Her name aside, I really like this book (even if it is for children). It is written so simply, it seems to drive everything home. This book is from the perspective of Ivan, a gorilla who was (keyword there - was) the star attraction of a circus mall when he was a baby gorilla. Unfortunately, as animals tend to do, he grew older and lost that cute baby animal attractiveness that suckers us humans in to seeing something almost as much as offering us free money does, and the circus mall grows less and less popular, getting more and more rundown.
Once more, I will try to summarize this book (if you haven't noticed my previous attempts at starting a summary). Ivan is a gorilla who lives in a circus-like mall, along with his stray dog friend Bob and his fellow exhibit friend Stella, an elephant, who is old and worn out by the rough course of her life through the circuses and her time at the mall. Ivan seems relatively alright with his situation, although with the arrival of a new animal at the circus his attitude changes quickly.
And I realized that the way I described that may sound dry to some - but trust me, it is a worthwhile read. Even if you don't want to read this for yourself (which I guess is understandable), if there is a younger person in your family who likes being read to, this is the book for you to bond with them over. They have quick chapters to them (perfect for those 'Just one more chapter, pleeease!' moments), simple writing, and a style that will captivate you to the very end once you start reading. Who knows, you might even read ahead in the book in between nighttime readings. (Hey, I know there must be some people out there who do this. Right?)
Anyways, please let me know - do you have more child-geared stories you read? And if so, does it embarrass you, or do you stand proud with it? Also, bouncing back to my earlier topic, are there any names you just love?
Hopefully you are all having a great week!
Stay Addicted!
-Jason