Recommended for independent readers in grades 3 & 4
Join Colleen & Erin for Snacks & Stories: Book Club for Grades 3 & 4. We meet after-school, once-a-month, to chat about books over snacks.
February's Selection
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
Ivan is an easygoing gorilla. Living at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, he has grown accustomed to humans watching him through the glass walls of his domain. He rarely misses his life in the jungle. In fact, he hardly ever thinks about it at all.
Instead, Ivan thinks about TV shows he’s seen and about his friends Stella, an elderly elephant, and Bob, a stray dog. But mostly Ivan thinks about art and how to capture the taste of a mango or the sound of leaves with color and a well-placed line.
Then he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from her family, and she makes Ivan see their home—and his own art—through new eyes. When Ruby arrives, change comes with her, and it’s up to Ivan to make it a change for the better. (Goodreads)
To join Snacks & Stories: Book Club for Grades 3 & 4, visit the Youth Desk or email Colleen at colleen@jplri.org.