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. 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.

About Roundtable Reading:

Young readers are invited to read aloud the opening chapter(s) of a good book in BAMPFA’s convivial Reading Room and are given a copy to continue reading at home. Ages 8 and up (younger kids welcome as listeners). Admission free for kids plus one accompanying adult. No advance sign-up needed.