The One and Only Series 4 Books Collection Set by Katherine Applegate - Ages 9-12 - Paperback

Titles in This Set
The One and Only Ivan
The One and Only Bob
The One and Only Ruby
The One and Only Family

Condition: New
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780008737641
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
Age Range: 9+

Overview
The One and Only Series 4 Books Collection Set brings together Katherine Applegate's beloved animal-led saga in one paperback bundle. Beginning with the Newbery Medal-winning The One and Only Ivan and continuing through Bob, Ruby and Family, the collection follows a gorilla, a dog and an elephant navigating friendship, memory and belonging. Told with warmth and quiet emotional depth, these novels are treasured by young readers, parents and teachers for their gentle life lessons and unforgettable animal characters.

About the Books
Each title can be read alone, yet together they build a rich world centred on three animal friends. The One and Only Ivan introduces a gentle gorilla who has spent years performing at a rundown shopping mall, whose life changes when a baby elephant named Ruby arrives beside him; inspired by a true story, it remains one of the most acclaimed children's novels of its generation. The One and Only Bob follows Ivan's scrappy canine companion on a perilous search for his long-lost sister, facing a hurricane and discovering courage he never knew he had. The One and Only Ruby is told in reflective verse from the elephant's own point of view, looking back on her early life on the African savannah and her circus years before rescue, a tender exploration of memory and healing. The One and Only Family closes the series as Ivan and Kinyani welcome twins, and the sanctuary adapts to new parenthood, returning to themes of belonging and family. Throughout, Applegate's spare prose invites young readers to see the world through animal eyes, encouraging empathy without feeling heavy-handed.

• Complete four-book paperback collection in one convenient set
• Includes the Newbery Medal-winning The One and Only Ivan
• Ideal for independent readers aged 9 and up, plus family and classroom read-alouds
• Explores friendship, resilience, memory and what it means to be family
• Great for reading groups, school libraries and animal-loving gift recipients
• Companion to the major Disney+ film adaptation of The One and Only Ivan

About the Author
Katherine Applegate is an American author best known for her heartfelt, animal-centred children's fiction. She won the Newbery Medal for The One and Only Ivan, inspired by a true story, and continued the series with Bob, Ruby and Family to widespread acclaim. Her writing is celebrated for emotional honesty and gentle humour, making complex themes such as captivity, grief and belonging accessible to young readers, earning the trust of parents, teachers and librarians worldwide.

Why You'll Love This Series
Warm and beautifully written, this series turns big feelings into approachable stories. It's a heartfelt gift set that rewards rereading and introduces animal characters young readers won't soon forget.

Please Note: Cover shown may vary slightly from the UK edition; ISBN and format are for the UK edition as listed.