The One and Only Ruby by Katherine Applegate (HarperCollins, May 2023) is the third in the series that started with The One and Only Ivan (based on a true story) and continue with The One and Only Bob. (My kids and I listened to the audio of Bob last year, fantastically narrated by Danny DeVito, but I unfortunately did not review it on this blog.) Now Ruby the elephant gets a chance to tell her story. The three friends (Ivan, Bob, and Ruby) are now safe in a conservation park, but Ruby still feels unease, especially now as her tusks are coming in.

With this story frame, the author gives Ruby a chance to tell her friends her story. As can be expected, a baby elephant taken from Africa leads to a troubled elephant childhood. A common adage is “elephants never forget,” and Applegate takes that in stride, with Ruby telling her friends her story, beginning the moments after she was born. Ruby’s early weeks of life were shaped by tragedy. First, a severe drought lead to dangerous thirst for all the elephants. Then, Ruby and her weakened mother were separated from the herd. Ultimately, Ruby watched her mother be shot by poachers and she heard them take her tusks.

But Ruby’s sad story is also interspersed with hopeful kindness from some other humans, as she is both rescued from a mud pit by a village, as well as nurtured by a loving keeper in an elephant “orphanage.” The reader knows that Ruby has more sadness ahead, including being stolen from Africa, sent to America, sold to a circus, and then eventually sold to the mall (where she met Ivan and Bob). But with Ruby’s loving new “herd” at the conservation park, and with support from Ivan and Bob, in the end, Ruby can face “growing up” with confidence that she will be safe and always supported by her elephant “aunts.”

This strong sense of friendship and support gives the book has an overall hopeful feeling, even though I certainly was moved and angry at the sad parts of Ruby’s story. While reading this, I found myself wishing we could know that her story was based on a true story, as was Ivan, so that I knew there is hope for elephants today. As the end notes make clear, so many elephants are going through these kinds of tragedy even today. This is still a real issue. Readers will finish reading The One and Only Ruby with the desire to help conserve elephants in order to avoid sad stories like this in the future.

I read a digital review copy of The One and Only Ruby.

Thank you to Netgalley for review copy of The One and Only Ruby by Katherine Applegate! I was so excited to see Ruby's story from The One and Only Ivan being told. Ruby is a wonderful character. I loved visiting the characters of Ruby, Bob, and Ivan again. The book is humorous and heartfelt. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves animals, beautiful characters.

Katherine Applegate is back with another sweet tale about the delightful characters many of us fell in love with when we read The One on Only Ivan. This time, it's Ruby the baby elephant's turn to share her story. What a story it is! Ruby's young life has been filled with loss but she has been lucky enough to also find friendship and love. This is a delightful story about found family that also gently teaches about poaching and gives readers tons of facts about elephants. Grab this one and add it to your collection. It's not just for kids! It will warm the hearts of readers of all ages.

Thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Ruby's story.

**Many thanks to HarperCollins Children's Books/HarperCollins Publishers LLC, and Netgalley for an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) of this book**

Oh, dear Katherine (KA) Applegate, what animal story can't you write?

The One and Only Ruby is the latest in the "One and Only..." Series, and I really hope it's not the end. Because, it's a beautiful little world that you can escape into, built on friendship, love and respect, that we need more of in the world.

This book focuses on Ruby, the "no-so-little" littlest elephant in the park, as she prepares for a very special rite of passage for all elephants. And, even though her story is shorter than Ivan's or Bob's (at 240 pages, instead of 325 and 352 respectively), and a LOT milder... After what she's gone through in her very young life, it's fitting for her. It's also no less important.

THE BLESSING OF THE HERD
1. I love little Ruby- she deserved her time to shine, and the moment I finished The One and Only Bob, I said "I want a Ruby book!". She is feisty, and sweet. She's still growing up, learning how to deal with big elephant feelings and things, even after going through a lot in her life. I loved her self discovery and her growth through Applegate's story.

2. What animal can't Applegate write in the animal kingdom?!? I am always astounded by her attention to detail of the actual, real life animal; and what human characteristics that she can merge into an animal that fits those animalistic characteristics.

3. Gaining "Safety for freedom" is something heartbreaking to read: any elephant in the wild is in danger of poaching, or deforestation, or evil things caused by a number of factors- mostly humans. Applegate never shies away from harsh realities. She didn't do it in Animorphs, Everworld, and she doesn't do it here. Her books make you think of what others have done, and makes you consider your own place in society- will you be the same way as the "bad" humans, or "good" humans? If you felt something for these characters, will this spur you to do something to help these animals, or do nothing? And, if you want to help... There's always, ALWAYS, ALWAYS, a short acknowledgement in the back with suggestions of who Applegate spoke with, and how you, too, can learn more and do more. I love it. I love it all.

