3.1 The Author’s Note
3.1 The Author’s Note
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Describe what is an author’s note, and the inspiration of the novel from the
author’s note
Before Reading
Describe what is an author’s note, and the inspiration of the novel from the
author’s note
Before Reading
An author’s note is a statement where the author communicates directly with readers about the book. It provides insights into the inspiration and creation process of the book.1
Author’s Notes can be found in both fiction and nonfiction texts.
They are often surprising, and revealing, adding depth to the subject and making the book more meaningful. 2
Creates a relationship between the writer and the readers: It allows the author to connect with readers on a personal level, often sharing the inspiration and insights that led to writing the story.
Makes readers value the creative process of writing the book: By discussing challenges, decisions, or research that went into the book, the author helps readers appreciate the craft and dedication behind the work.
Builds credibility and validates the author and their craft: When an author shares their knowledge, background, or experiences, it helps readers believe and trust what they are saying.
To learn where truth meets fiction in the story: The author can help readers understand what parts of the story are real and what parts are made up. By sharing this, they make it clear which details actually happened and which ones are just pretend, so readers do not get confused about what is true.
Author’s Note as seen in the 'The One and Only Ivan,' UK Children’s Books, 2012 4
Author’s Note as seen in the 'The One and Only Ivan,' UK Children’s Books, 2012 4
One and Only Ivan is a work of fiction, but the inspiration for this imagined tale lies in a true story.
Ivan, a real gorilla, now lives in Atlanta Zoo, but on the way to that happy ending, he spent almost three decades without seeing another of his own kind.
After being captured as an infant in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Ivan’s twin sister died en route to the U.S. or shortly thereafter), Ivan was raised in a home until he became unmanageable. At that point he was added to an odd collection of animals housed at a circus-themed mall in Washington state.
Fig 1.1: Ivan, the gorilla that inspired the novel, now lives in Zoo Atlanta.
Fig 1.1: Ivan, the gorilla that inspired the novel, now lives in Zoo Atlanta.
Fig 1.2: PAWS members at one of many protests to free Ivan (L), and a poster form a rally (R).
He spent twenty-seven years of his life alone in a cage. Over time, as an understanding of primate needs and behaviour grew, public discomfort with Ivan’s lonely state grew as well, particularly after he was featured in a National Geographic special entitled The Urban Gorilla. A public outcry followed, including heartfelt letters from children. When the mall where Ivan lived went bankrupt, he was placed on permanent loan to Zoo Atlanta, which houses the largest group of captive western lapland gorillas in the nation.
Ivan is now a beloved celebrity at Zoo Atlanta, where he lives contentedly with Kinyani and other gorillas. He’s known for his paintings, which are often “signed” with his thumbprint.
Ivan and Kinyani are real gorillas - and so, by the way, is Jambo, whose story Stella tells to Ivan and Bob. But all other characters and situations in this novel are entirely the product of my imagination. When I started to write about the grim facts of Ivan’s solitary existence, a new tale slowly began to take shape. At least on the page, where anything is possible, I wanted to give Ivan (even while captive behind the walls of his tiny cage) a voice of his own and a story to tell.
I wanted to give him someone to protect, and the chance to be the mighty silverback he was always meant to be.
Fig 1.3: Katherine Applegate, the author of
The One and Only Ivan
In Katheine Applegate’s voice, listen to her share the backstory of creating 'The One and Only Ivan.'
Watch the trailer of the book below:
Vid: 1.1: Official 'One and Only Ivan' Book Trailer
Glossary
Inspiration - Something that gives someone an idea or motivation
Fiction - A story that is imagined and not based on real events
Non-fiction - Writing that is based on real facts or events
Credibility - The quality of being trusted or believed
Captivity - When an animal or person is kept in one place and cannot leave
Primate - A type of animal that includes gorillas, monkeys, and humans
Solitary - Being alone, with no others around
Existence - The state of being alive or real
Voice - A unique way a character or person expresses themselves
Summary:
Summary:
The author’s note is a statement from the author to the readers about the book.
An author’s note is important because:
Creates a relationship between the writer and the readers
Explains inspiration and insights behind the story
Builds credibility and validates the author and their craft
Explains where truth meets fiction in the story
The One and Only Ivan is a work of fiction, but the inspiration for this imagined tale lies in a true story. This story is inspired by Ivan, a real gorilla who lived alone in a cage for twenty-seven years at a mall.
References:
References:
1 What Is An Author’s Note? Do You Need One?. Self Published Whiz. from (link)
2 Author’s Notes - The Story Behind The Story. Donna Janell Bowman (2010). from (link)
3 Group Blog: An Author’s Note By Suzy Leopold. Groggrog Blogspot (2016). from (link)
4 Author’s Note. The One and Only Ivan UK Children's Book (2020)
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