The book “Ivan, the only and unique” by Catherine Applegate is a touching and deep story that touches on important topics of friendship, freedom and finding your place in the world. In the center of the story is an unusual hero - a gorilla named Ivan, who spent most of his life at the zoo, in a cage surrounded by people who do not always understand his feelings and desires. This book, written in the genre of children's and adolescent literature, is able to touch the hearts of readers of all ages, because it raises issues that are relevant to each of us. Ivan is not just a gorilla, he is an artist who creates paintings using his paws and imagination. His world is limited by the walls of the zoo, but in his soul lives the dream of freedom and real life. Catherine Applegate masterfully conveys the inner world of Ivan, his fears and hopes, forcing the reader to empathize with the hero at every step. The narrative also features other vivid characters, such as elephant Stella and a young monkey, who help Ivan realize that life can be much more saturated and fulfilling than he ever could have imagined. The book will be of interest to both children and adults, especially those who love touching stories about animals and their interaction with people. It is ideal for readers interested in the topics of ecology, animal rights and the importance of friendship. "Ivan, the one and only" can be an excellent choice for classroom discussion or family reading, because it raises important questions that can be a reason for in-depth conversations. The topics covered in the book will not leave anyone indifferent . Applegate raises questions about what it means to be free, how important it is to be able to express yourself and follow your dreams. It makes us think about how we treat those who are different from us, and how important it is to show compassion and care .. This story is about hope, about how important it is to believe in yourself and in your loved ones, even when the world around seems hopeless. Catherine Applegate's style is characterized by simplicity and accessibility, which makes her books attractive to a wide audience. She is able to create bright images and memorable scenes that remain in memory for a long time. Applegate is the author of many other works, such as "The Dog Who Could Talk" and "Who Are You, Mr. Cat?", which also touch on important topics and can touch the hearts of readers. Ivan, the One and Only is not just a book about a gorilla, it is a story about how important it is to be yourself, how important it is to have friends and how important it is to fight for your freedom. This book will be a real discovery for all who seek inspiration and want to see the world through the eyes of those who can not speak. Read this touching story, and you will realize that even in the most difficult circumstances, there is always hope and opportunity to change your destiny.