Book inspired by Ivan wins award

Ivan the Gorilla’s tale has again captured the hearts and minds of many, but this time it’s in an illustrated book that has won the most prestigious honor in children’s literature.

The American Library Association, during its meeting Monday in Seattle, named Katherine Applegate’s “The One and Only Ivan” as the recipient of the John Newbery Medal.

The book was inspired by the life of Tacoma’s beloved gorilla, who lived for 27 years in a cage at B&I Shopping Center before being moved to Zoo Atlanta in 1994. He was about 50 when he died there Aug. 20.