I read the egalley on my Kindle so it’s hard to get a feel for the layout, but this felt almost like a beginning chapter book. Maybe because Ruby is so young so the voice that Applegate adopted felt more childlike than with Ivan or Bob.

This book does not shy away from some tough topics, but it’s not nearly as gut-wrenching as Ivan. It’s a lovely read and it feels like it rounds out Ivan’s story.

I loved this story and it was a perfect continuation to the series! Ivan and Bob (and Stella’s memory) are still ever present and the message is so heartwarming.

My daughter and have read all the "One and Only" books and were so excited that Katherina Applegate wrote another one. She writes all her stories in a way that are completely accessible for kids, but also entertaining and moving for adults. We both gave it 5 stars. Here is my daughter's book review: "The book was great! This story is about a curious elephant who will talk about her childhood life, losing family members, growing up, and a few jokes here and there. Ruby is such a unique, tiny elephant. In this book, you will learn about her life and what being an elephant is like. As well as going on a journey in an elephant's life and from an elephant's perspective. You will love reading this book if you: liked the other two books about Ivan and Bob, love elephants and books, or generally love reading. Hopefully, you will enjoy it as much as I did."

Thanks to @NetGalley for the ARC #TheOneandOnlyRuby #NetGalley

Thank you to Harper Collins Publishers and Netgalley for this advanced readers e-book and chance to be back with Ivan , Bob, and Ruby. Her story was beautiful and continues to inspire readers of all ages to cherish the life we live and give gifts to the world each and every day!!

Before getting into this review, I want to mention that I finished this book weeks ago. Unfortunately, HarperCollins took 66 days to come to an agreement with their union workers. I am grateful that they were able to reach an agreement, and I can review responsibly again!

I'll be honest- I love kid's books. In fact, ya'll can look forward to some reviews of things you probably read in grade school at some point. I wish I'd had this blog last year when I (ravenously) consumed the entirety of K.A. Applegate's Animorphs series. Instead, my partner got to spend hours listening to me theorize and praise the intricacies of those 64 books (aimed towards children while being to this day some of the most traumatizing scenarios I've ever read).

When I saw there was to be a third installment of her "The One and Only" series, I got very excited. After Animorphs, you might have expected a grown woman to gravitate towards the Everworld series next. But not I, no, I ran headfirst to the books whose demographic ranged 5-8. And I thoroughly enjoyed it. I checked out The One and Only Ivan without high expectations, but Applegate brought to life these animal characters, appealed to the emotional spectrum, and introduced young readers to an endearing "found family" trope. The One and Only Bob was a sequel that I had no interest in, until I saw the audiobook was narrated by Danny Devito. I loved it. He perfectly captured Bob's energy, and this story not only did justice to its titular character but made sure to pay homage to the original cast.

Unfortunately, this newest addition fell a bit flat for me, and I'm torn. Since I am not its target audience, I am hesitant to hold this book hostage to my own expectations. At the same time, its predecessors exceeded those same expectations- which creates a bit of a reviewer's dilemma.

While Ruby manages to hit emotional peaks with callbacks to former characters, it felt... directionless. A good portion of the story was Ruby telling a story. For me, it never came together as a cohesive plot. The established characters are still as loveable as they always have been, the introduction of new characters is great, and the integration of animal-education is done seamlessly that I can imagine children not even realizing how much they're learning about elephants. As an adult reading an early reader's book, I do acknowledge that plot isn't always as important for younger audiences (even I enjoy a plotless book from time to time) but the divergence from the other books presented in this format did create a bit of let-down.

Thank you to NetGalley and Katherine Applegate for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!

In this third installment of Applegate's One and Only, we dive into Ruby's story. While this little elephant has walked lifetime with turmoil and problems, her story is weaved with a caring herd. This herd begins with her elephant family -birth andadopted-, but includes the humans who caredforher, Ivan and Bob. I love Ruby's story.

Themes of death, poaching, violence against elephants.

The One And Only Ivan has always been a favorite in my classroom, and it is frequently checked out. Recently, I read The One And Only Bob and enjoyed it as well. However, I can confidently say that The One And Only Ruby is my favorite of the series. Did a middle grade story of an elephant make me cry? Sure did.

I cannot wait to add to my classroom library. I think the heavier themes were handled really well. This would definitely be a book I would recommend to a student struggling to cope with a loss.

My lil' elephant loving heart won't be forgetting this one anytime soon.

Thank you Netgalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a cute book about Ruby the elephant. I think this is a great continuation of this series and I think kids of all ages will love this book.

The One and Only Ruby. brings us back to the world of Ivan the Gorilla, only this time the focus is on Ruby, the baby elephant. This is a very sweet story that will delight young readers who are already familiar with Ruby and her friends. I will definitely be purchasing this for my library!

As soon as I finished reading The One and Only Bob, I hoped Katherine Applegate would gift us with Ruby’s story.

