10 Fun Book-Themed Activities for The One and Only Ivan
By Lily | Published 3 October 2022 | Goodreads Rating 4.28 | This post may contain affiliate links.
We’ve curated a list of fun games and activities inspired by The One and Only Ivan. Be sure to try some (or all!) of these ideas while creating special memories for your family along the way!
Get ready for a wild ride of emotions with The One and Only Ivan, a book by award-winning Katherine Applegate that will leave you and your kids enthralled. Inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, The One and Only Ivan is a Newbery Medal winner (2013) and a #1 New York Times bestseller. The author's masterful storytelling will evoke a range of powerful emotions and take you & your family on an unforgettable journey.
Continue the reading fun with these book-themed activities when you’ve finished the book!
10 Activities to Extend the Reading Fun of The One and Only Ivan
Activity 1: Visit a conservation organization or animal sanctuary:
Take a trip to a wildlife rehabilitation center, or animal sanctuary in your community to see animals up close and learn about their natural habitat, behavior and conservation status. These organizations often offer hands-on educational programs and opportunities for kids to interact with animals.
Your kids can learn about the sanctuary's mission, meet the animals and to hear their stories and discuss the importance of animal conservation and protection especially those featured in The One and Only Ivan.
Activity 2: Learn more about what happened to Ivan
Learn the history of the real Ivan and find out how he adapted to his new home at Zoo Atlanta. Here’s a clip of the real Ivan in his new habitat. There are also many organizations who work hard to ensure the safe and ethical treatment of animals. Learn more about PAWS, the organization that campaigned to free the real Ivan from the mall where he was held captive.
Activity 3: Learn more about the role of zoos, then create a “Zoo of the Future”
The role of zoos still carries many negative associations such as animal abuse and cruelty. However, today’s modern zoo plays an important role in four main areas: wildlife conservation, scientific research, education and connecting people with nature. Zoos breed animals in captivity so they don't become extinct. They also work out in the wild conserving animals in their natural habitats. Many zoos work hard to promote a culture of conservation and positive change in the wider community.
After reading The One and Only Ivan, discuss with your kids the role of zoos and how it should evolve into the future. As a fun family activity, create a “Zoo of the Future” using recycled materials found around your home. Check out the diorama from @Titowags Channel for instructions and inspiration!
Activity 4: Make a banana cake in honor of Ivan!
As a family, bake a banana cake together that Ivan would love! This recipe from @Preppy Kitchen is moist, soft, and tasty and makes the best banana cake I’ve ever had. Loaded with fresh banana flavor and slathered in a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting, this cake is a dessert everyone will love. This irresistible dessert is perfect for any occasion. All you need are a few simple ingredients, and you’ll have this banana cake ready in no time. It’s a low-fuss cake and is perfect for any occasion, from potlucks to birthdays. You’ll want to make this every time you have some ripe bananas!
Activity 5: Watch the movie adaptation of this book!
Have a family night to watch the movie-version released by Disney in August 2020. Overall, the movie adaptation of The One and Only Ivan stays true to the book's central theme and characters, but there are some differences in the plot and emphasis on certain elements. For example, the movie places a greater emphasis on the relationships between the animals and their human caretakers, particularly the bond between Ivan and the young girl, Ruby.
The movie also highlights the theme of animal rights and the importance of providing animals with a humane and natural environment. Additionally, the movie adds some new characters, such as a stray dog named Bob, who provides comedic relief. The ending also changes slightly, but it retains the heartwarming story of Ivan and his friends.
Activity 6: Support animal charities like adopting a gorilla!
Encourage your child to donate to animal charities or organizations that support animal welfare. This could mean donating money, volunteering time, or even organizing a fundraising event. One unique idea is to adopt a gorilla through the Fossey Fund to help ensure the gorillas’ wildness and protection for generations to come. Dian Fossey was an American primatologist and conservationist known for her extensive research of mountain gorilla groups from 1966 until her murder in 1985.
Visit the official website for The One and Only Ivan which has a Reading and Teaching Guide with discussion questions to encourage critical thinking.
Be sure to download the The One and Only Ivan activity packet also that was released together with the movie!
From Library Sparks, here’s another engaging activity printout to continue learnings from The One and Only Ivan.
Vocabulary.com is a great resource to test your child's knowledge, as well as spelling acumen of words learnt from The One and Only Ivan.
This free activity booklet by Reading Quests is a fun way for your child to slow down and to read for comprehension … and (hopefully) NOT come across as homework!
Activity 7: Build comprehension and vocabulary with these free resources.
Activity 8: Watch animal documentaries!
There are many great documentaries and films that can help kids learn about animal rights and welfare. Watching these with your child can help them learn about animal issues and inspire them to take action. Documentaries such as Planet Earth, Blue Planet and Our Planet can provide great insight into the natural world and the importance of protecting it for future generations. Here are some recommended documentaries:
Blackfish - This documentary tells the story of Tilikum, a notoriously aggressive orca that killed three people while in captivity. This documentary will stir discussions with your children about keeping wild animals for human entertainment.
The Elephant Queen - This documentary follows a family of elephants as they journey across the African savannah. Join Athena, the majestic matriarch of an elephant herd, as she is forced to lead her family across the unforgiving African savanna in search of water. This family-friendly adventure is a cinematic love letter to a threatened species.
My Octopus Teacher - This documentary chronicles a filmmaker's relationship with an octopus in a kelp forest off the coast of South Africa. It can be a great way to teach kids about the intelligence and complexity of marine animals.
Racing Extinction - This documentary explores the impact of human activities on endangered species and ecosystems. It can be a great way to teach kids about the importance of conservation and protecting biodiversity.
Born to Be Wild (2011) - This documentary documents orphaned orangutans and elephants and the extraordinary people who rescue and raise them-saving endangered species one life at a time. It can be a great way to teach kids about animal rescue and rehabilitation.
Life in Color with David Attenborough (2021) - This documentary explores the beauty and diversity of the natural world, with a focus on the colors and patterns of animals and plants. It can be a great way to teach kids about the wonders of nature.
Activity 9: Read more Katherine Applegate books!
Katherine Applegate has written several other animal stories in addition to The One and Only Ivan. In the below books, Applegate uses animals as a way to explore important themes and issues, such as identity, diversity, and empathy, in a way that is engaging and accessible for young readers:
1. Wishtree - a middle-grade novel told from the perspective of a wise old oak tree named Red who watches over a diverse community of animals and humans.
2. Endling series - a fantasy series about a young girl named Byx who is the last of her species, and her journey to find other surviving creatures in a world where humans are hunting them to extinction.
3. The Animorphs series - a popular science fiction series for young adults about a group of teenagers who gain the ability to transform into any animal they touch, and use their powers to defend Earth against an alien invasion.
4. Crenshaw- Crenshaw is a heartwarming middle-grade novel that tells the story of a young boy named Jackson and his imaginary friend, a giant cat named Crenshaw, who helps him cope with his family's financial struggles and homelessness.
Activity 10: Organize a Jungle Safari themed birthday!
For your child’s next birthday, have a Jungle Safari theme and instead of gifts, ask for donations to be made to an animal shelter of your child’s choice! Here are ideas for jungle-safari inspiration from Hostess with the Mostess! This includes ideas for food, decoration, printables, kids activities and so much more!
Celebrate The One and Only Ivan!
Download this FREE artwork of The One and Only Ivan to hang or frame in your child’s room as a memento of this special book!
Here are more activities & reward ideas inspired by The One and Only Ivan:
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