I have loved these characters for many years. This new Ruby story hit it out of the park. As a former educator, I value books that respect telling difficult truths to children.

This one's going to fly off the shelves. I have many devoted One and Only readers, and they will be excited to hear from baby Ruby's perspective. As an adult reader, this touched me deeply. Ruby's experiences with the elder elephants in her past and her current herd were poignant. This is a must purchase for all my elementary and middle school buildings.

The One and Only Ruby by Katherine Applegate

I was so honored and excited to receive an early copy of this book to share with my daughter. This series holds a special place for our family. The One and Only Ivan was the first book to get my daughter excited about reading. The way the author formats her books makes the idea of reading a chapter book more approachable for kids who struggle with a lot of text. 

We loved reading through Ruby's perspective and getting a deeper look into the life of this little elephant. As always, Katherine Applegate creates a heartwarming story full of friendship and found family. 
Katherine Applegate is an automatic buy author in our family. Thank you for Netgalley and Harper Collins publishing for an advanced copy of this book.

I feel so privileged to receive an early copy of this wonderful book. The One and Only Ivan is one of my favorite books to read with my students, and now I can share The One and Only Ruby. I’m looking forward to buying a class set of this book so all my students can have their own copy!

It was an absolute honor to be able to read The One and Only Ruby early. I actually read it for the first time aloud to my. I enjoyed year old daughter. That way we could share both our first readings of the third book of this series together. Her and I both were immediately enhanced, and we read well past her bedtime. My third grader even told me that she loved how the writing in the book made Ruby sound like she was was a little elephant. My teacher mama heart was proud to hear her be able to talk about the craft of this story without adult help. We also have decided to carry on Aunt Stella’s and Ruby?s tradition of sharing what amazes us and has made us proud each night. I think that’s a beautiful way to end our days with the positives.

Well, this was just a delight. I adore this series, and they never fail to get into my feels. This story is told from the perspective of Ruby the elephant. I loved that it talks about her life as an elephant before she found her way to Ivan and Bob. These stories are incredible for learning about different animals and also for bringing out the character of those in these stories. This was a quick read, and when I needed some smiles in my life, this just hit the spot. Thanks to NetGalley for the early look at this May 2023 release.

While I liked The One and Only Bob, this one had all the magic and appeal that The One and Only Ivan had. All the characters are back and the story digs into Ruby’s harrowing journey. The environmental and animal rights messages tied with the themes of friendship and the power of telling your story make this a wonderful middle book. Add it to your to be read list as I believe this is a real gem.

First sentence: Nobody ever listens to the littlest elephant. And around here, the littlest elephant is me. 

Premise/plot: Ruby has starred in The One and Only Ivan and The One and Only Bob. It is only fair that this 'littlest elephant' gets a chance to tell her own story. 

Ruby is getting her tusks and the elephant herd wants to celebrate the occasion. But Ruby is reluctant. She is not happy about her tusks, and the idea of celebrating something she hates about herself, well, it's overwhelming. 

Ruby is surrounded by those who love, love, love, love, love, love, love her. She is supported. 

In this book, she tells her story. She shares memories of Stella. She shares memories of her time in Africa. There are so many flashbacks. Many chapters are just Ruby talking while Ivan and Bob occasionally are referenced as listening or gently asking questions. 

My thoughts: I enjoyed reading The One and Only Ruby. I can honestly say that all three books in this series are unique. You might think, well, they are all in the same series. Yes, they're in the same series, but the tone and voice, the plot and pacing--each book is so unique.

The One and Only Ruby is very reflective. Perhaps this isn't surprising. After all, elephants never forget, right? They have amazing memories. Ruby has been shaped by her memories. And while she's struggling with her reluctance to celebrate her tusks--and finding the teasing unbearable--her memories are helping her. 

Friendship and found families are strong themes in this one. (Though I might be misusing the word 'theme'.)

This is such a cute book and a perfect edition to the series!

My 4th grader read this book and enjoyed it just as much as the previous two (who wouldn't love a cute elephant). This book does a great job at handling some difficult topics (example: poaching) and making them easily understood at a kid level.

The details in the flashbacks provide great imagery of Ruby's life before the circus and knowing Ivan and Bob. The imagery will help hold the interest of the youngest readers.