This book surpassed any expectations I had. It’s a sweet story about family, friends and finding the strength to grow up. I can’t wait to add it to my classroom library.

Following The One and Only Ivan, then The One snd Onky Bob, we meet Ruby the elephant. Now living in a wildlife sanctuary, Ruby’s shares her story which is vast as she begins life in Africa but loses her mother to poachers when just a baby..
Ruby’s story, as with so many innocent animals, , is both happy and sad.
Young Ruby shares her story in first person vividly incorporating personification and imagery.
Katherine Applegate works her magic once again presenting baby Ruby’s account which is heartfelt and humorous, poignant and sweet. Adding to the preciousness, artist Patricia Castelao enhances the story with gorgeous black-and-white illustrations throughout the book.

I guarantee you will fall in love with Ruby.

I have loved Katherine Applegate since I was a young reader. Still, as an adult I feel giddy at the prospect of a new book by her. "The One and Only Ruby" is absolutely heartwarming! I so enjoyed reading about the adventure the young elephant finds themselves on.

I have read both The One and Only Ivan and The One and Only Bob and just like those two, I devoured this one very quickly! Elephants are one of my favorite animals and have been since I was little. The amount of wisdom, love, courage, care, and more that elephants have is just astounding. This book truly shows the best characteristics of elephants and how they take care of their herd. It also shows hardships that some elephants have faced whether its being poached for their tusks or ending up in a circus. In Ruby's story hearing how so many truly cared for her was neat to see. It made me think about the many people I am surrounded with and love. Kind of like Ruby, I have my own herd! Also, it's neat how they truly honor their ancestors and those that have passed before them. Elephants are such amazing creatures! I loved this book and would recommend it to everyone to read so we can all see what it means to have a herd and make this world a better place just by being in it.

In this third addition to "The one and only" series, by Applegate, the focus centers on Ruby,the adorable,spunky elephant.
Ruby explains the story of her time in Africa up to her present day living conditions. She shares her traumatic experiences but comes to realize that there was always someone along her journey that loved and protected her through the difficult times.
It's a moving story which I would say describes how the love of friends and "second" families keep us going. A sweet book for young readers with enouraging messages and age appropriate information about elephants and the real life dangerthey face concerning their lovely tusks.
Of course,her best buddies Ivan and Bob make cameo apperances :)

Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Colins for the opportunity to read an ARC edition.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy. This book is adorable! It is the third in the series, but can very easily be read as a stand alone. The story centers around Ruby, the littlest elephant, and her time with the herd. There are stories of her time living in Africa, and her relationship with Ivan, Bob and Stella. This is a heartfelt book, but also great information about elephants for young readers.

Book Review

The One and Only Ruby
Katherine Applegate
Children’s Fiction

Short Synopsis

The One and Only Ruby tells Ruby’s story from her young days in Africa to her life now at the animal sanctuary.

My Thoughts

This story is a continuation of The One and Only Ivan. Ruby is the baby elephant from that story. I suggest reading The One and Only Ivan to get the gist of the story and learn about the individual characters before reading this.

I love learning more about these characters! First Ivan, then Bob, now Ruby. Who doesn’t love a baby elephant? Ruby is a cutey patooty! The pictures in the book are adorable as well.

It is sad to hear about Ruby’s life before landing in the wildlife sanctuary where she is when she tells her story. This comes to the forefront of her mind when her caretaker from the elephant orphanage she was once at visits her. Then, her little mind goes back in time to tell about her path from Africa to the sanctuary.

As with all of Katherine Applegate’s books, it is well-written! There are happy and sad parts. I felt the characters' emotions; though they are animals, their story feels real.

If you enjoyed The One and Only Ivan and The One and Only Bob, you would enjoy this book just as much. This is a touching series that grabs your heart.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing this ebook for me to read and review.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an e-ARC of the third in this series. The One and Only Bob, is still my favorite, but for fans of these friends, and of this series, The One and Only Ruby is a worthwhile read. Providing readers with Ruby's backstory, and hope for her future, this is a great one for elephant lovers.

I really enjoyed this book. I kind of liked it better than The One and Only Bob. This book is full of vivid details and figurative language. It’s a little hard to follow at times because Ruby is all over the place in her story telling, but it also plays up the fact that it’s stories told by a really young elephant. I would love to read this with my students. The messages and lessons sprinkled throughout the story are perfect to discuss with students.

This was such a beautiful story. Although I haven't read the first two books in the series, I absolutely loved this book and didn't feel like I missed any key information from the previous books. I loved Ruby's story, and there were a few moments when my heart broke for Ruby and her family and friends. I definitely plan on reading the first two books in the series.

This was such a great sequel to The one and only Ivan! We hear the story of what happened to Ruby after the events in Ivan, and we get to learn more of her back story. Of course, some characters appear from Ivan as well!