One and Only Ivan

My first book I read while at the beach was The One and Only Ivan by Katerine Applegate.  This is the story of a gorilla named Ivan who lives in his domain at a shopping mall.  His only friends are Stella, and elderly elephant, Bob, a stray dog, and Julie, the daughter of the night janitor at the mall.  Ivan is content living in his domain, talking with Stella and Bob, and being an artist until Ruby, a baby elephant joins the other animals at the mall.  It is a really neat story told from Ivan's point of view.  3.5 out of 5 stars!