PACHYDERM IN ABSENTIA
1. Is it bad to say that this book is great because it's short, but also bad because it's short?! I wanted more of Ruby! This is not a critique on Applegate at all: it's because I love her books, I love all her characters, and all of her stories feel like they end sooner than I want them to. May a "The One and Only" spinoff continuation could be "The Always and Forever..." Ivan/Bob/Ruby? Maybe do a spinoff for Kinyani, or Stella... Or maybe another friend that could visit? Maybe a cat character, or another elephant?

I just want more, Ms. Applegate. I love your books that much.

Another delightful "One and Only" book. I so enjoyed getting to know Ruby better and hearing more about Stella and the very kind and loving elephant she was.

The One and Only Ruby might be my favorite in the The One and Only Ivan stories. I loved it was in verse. I loved Ruby's perspective-- her past in the elephant rescue, the first human she trusted, her grief over Aunt Stella. You almost forget she is an animal. Katherine Applegate is one of my favorite children's authors. This book just cemented that for me.

"The One and Only Ruby" is a heartwarming and charming middle-grade novel and a companion to the best-selling book "The One and Only Ivan" by Katherine Applegate. This story follows Ruby, a young elephant who was rescued from the same circus as Ivan, and now lives at the local zoo. Ruby longs for adventure and excitement, but also struggles with fitting in and finding her place in her new home.

Applegate's writing is beautifully descriptive and engaging, creating a vivid and immersive world for the reader to get lost in. Ruby is a lovable and relatable protagonist, and readers will root for her as she navigates her new environment and learns valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and perseverance.

The story is full of heart and humor, and it explores important themes such as belonging, identity, and the power of hope. The book also touches on animal rights issues and promotes compassion and understanding towards animals and their well-being.

Overall, "The One and Only Ruby" is a touching and captivating book that will appeal to both young readers and adults alike. It's a beautifully written and thought-provoking story that will leave a lasting impact on its readers. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys middle-grade novels and animal stories, and to fans of "The One and Only Ivan" in particular.

Elephant Ruby is about to celebrate her Tuskday, a celebration of the emergence of her tusks and a sign that she is growing up. However, Ruby doesn't want to celebrate her tusks. She hates her tusks. Ruby remembers her brief time in Africa and faces painful memories. She also remembers her friend Stella.

I was so excited to read this novel -- finally we get Ruby's story!! If you haven't read Ivan, I highly recommend starting there as I think it's the best of the series. But this one was powerful and heartwarming. I love Ruby!

One of my favorite elements in this series is the writing style, and Applegate continues it in beautiful ways in this book. The short chapters are powerful and full on wisdom. The illustrations of Ruby and her family and friends are so fun too! I think the clever titles of each chapter are great additions as well and sometimes say just as much if not more than the words that follow. This book is a quick read because of this style with fewer words that are very poignant and powerful. The writing is absolutely beautiful! As Ruby shares her story, I could see the different places she lived -- walking for water with her mother and herd, drinking from a bottle for the first time, experiencing fear and fire, special moments with Stella in the mall, and grappling with her tusks because of her past. I felt transported to Ruby's world and experiences.

Ruby is a delightful protagonist and I loved getting to know her better. She was a favorite of mine in the original book so it was really fun to learn about her present and her past. Some of her story is tragic and overwhelming. Other parts are full of joy and friendship. I loved getting her story although I would have liked more details in several parts like what happened to Jarobi after the fire and more interactions with him. I appreciated her conflicting feelings about tusks and Tuskday. I was reminded of how young she is and how much she has had to experience -- so many difficult things! But I was so proud of her courage and strength in the end.

I really enjoyed several of the elephant maxims/bits of wisdom especially about having courage, wonder, gratitude, and kindness. The questions that Aunt Stella and then Aunt Akello have Ruby ponder were quite lovely and definitely worth pondering daily for myself too. I love the idea that an elephant needs other elephants to be complete. I think people are a lot like that too. At times, this book felt a bit preachy. I love elephants and certainly want them to to protected and cared for. But sometimes, this novel seemed more about elephant poaching and the drawbacks of living in captivity instead of the friendship and love that made The One and Only Ivan so meaningful and unique. This didn't take too much away from the story for me. But it made me pause several times and broke the spell of the story for me.

