Books that include a character called IVAN

The One and Only Ivan

The One and Only Ivan

Katherine Applegate

Winner of the Newbery Medal 2013 Inspired by a true story, this is the beautifully written tale of how a mighty gorilla wins his freedom. A winning blend of humour and poignancy that will appeal to fans of Michael Morpurgo. Ivan is an easy-going gorilla who has spent his life performing for the crowds at the Exit 8 shopping mall. He rarely misses life in the jungle. In fact, he hardly thinks about it at all. But everything changes when a baby elephant called Ruby arrives and Ivan realises he must find a new life for them both. Told from Ivan's perspective this is a stand-out novel with a pertinent message for readers of 9+.

Characters: Ivan

Buy book online
By the Light of the Moon

By the Light of the Moon

Tom Percival

From author and illustrator Tom Percival, creator of the bestselling Big Bright Feelings series: A magical, reassuring picture book about moving house, to soothe even the biggest worriesIvan's old house had always been so warm and friendly. This new one was NOT.Ivan finds his new house strange and can't sleep. He lies awake and then sees a shimmering light come down. The light turns into a creature called a Moji, and it takes him on a fabulous night-time adventure, up high into space, bounding through starlit forests and down deep into the oceans. Ivan has never had so much fun! And the magical Moji shows him that soon the new house will feel like home.A gently emotional story to reassure fears about moving house, with stunning artwork and a wonderful magical element. The author/illustrator of Herman's Letter has shown his breadth of talent with this new direction.

Characters: Ivan

Buy book online
The Firebird

The Firebird

Mairi Mackinnon

Prince Ivan sets off in search of the Firebird which has been stealing his father's golden apples. A story of bravery, determination and magic that has captivated generations, and inspired iconic paintings, music and ballet.

Characters: Ivan

Buy book online
Invisible Ivan

Invisible Ivan

Katie Dale

Ivan loves visiting his Great Aunt Polly, who is the best prankster ever, and her dog, Geronimo. One day, Great Aunt Polly shows Ivan how to make invisible ink, which is great fun! Until Ivan spills the ink on himself… and turns invisible! Ivan thinks this is awesome at first — imagine all the pranks he can do! But soon he starts to worry… how long will his invisibility last? And what if he stays invisible forever?

Characters: IvanPolly

Buy book online
The Magic Fish (Little Board Books)

The Magic Fish (Little Board Books)

Lesley Sims

Alek and Ivan live simply by the sea until the day Alek catches a magic fish. Ivan wishes for more, and more, and more, until... he makes one wish too many. A charming retelling of the Russian tale about a golden fish, with free online audio.

Characters: AlekIvan

Buy book online

Still want to find more books?

How about trying a similar name?

Are we missing a book with ivan in?

Send us an email at isbabyinabook@gmail.com

We check all suggestions, so please ensure that all recommendations are picture books aimed at children less than 6 years old.

Sam and Soraya

Built by Sam & Soraya

In 2022 we welcomed our little twins into the world. Since then we have been building up our home library full of baby books to try and give our boys the best start.

While books with characters called Sam are found in bookstores and charity shops throughout the land, we struggled to find any books with Soraya, Jasper, or Xander.

This gave Soraya the idea to compile a list of books for new parents and then Sam decided to turn it in to a website.