated by Jennifer Black Reinhardt (Clarion Books); and ODDER: AN OTTER’S STORY, illustrated by Charles Santoso (Feiwel & Friends).

She’s written or co-written three early chapter series for young readers: ROSCOE RILEY RULES, a seven-book series illustrated by Brian Biggs (HarperCollins); DOGGO AND PUPPER, a three-book series illustrated by Charlie Alder (Feiwel & Friends). With Gennifer Choldenko, she co-authored DOGTOWN and MOUSE AND HIS DOG, illustrated by Wallace West (Feiwel & Friends).

Books for middle-grade readers include HOME OF THE BRAVE (Feiwel & Friends); THE ONE AND ONLY series, illustrated by Patricia Castelao, including THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN, THE ONE AND ONLY BOB, THE ONE AND ONLY RUBY, and THE ONE AND ONLY FAMILY (HarperCollins); the ENDLING trilogy (HarperCollins); CRENSHAW (Feiwel & Friends); WISHTREE (Feiwel & Friends); WILLODEEN (Feiwel & Friends); ODDER (Feiwel & Friends); and the forthcoming POCKET BEAR (Feiwel & Friends).

With her husband, Michael Grant, Katherine co-wrote ANIMORPHS, a long-running series that has sold over 35 million books worldwide. They also wrote two other series, REMNANTS and EVERWORLD, and a young adult novel, EVE AND ADAM (Feiwel & Friends.)

Katherine’s work has been translated into dozens of languages, and her books have won accolades including the Christopher Medal, the Golden Kite Award, the Bank Street Josette Frank Award, the California Book Award Gold Medal, the Crystal Kite Award, the Green Earth Book Honor Award, the Charlotte Zolotow Honor Award, and the E.B. White Read Aloud Award. Many of her works have appeared on state master lists, Best of the Year lists, and Publishers Weekly, USA Today, and New York Times bestseller lists.

Katherine lives in Nevada with her husband and assorted pets. She is represented by Elena Giovinazzo at Heirloom Literary and Mary Pender at WME.

Reviews

[Mischenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please visit my blog www.readrantrockandroll.com to see this review and learn more about Ivan the gorilla.

This book is the true story of Ivan the gorilla. He was brought to Washington straight from the Congo in the 60's at the age of 6 months. The story explains how he lived for 27 years before he was finally sent to Atlanta zoo. The story is shocking, but children find it interesting and create their own views on how they feel about animals in captivity.

This book is aimed at a younger audience, but has a fact page in the back as well. I would recommend the National Geographic documentary for older children and adults. There are also a few videos on YouTube that kids can watch to see how Ivan grew up, and his life at his new home at Atlanta zoo.

5*****

[Kandice · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this while standing in Barnes & Noble the other day. I actually grew up watching Ivan at the B&I in Tacoma, and have loved him my entire life. While I agree that much of his life must have been less fulfilling than it could have been, It irritated me that this little book paints the picture that as soon as Ivan is moved to Atlanta, Georgia his life is rosy. It was not. He had not spent any time with gorillas since his "sister" died and he didn't adapt well to the other gorillas there. They didn't like him and he was afraid of them.

Ivan's real story had no fairy tale ending. In real life, sadly, this is often the case.

[Mariah Roze · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great, easy, true story read. It's about a Gorilla that gets stolen from the wild and is forced to live in a shopping mall. People did not like the animal cruelty, so they fought for him to have a better life.

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything about this book....the dedication, the true story in picture book form and the background information. A beautiful heart print book that will go great with The One and Only Ivan.

[Bookishrealm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an important book to read. I know the author wrote a longer novel on Ivan, but this is a great introduction for any who wants to know his story. It's amazing how humans treat animals. Yes we are capable of so much more than animals can be at times, but they still are living/breathing creatures that deserve love, respect, and appropriate attention. A lot of times I think people think having certain animals in captivity is cute, but sometimes I think it causes more harm than good when these animals aren't allowed to flourish in habitats that are similar to their own. It was wonderful and I can't wait to read her novel about this gorilla.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a better person for having read Ivan's story. This book will have a special place on my shelf right next to Ivan, Ruby and all of their friends.