Overall, a fun addition to the Ivan series. If you've read Ivan, I think this is definitely worthwhile. Ruby is a lovable character and her resilience and courage are fantastic!

I have taught a unit with the One and Only Ivan many times over recent years and it is an incredible novel. The follow up novel, The One and Only Bob was also excellent and as the third installment in this series, The One and Only Ruby follows suit of being excellent. I can not wait to use all three books in my classroom. This novel focuses on Ruby's life, both before her arrival at the mall circus and after her arrival at the zoo. This book teaches readers about how families can all look different and the importance of taking care of our world. It is a light read of heavy topics. There are lessons from this book that I will integrate into my teaching and parenting life. I love Stella's daily questions for Ruby and have been trying to ask myself and children them more often as they certainly make for better conversations and better personal development. "What amazed you today?" and "What made you proud?"

I absolutely adored hearing Ruby's story and just wanted to give her a big comforting hug! Applegate does such a good job bringing to light the reality for these elephants. Kids who love animals will really enjoy this story.

She's done it again! Katherine Applegate delivers a thoughtful, moving middle-grade novel written in verse. The story is told by Ruby, who you will know if you read the first book The One and Only Ivan. She is a little elephant who has just recently come to live in a wildlife sanctuary. You'll be happy to know her close friends "Uncle Ivan" and "Uncle Bob" are close by and still a part of her life. In fact, she is surrounded by people/animals who love, care for, and support her. This is a good thing because she has a lot to deal with: grief from the past and fear of the future being two main themes. This novel teaches and touches us all through its powerful words and the truth behind them.
*I very much appreciate NetGalley and the publisher for letting me have an ARC of this beautiful book.

Ruby is not looking forward to her Tuskday, a ceremony to celebrate that an elephant is growing up. She shares memories of the time when she lived in Africa with her friends Ivan and Bob, revealing the heart-breaking story which has led her to dislike her tusks. With the help of her friends and elephant family she is able to heal and find her courage. Those many students who have read and enjoyed The One and Only Ivan and The One and Only Ruby will be excited to see this newest title. Written from the perspective of an elephant and providing insight into the dangers elephants face.

This is the third book in this trilogy, the first 2 were the stories of Ivan and Bob. My kids and I all love this series and couldn’t wait to read this one, it was just as well written as the previous two. I would love to see more about these animals! Katherine Applegate is one of our favorite authors as well, highly recommend anything written by her!

Readers may be familiar with Ruby from previous books, but this one allows Ruby to tell her story. While this book gives some great background about Ruby, it doesn't feel much different from the books about Bob or Ivan. However, readers will definitely be excited to get their hands on The One and Only Ruby and gobble it up as quickly as they can! Applegate knows her audience and has worked hard to develop these characters that quickly find their way into readers' hearts.

The One and Only Ruby, told from the perspective of a young elephant, is the perfect story for young readers. It addresses large global issues in a respectful, kid-friendly way, without demeaning the significance of these issues. Ruby's voice pleads for a change in how we treat elephants in the wild, and opens up opportunities for honest discussions with children about the impact humans have on nature. This will absolutely become a new read aloud in my second grade classroom. Brilliantly done.

I received an electronic ARC from HarperCollins Children's Books through NetGalley.
Writing this with tears in my eyes. Applegate again brings us back into the world with Ivan and Bob to tell Ruby's story. Readers will continue to be delighted that she is in a park and part of a herd. She also spends time each day with Ivan, Bob and Kinyani. Though not there, Stella is very much an important par of this story. Ruby is approaching her Tuskday when she becomes an adult. As she reveals her story, readers understand why this is not a day she wants to celebrate. Applegate's tender touch is well known when she creates and expands on her worlds. She continues to reveal more about her characters and allows them to grow and still remember their pasts. By the end, Ruby has figured out how to accept her tusks and realizes how much Stella remains in her heart.
I already have readers waiting to check this out. A welcome addition to libraries.

Katherine Applegate writes meaningful books for all ages. The One and Only Ruby offers a look at what elephants can teach us.

The One and Only Ruby, by Katherine Applegate, is a cute middle school read. If you enjoyed The One And Only Ivan by Applegate, you will love this one too! Thanks, NetGalley and the publisher, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I love most books by Katherine Applegate. This one is so enjoyable. Ruby is such a delight and this book driven plays up her playfulness.