Katherine Applegate’s latest addition to her acclaimed series that began with “The One and Only Ivan” is The One and Only Ruby. This novel not only enriches the beloved universe centered around a charming ensemble of animals but also shifts the spotlight to Ruby, a baby elephant with a poignant backstory and a heartwarming journey towards finding her place in the world.

The One and Only Ruby resumes a few months after the conclusion of “The One and Only Bob,” situating itself in the nurturing environment of a wildlife sanctuary. The return of Ruby’s caretaker from her early days in an African elephant orphanage ignites a series of memories, unfolding her pre-circus life on the African savannah. Applegate, through a delicate blend of nostalgia and realism, narrates Ruby’s emotional spectrum, from joyful recollections to the shadows of sadder times, immersing readers deeply into her psyche.

The narration is elegantly crafted in verse, a stylistic choice that Applegate handles with finesse. The format not only enhances the emotive quality of Ruby’s voice but also makes the text accessible and engaging for the target middle-grade audience. It allows for a rhythmic, almost lyrical reading experience that complements the internal and external journeys of its protagonist.

Character development is central in Applegate’s narrative. Ruby evolves significantly throughout the tale, growing in emotional depth and complexity as she revisits her past and embraces her present. This evolution is thoughtfully echoed in the interactions with her friends, Ivan and Bob, providing layers to the story that discuss themes of friendship, memory, and resilience.

Katherine Applegate’s use of literary devices like personification enriches the narrative, breathing life into the animal characters with humanity and empathy. The illustrative work by Patricia Castelao amplifies this effect; her black-and-white illustrations provide visual pauses that add depth to the story and help young readers visualize the settings and the emotions of Ruby and her companions.

In terms of plot, the story moves at a pace that is both engaging and thoughtful, allowing young readers to ponder the more serious undertones of Ruby’s reflections on her past while also reveling in the lighter, humorous moments that punctuate the narrative. The balance between heartache and joy is finely tuned, resonating well with both younger readers and adults.

Overall, The One and Only Ruby stands as a commendable sequel in Applegate’s series. It caters excellently to its intended audience of tweens, offering not just a compelling narrative but also valuable lessons on empathy, history, and personal growth. A highly recommended addition to any middle-grade reading list, suitable for classroom discussions, library collections, and personal reading alike.