“In 2013 Katherine Applegate’s The One and Only Ivan won the Newbery Medal for most distinguished contribution to children’s literature. Ivan, the gorilla, now comes to life in picture book form. Ivan was brought to the United States from the Congo as a baby. For three years he lived in a home like a human child. Then he was caged as an attraction at a [Tacoma] shopping mall. As people became more aware of how animals should be treated, concern for his welfare mounted. Finally, he was moved to a better environment with other gorillas at Zoo Atlanta. His fan club grew and grew. He was known for his quirky behavior, his love of finger painting, and his loving relationship with his keepers. He lived to be fifty years old. The gentle illustrations capture the mood of the book beautifully.”
—Mary, Mockingbird Books, Seattle
Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla is highlighted in the Holiday Books campaign, featured by Mockingbird Books and dozens of other indie bookstores throughout the Northwest this holiday season.