The One and Only Family [Hardcover]

An instant #1New York Timesand indie bestseller!

For more than a decade, readers have been enchanted by the modern classicThe One and Only Ivan, a Newbery Award winner and a #1New York Timesbestseller, and by its bestselling sequels,The One and Only BobandThe 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 likeCharlotte’s WebandStuart 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 sl#