[Kellee Moye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read to Trent 12-4-14

Full review: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=4702

Anyone who knows me knows that I adore apes (see my Nerdy Book Club Top Ten Ape books and my Hurt Go Happy interview with Ginny Rorby as well as my Hurt Go Happy, Primates, and Endangered reviews). They are such fascinating creatures. I enjoy reading about them and am a true advocate for their care here on Earth. This book is just another supporting document in the beauty, intelligence, and awesomeness of these creatures. Katherine Applegate has written a perfect companion to her Newbery winning One and Only Ivan which takes the reader into Ivan’s life and once again makes our heart break for him. It is written in verse with words that transport you into Ivan’s life. This book made me cry because of the power of the words, but more importantly, the power of Ivan’s story. Please read this. You will thank me (and curse Katherine Applegate for the tears).

[Becky B · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple, non-fiction picture book about the gorilla who was the inspiration for The One and Only Ivan.

This is aimed at the kids not quite old enough to read The One and Only Ivan yet. It's a nice introduction to the gorilla who lived much of his life in a mall. Those who have read Applegate's fictionalized story about Ivan will not find much new information except more pictures of the real Ivan.

[One Code 431 · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's sooooo sad story but it's happening all over the world . Humans are so cruel to those baby animals and sooo many doesn't survive like burma .... I am sad now 😢

[Carrie Gelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this first through teary eyes. The beginning sentence is too beautiful. And oh how I love Ivan. He occupied our hearts - my students and mine when we read Applegate's special novel The One and Only Ivan in the spring. I have to practice reading this book multiple times before tomorrow so that I can read it without my voice catching when I look up at those little faces who love Ivan too. Thank you to Katherine and G. Brian Karas for making this beautiful picture book so that Ivan't story can continue to be shared in so many ways again and again.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, tears came to my eyes. Lovely. Just what you'd expect from a non-fiction picture-book companion to The One and Only Ivan.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katherine Applegate talks about Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla http://mrschureads.blogspot.com/2014/...

[Amanda [Novel Addiction] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good picture book featuring Ivan, the shopping mall gorilla. Great illustrations, and the author did an amazing job at making the tragic story simple enough to be understood by a younger audience.

Well done.

But the "One and Only Ivan" is by far still the best version of this story. (And heartbreaking!)

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully told story. A must read after The One and Only Ivan.

[Donalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't miss the author's note with additional information about Ivan's life and the special note from Ivan's keeper.

[Alexa Marshall]

1) (show front cover to students) This book has a long title. Let's all read the title together; (as a class read) "Ivan the Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla". Great job! In the title, it has the words "true story". Can someone please tell me if that means that this book is a nonfiction story or if it's telling me that this book is fiction? You're right! It is nonfiction. That means that this story happened in real life, and the author and illustrator decided to tell a real story to students in a children's book. What do you think that this true story about Ivan could be about? Do you think it will be a happy or a sad story? Let's see.

2)-Draw attention to the genre
-Prompt hypothesizing based on the situation.

3)-I chose to draw attention to the genre because a lot of the time when people think of nonfiction books, they don't think of children's books with bright illustrations, but rather typically novels or books with real-life photographs instead of illustrations. By pointing out that this brightly colored children's book is actually, in fact a nonfiction book, it teaches or reminds the students that not all nonfiction books have to be "boring".
-I also chose to prompt hypothesizing based on the fact that this book is nonfiction, but it has a gorilla on the cover. Hypothesizing what the story is about would have to be factual rather than fiction--for example, a student would not be able to hypothesize that the gorilla was able to fly because a gorilla would not be able to really do that. It would help the students decipher between real things that can possibly happen from imaginary things that can possibly happen.

[Katherine Lochbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

While keeping lighthearted illustrations, Katherine Applegate broaches a very sad story to tell. Ivan, a gorilla taken from home at a very young age and kept in a B&I store in a shopping mall in the 1960s and 1970s will bring very powerful conversations to any classroom. I love that the author gives readers a glimpse into the life of the gorilla family in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo, from which Ivan was abducted, and then a very clear view of his life in the United States and finally in the zoo. Her page long detailed explanation at the end was also very useful in piecing together some more details about Ivan's life. I highly recommend taking the time to analyze this page for a few minutes! It is also such a moving story about how wild animals, while they may look cute and be able to act like humans, are not humans. Ivan experienced human love and treatment when he was little, but as he grew, his owners realized they could not continue to treat him like a person. Does that make it okay to keep him locked in a cage in a shopping mall?
I would say this is a great read aloud for 2nd grade and above. While this happened what seems like a long time ago, poachers and animal abusers are still a current event that is worth taking some time to spark conversation about. The way the author uses and describes the events in Ivan's life would be a thought provoking and excellent classroom lesson.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

All my reviews can be found at: http://jessicasreadingroom.com
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This is the sad, but true story of Ivan the gorilla. It has a happy ending and is aimed for younger children. Ivan was taken away from his family as a baby in the Congo and grew up in Tacoma, Washington. He became a shopping mall spectacle to attract shoppers. He lived in cage at the shopping mall in for 27 years!

