2024
WISE Score
Amazon
Ivan finally gets the 'happily ever after' he deserves as he prepares for the wildest role of his life: being a dad.
4.8
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This is the 'palate cleanser' of children’s literature. In a world of loud, fast-paced media, Applegate gives us a quiet, beautiful story about a gorilla becoming a father.
It’s not trying to sell your kid anything or keep them addicted to a screen; it’s just a damn good book. If your kid has read the others in the series, this is a non-negotiable must-read. If they haven't, start with 'The One and Only Ivan' and work your way here.
Perfect for ages 7 to 12. It’s sophisticated enough for middle schoolers but accessible enough for a second grader to read with a little help.
It’s a heartfelt exploration of fatherhood and legacy through the eyes of a silverback gorilla. The tone is emotionally mature but gentle, modeling deep kindness and the importance of kinship.
Katherine Applegate’s signature first-person animal perspective remains a masterclass in empathy-building and creative narration. It invites kids to see the world through a non-human lens without being cheesy.
Standard middle-grade fare with no red flags. While the series touches on Ivan's past trauma (captivity), this installment focuses on the positive arrival of his new twins.
Teaches emotional intelligence, the complexities of family dynamics, and a subtle respect for wildlife conservation. It’s the kind of book that makes a kid think about their own place in their family tree.
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