From the Publisher
"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 surrounding this memorable band of buddies one more time. A must-read celebration of family, natural and found." — Booklist (starred review)
"Castelao’s spot art continues to add spark to the characters. Applegate’s writing [is] stellar as ever. A cherished character enjoys the heartfelt and uplifting closure he, and his fans, richly deserve." — School Library Journal (starred review)
"Applegate’s trust and respect for readers is evident. She doesn’t shy away from hard truths." — Kirkus Reviews
"A wonderful farewell tour for these endearing characters and the themes that they have come to embody so well: adversity, resilience, and hope." — Horn Book Magazine
School Library Journal
★ 05/24/2024
Gr 4–6—Ivan, the beloved western lowland gorilla, moves back into the spotlight in this fourth and final entry in the series. Still living in Wildwood Zoological Park & Sanctuary, Ivan and mate Kinyani learn they're going to become parents of twins. Kinyani, the more pragmatic of the two, reacts with quiet joy; pensive Ivan frets. Helping him adjust are the friends he has made since his years at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade: Julie, Ruby, Bitsy, and, of course, Bob, who nicknames the expectant father "Big Daddy." The twins' birth evokes memories of Ivan's African childhood, all that he has lost and all that remains. Ivan's journey towards maturity and contentment is the heart of the novel and is complete when he fulfills his role as leader and protector of not only his immediate family, but of all the gorillas in the sanctuary. His epiphany comes with the understanding, "You can't cage hope." Castelao's spot art continues to add spark to the characters. Applegate's writing, stellar as ever, provides enough backstory for the novel to stand on its own and encourage new readers to pick up the first three novels. Her author's note is deeply personal and reveals intriguing insights into her work. VERDICT A cherished character enjoys the heartfelt and uplifting closure he, and his fans, richly deserve. An essential purchase.—Marybeth Kozikowski