Finally after protests Ivan was sent to Zoo Atlanta where he lived the rest of his life. He lived to age 50. In the wild gorillas live into their 30s. Ivan passed away in 2012.

I am from Georgia but never really knew Ivan’s story: Now I want to learn more about him. This children’s book is a great introduction to Ivan and his life before going to Zoo Atlanta. The illustrations do a good job of helping to tell Ivan’s story.

There is an ‘About Ivan’ section in the back that gives basic information on his life and includes pictures.

To find out more about Ivan, Zoo Atlanta has a section of their website dedicated to him: https://zooatlanta.org/animal-legend/...

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was wonderful. I have read the chapter book version of this story and this version captures the essence explored in the chapter book and is wonderful to read to children of all ages! One thing I loved about this story is the comparisons it makes to the man buying Ivan and his sister when it says how it was just "like a couple of pizzas, like a pair of shoes". This allows students to truly understand how simple this process was and how it was very degrading to Ivan and Berma. The illustrations are wonderful and capture exactly how Ivan must be feeling. When he is all alone the pages are blank with just Ivan. This book is great to inform children about the important story of Ivan the gorillas I also love how the book shows the real picture at the end this is a very impactful way for children to see that this was a real story. It is also a great way to expand on a lesson for children. I highly recommend this book to elementary teachers!

[LibraryCin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a picture book about Ivan, a gorilla poached as a baby and brought to the U.S. to live, first with a family until he was too big, then he lived for almost three decades in a mall by himself. From there, he was taken to a zoo to live the rest of his life with other gorillas in a more natural habitat.

I loved the YA book “The One and Only Ivan”. This is a really nice children’s story about the same gorilla with such a sad life. There are some really great illustrations. Despite it being so short and succinct (it’s a kid’s book, and no surprise, really), this one still had me crying a couple of times. There are a few pages at the end with a longer textual summary of Ivan’s life and a note from one of the zookeeper’s who took care of him in his last decade of life.

[Carmen]

1. -I will bring in a stuffed gorilla and a Henry Doorly Zoo map or item- "Today I brought in something really special from a really cool place." [Pulls out stuffed gorilla] "Who knows what this is?" [chilren respond]. "Yes a gorilla! Does anyone know where gorillas live at?" [children respond] "thats right they can live in the jungle, but can they also live in the zoo?" [children respond]. "Has anyone been to the zoo to see the gorillas?" [children respond] "Well this is a story about a gorilla named Ivan. Ivan is a really special gorilla that has lived both in the jungle and in the zoo."

2. Raise interest in a topic or theme (gorillas and zoos) and share a personal experience you have with the text.

3. These openers draw attention to what the story will be about and also lets the students talk about their past experiences at the zoo and seeing the gorillas so they can better relate to the story.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aww...this is a very sweet children's picture book about the real-life Ivan using what facts are known about his life. I listened to The One and Only Ivan audiobook not too long ago and fell in love with the book, even though I know much of it was fiction. But it was nice to read this picture book, and especially the biography about the real Ivan at the end of this book. I really like the illustrations in this book and think it would be a great book to read to the kids in my daughters' former Elementary School.

[Leah]

This is a great introduction about wildlife captivity for children. Spare and simple wording make this book easily approachable. Further back matter goes into more depth about the fight to put Ivan with other gorillas among other facts.

"Ivan is remembered for his quirky personality and his loving relationship with his keepers, as well as for representing the need for all animals to be treated with dignity and kindness."

FOR ALL ANIMALS TO BE TREATED WITH DIGNITY AND KINDNESS. Perfect parting words for this story.

