Ms Toth-The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

Although this book is fiction,it is based on a true story of a silver backed gorilla named Ivan who had a similar life to the gorilla we meet in this book.

Ivan used to be a wild gorilla,who spends the first part of his young life as a pet but then grows too big and becomes a live- in attraction at a shopping mall,along with Stella,his neighbour ,an elephant and Bob ,a dog.

This is a wonderful story of true friendship,the meaning of freedom and hope,told through Ivan's eyes.

Winner of the Newbery Medal for children's literature.Recommended for Y5 upwards,this is a book perfect for animal lovers and for teachers to read aloud.