I found the perfect book to read aloud to Ivan.  It is the new novel by Katherine Applegate titled The One and Only Ivan.  It is about protecting the young.  It is about true friends and what it means to be human.  The story shows that humans can be wonderful, but they can also be terribly callous.  It is about a gorilla named Ivan.

After many years as a sideshow act in part of an open-air mall, Ivan decides that while he had accepted his limited domain things need to change for Ruby who is a baby elephant new to the show.  That feeling that the world needs to be better for the young resonated with me as I read this aloud to my infant son.  With the help of a young girl named Julia, Ivan uses his talents to change the world for Ruby.  He finds a way to be the protector – the silverback – he was meant to be.  I hope I can be the protector my one and only Ivan needs as he grows up.

This would be a special novel whether I read it now or at another time, but it was the perfect novel to read to my Ivan while his sister napped and late at night while he was nursing.  Applegate captures both great friendships and great heartaches with language that has been parred down.  The novel is narrated by Ivan in the first person or first gorilla I suppose. Ivan mixes poignant moments with hilarious observations.  When Ruby started asking Ivan questions, I looked at my three-year-old daughter and thought this author has perfectly captured never-ending child chatter.

I am going to quote the first chapter which is called “hello” in its entirety.  “I am Ivan. I am a gorilla.  It’s not as easy as it looks.”  That’s our gorilla narrator.  Doesn’t he make you want to read more of his story?

I think perhaps Ivan has gone a little too far towards the chimp end of great ape family and away from the gorilla end in this next photo.  Not sure the Ivan from the novel would approve.

I was lucky enough to meet the author.  So, Ivan, before you drool on that know that it is a signed copy.  Ivan and I recommend you read this book.  If you get the chance to read it aloud to a young person, it is even more of a joy.  It’s best audience is probably 3rd grade and up.  I mean the “and up.”  I don’t think anyone is too old to enjoy this book.  Don’t worry, Ivan, we can it read it together again when you’re older.