[Josiah · Rating 2 out of 5]

What better way to extend the influence of 2013 Newbery Medal winner The One and Only Ivan than adapting it for the picture-book set, allowing even younger readers and pre-readers to appreciate the story of a majestic silverback gorilla and his three-decade odyssey back to the natural world? Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla serves precisely this purpose, and author Katherine Applegate gives a performance comparable to her earlier novel. If anyone is familiar with Ivan's life story and knows how to elicit emotional response to it from readers, it's Katherine Applegate, who proves again that people are no less concerned over the fate of captive animals than they were in the twilight of Ivan's career as a shopping mall sideshow, when kids and grownups alike rallied to press mall ownership to return the prized silverback where he belonged.

"In leafy calm, in gentle arms, a gorilla's life began." With these tender, lyrical opening lines, reminiscent of The One and Only Ivan's understated dramatic style, we're transported to the dark heart of Africa, where baby Ivan is born into his family apart from the threat of human abduction. The grace of safety doesn't last long, however. Ivan and a little gorilla sister, later given the name Burma, are captured by poachers, crated up, and shipped to the urban U.S., as far from their native environment as an earthbound carrier could remove them. Ivan is a stout young creature, curious, friendly, and as strong as a healthy gorilla should be, but his sister Burma dies shortly after arriving on the mainland, victim of human greed for the souvenir dollars she might bring. Ivan grows up as part of a human family for a few years, almost like a human child, but when he ripens into adolescence his gorilla strength becomes a concern. He is sent to be confined in a see-through exhibit at a local mall, isolated from the African landscape he was born in, never to interact like normal with other gorillas in the wild.

For twenty-seven years Ivan roams his cage at the mall, delighting customers who flock to observe a silverback gorilla in the prime of life. Over time, though, people's attitudes change, the way everything tends to change. As the general populace grows more educated to the plight of animals like Ivan, plucked from their habitat and exported to foreign locales to be gawked at by strangers, people's amusement over the confined gorilla gradually turns to indignation and outrage. It isn't right to keep a glorious silverback specimen cooped up in a cage forever, no matter what entertainment value his presence offers. Eventually, the people's voice is heard; Ivan is crated up and sent off again, just as in his infancy, but this time he is brought to a setting much friendlier to his social and biological needs. For the first time in the better part of three decades, the show-stopping silverback is free to live away from prying eyes, never again to worry about performing for a public, adoring though they may have been. Ivan's life is his own now, to frolic and play and make the social connections he hasn't known since little Burma passed away. "In leafy calm, in gentle arms, a gorilla's life began again."

It's no surprise when a Newbery author writes a good book, and Katherine Applegate has done so in Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla. The way she circles the end of the story back to its opening lines is beautiful, a touching tribute to one special gorilla and to all of us who seek freedom but are denied it far too long. The "About Ivan" addendum is a valuable piece of the narrative, though I sort of wish Katherine Applegate had told about the enormous outpouring of love and remembrance for Ivan from all over the country after he died at age fifty in 2012, or made the story more personal by mentioning her own visit to see Ivan in the final days of his life. Ivan didn't come out to be viewed by the public that day, so Katherine Applegate never saw him in person, but in hindsight she was happy it turned out that way. Ivan went many years not having any choice whether to be seen by the crowds, so his decision not to come out when Katherine Applegate went to visit him in his new wildlife home was an example of him exercising his freedom in a way he never could while caged at the mall. When considered in that context, she realized, his refusal to be seen by her was an entirely fitting epilogue to his story. I listened intently as she told us about these things at an author event in 2013 to promote The One and Only Ivan, and her in-person telling was more emotionally affecting than what we find in either book. I also should mention in this review G. Brian Karas's illustrations for Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla, which are soft and subtle, well-suited to the text. Ultimately, The One and Only Ivan uses its length to tell a deeper, more rewarding version of Ivan's tale, but this picture-book adaptation is a worthwhile work of literature in its own right, and I would give it two and a half stars. No one who loved The One and Only Ivan should miss this book.

[Christy Broderick⁷ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book to read after finishing “The One and Only Ivan.” It talked about Ivan’s actual life, living 27 years at a shopping mall cage, and later discussed his move to Zoo Atlanta, where he was acclimated with other gorillas 🦍💕

[Nicte Yuen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entrañable historia

[Esperanza León Saldarriaga · Rating 4 out of 5]

cosita :(

[Jennifer Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is good but the illustrations are not that good. Not the best to keep a child's attention.

[Emily]

I enjoyed this story! It was easy to read, and the author's note really enhanced the story with all the facts of the events and timeline. I thought the illustrations were fantastic as well.

[Faith Tydings · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. The story is sweet but the backmatter is profound. Don't stop reading until you have read every work of the back pages.