L'unico E Insuperabile Ivan -

: Ivan’s journey from seeing himself as a "mall gorilla" to reclaiming his identity as a "mighty silverback." Critical Reception

: The daughter of the mall's janitor who provides Ivan with the art supplies he needs to find his voice. L'unico e insuperabile Ivan

: A cynical, wisecracking stray dog who is Ivan's closest confidant. : Ivan’s journey from seeing himself as a

: Art is Ivan’s means of self-expression and, ultimately, his tool for liberation. Published in 2012, the novel received high acclaim

Published in 2012, the novel received high acclaim for its poignant prose and emotional depth. It was awarded the , one of the most prestigious honors in children's literature. In 2020, the story was adapted into a live-action/CGI film by Disney.

The story is narrated by , a silverback gorilla living in a captive "habitat" at the Big Top Mall. For decades, Ivan has grown accustomed to his life, spending his days watching television and painting. His world changes when Ruby , a baby elephant, is brought to the mall. After the death of Stella, an older elephant and Ivan's dear friend, Ivan promises to protect Ruby and find her a better life. This spark of hope drives Ivan to use his art to communicate with the outside world, eventually leading to their rescue and relocation to a sanctuary. Key Characters