If you’re looking for a book that will tug at your heartstrings, pick up a copy of The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate.

Ivan, the book’s narrator and main character, is a gorilla, a silverback. He’s also an artist and a loyal friend to the other animals at the Big Top Mall. And he has a way with words. His musings have the ring of poetry.

I tried to read this book aloud to Larrabee. But each time we sat down to read, I would barely get through two chapters before I was reaching for the box of tissues. Finally, Larrabee insisted on taking over the reading duties.

This book is inspired by the life of a real gorilla. It’s a complex story simply told. Despite the tears along the way, it left me with a smile.