This will be a popular book amongst the elementary school readers!

Thank you to Harper Collins and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

I have loved following the characters through Katherine Applegate’s heartwarming books, and The One and Only Ruby was no exception!

This is a story is Ruby’s journey from beginning, to an orphanage, to joining our other friends such as Bob and Ivan. She begins to grow tusks and she’s not quite sure how she feels about growing up.

This is an excellent book that reminds us we don’t have to let go of where we came from. We can hold onto the memories, honor them even, and embrace what is to come. Also, above all, good friends will help us get through anything.

One of the things I enjoyed about the writing is the unique view of humans through the eyes of an elephant. I believe it takes a lot of skill to be able to see the world through someone else’s eyes- especially an elephant!

I highly recommend this book for all middle graders and anyone who just needs a heartfelt read with a side of factual information about the tragedy that has claimed the lives of elephants for years. Simply an excellent read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The One and Only Ruby is about a young elephant who is scared of a ceremony based on growing her tusks, named Ruby. She remembers her past but is brave enough to go to the ceremony. I enjoyed the characters, and the plot, Reading The One and Only Ivan and The One and Only Bob, the first two books in the series, is recommended but not required. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my opinions.

Wow!!! Sequels are often not as good as the first book. This one was as good, if not better than the first two. I loved the story of Ruby. This book explains where Ruby came from. We learned about her mother and how she made it to the mall. This is a powerful book! It’s a story of growing up, family, and remembering/honoring those that came before.

I highly recommend this book! This is a book for all ages. I can’t wait to own this book and share it with others!!

The One and Only Ruby is the third in a beloved cast of characters. Little Ruby has her own story to tell, revolving around her avoidance of her Tuskday celebration. Her moving backstory comes to the fore, in a powerful way.

Thanks to HarperCollins Children's Books and NetGalley for the advanced readers copy.

I finished this last night as a read aloud with my 8 year old daughter. We are both huge Katherine Applegate fans and this one did not disappoint. I felt this book was a great conclusion to the Ivan story and Ruby's story needed to be told. As with all of Applegate's stories, this book worked great as a read-aloud because of the short stories, illustrations, and discussions that it invoked. This story is so full of fun and emotion. Fantastic book!

This is an adorable follow up to The One and Only Ivan and The One and Only Bob. I cannot wait for my students to get their hands on this!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for a review.

Faced with growing up and her traumatic experiences as a young elephant in Africa and the United States, Ruby faces her fear with help from her "Family of the Park" and through the power of sharing her story with friends.

Ruby and her story is a gift to us. Our gift to give the world is to listen to others in kindness.

"An elephant alone is not and elephant" the same applies to us...

I love and truly enjoyed this story. I read this to my 9 year old daughter who loves The One and Only Ivan, she enjoyed every minute of this story. My daughter’s favorite part is the friendship riddle. I really hope this becomes a movie.

A lovely third book in the One and Only Ivan series. While this book cannot stand without the original story, I think this was my favorite of the three! Ruby is sweet and naive, but also very smart. She’s coming to terms with what it means to be an elephant and what it means to grow up without some of those you love. This book made me laugh and definitely made me cry! I highly recommend to anyone who has read Ivan! If you haven’t read Ivan, go read it and then read Ruby’s story!

Oh, my heart! The One and Only Ruby is another successful novel from Katherine Applegate. We follow our main character, Ruby, as she wrestles with grief, confidence, and a sense of belonging. This might be geared towards middle grade students, but it also has many life lessons built in for adults as well. I recommend The One and Only Rudy for readers of all ages.

Thank you HarperCollins and NetGalley for this ARC.

thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in return for my honest review.

WOW. i think this may be the best book of the trilogy.

this book follows along as Ruby is approaching her Tuskday- a celebration that symbolizes growing up. but Ruby is having some complicated feelings about this day, and doesn’t think it’s a day worth celebrating. she visits with her uncles, Bob and Ivan, where she tells the story of how she ended up here in the park with them. through this story, Ruby comes to some realizations both about herself and her Tuskday.

a story of friendship, hardship, family (both blood and chosen).

what gifts did the world give you today?
what gifts did you give to the world?