Katherine Applegate will be so please dto know she has lots of fans in Australia!

I’m so happy you enjoyed the book. It must have been hard to wait until the class finished it to read it yourself! I know I can get like a little child and want some books, RIGHT NOW!

I love visiting your blog and thank you so much for commenting on ours too! Enjoy your week!

Your librarian friend,
Mrs. Hembree

As you know, Mrs Morris read The One and Only Ivan to 4KM and 4KJ. Rather than just hear bits and pieces if the story, I decided to wait and read it myself once the class had finished it. And I’m very glad I did!

I started the book last night and have just finished it. Wow, what a special and moving story! I love animals and this story really pulls at the heart strings!

I have just been reading your other posts about Ivan, what a special gorilla he was.

Thank you so much for giving us this book, we’ll treasure it!

Your friend,
Miss Jordan

What a beautiful comment you have contributed to our blog! Thank you so much!

The story of Ivan can be an inspiration to you and all of your friends about the importance of wild animals having the freedom to live as nature intended. I’m not talking about zoo animals, but the ones that people buy and think they are going to own like a pet. The “Ivans” of the world. They need to stay in their natural environments, not in cages in malls or shopping centers.

Who will you recommend this book to outside of your classroom? How will you make Ivan’s story matter to people who haven’t heard it yet?

Your new blogging buddy,
Mrs. Hembree

The video of Ivans life was so sad that I cried my eyes out!

Your blogging budd,
Bronte

The book trailer was beautiful.

I almost cried when I saw and read this post. It was sad how Ivan was in a cage for over 25 years I truly do wish Ivan was with his family.

I feel many people should read this book.

Ivan does not deserve this

I will miss Ivan but I truly think Ivan is in a better place.

From your pal,

BB.

How true his legacy will live on. I told BB this morning of Ivan and she cried and cried. For every tear drop she did say I hope he didn’t die in pain.

I did comfort her by saying that now he is having the last laugh looking at us all.

I still cannot believe it and I really do know what you mean when you say you had more than a few tears.

Take care and your hubby too.
Thinking of you all and Ivan.

From your friend down under,
AA

I shed more than a few tears yesterday and so did my husband. He remembers seeing Ivan at the B & I Mall in Tacoma where he was caged for over 25 years. We talked about how after the mall closed at night now terribly lonely it must have been for him.

I think the zoo keepers at Zoo Atlanta gave him as much freedom and love as they could. They cared for him like he was one of their children. We are all grieving here, but I bet it’s a terribly sad time for them in Atlanta.

Katherine’s story and his legacy will live on for years.

Your friend,
Mrs. Hembree

After I saw the photos that Mr. Schu posted when he visited Ivan this summer, I wanted to jump on a plane and see him too, just like you.

His last years were spent with people who lovingly cared for him.

From,
Mrs. Hembree

Julie Hembree

I think the highest power a book can have is evoke an emotional response in the reader. If my trailer also gave you this response, I am honored. The One and Only Ivan is one of my favorite books now!

Sincerely,
Julie Hembree