The One and Only Family

For more than a decade, readers have been enchanted by the modern classic The One and Only Ivan, a Newbery Award winner and a #1 New York Times bestseller, and by its bestselling sequels, The One and Only Bob and The One and Only Ruby. Powerhouse author Katherine Applegate invites readers back into Ivan’s world for one last adventure—his most exciting yet.

Ivan has been happily living in a wildlife sanctuary, with his friend Ruby next door in the elephant enclosure, frequent visits from his canine friend Bob, and his mate Kinyani by his side. And in the happiest turn of all, Ivan and Kinyani have welcomed a set of twins to their family!

Ivan loves being a papa, even though it can be hard sometimes. But as he navigates the joys and challenges of parenthood, he can’t help but recall his life before the glass walls of the mall circus, his own childhood in the jungle—and his own twin.

In the tradition of timeless classics like Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little, the one and only Katherine Applegate has crafted a poignant, delightful, heartbreaking, unforgettable final foray into the world of Ivan, the world’s favorite silverback.

"Applegate’s trust and respect for readers is evident. She doesn’t shy away from hard truths." - Kirkus Reviews

"At its core this story continues to raise the question of how humans can preserve the natural world and be worthy conservators for the future. In this lovingly crafted finale, Applegate deftly delivers with spare, shining prose that juxtaposes playfulness with soul-stirring revelations, allowing the book to be accessible for young readers and a page-turner for all ages. This is a satisfying send off, and readers will want to reread the whole series to share the laughs and the tears surrounding this memorable band of buddies one more time. A must-read celebration of family, natural and found." - Booklist (starred review)

"Castelao’s spot art continues to add spark to the characters. Applegate’s writing [is] stellar as ever. A cherished character enjoys the heartfelt and uplifting closure he, and his fans, richly deserve." - School Library Journal (starred review)

"A wonderful farewell tour for these endearing characters and the themes that they have come to embody so well: adversity, resilience, and hope." - Horn Book Magazine