Coventry Students Bring “The One and Only Ivan” to Life with Zoo Field Trip

Students at Coventry Elementary recently turned the final chapter of their One Book, One School experience into a real-life adventure with a visit to Brookfield Zoo.

After reading The One and Only Ivan together as a school, students had the unique opportunity to connect the story to the real world. The novel, centered on a silverback gorilla named Ivan and the friendships he forms, inspired a schoolwide field trip that allowed students to observe and learn about gorillas and other animals up close.

A highlight of the visit was exploring the zoo’s Bramsen Tropical Rain Forest exhibit, where students experienced a habitat designed to replicate gorillas' natural environment. The immersive setting helped bring Ivan’s story to life in a meaningful and memorable way.

To make the experience possible for all students, Coventry organized the trip over five days in April, ensuring each class had the chance to participate while keeping the experience engaging and manageable.

Principal Matt Grubbs said the field trip was designed to deepen students’ understanding of the book while creating lasting memories.

“This was a big lift, no question,” said Principal Matt Grubbs. “But when you have a story like The One and Only Ivan that resonates so deeply with students, you want to do everything you can to bring it to life. This trip gave our students the chance to build empathy, make real-world connections, and experience something they’ll remember long after they finished the book.”

By extending learning beyond the classroom, Coventry’s One Book, One School initiative once again fostered a shared experience that united students, staff, and families, proving that great stories can inspire even greater adventures.