The One and Only Bob, Katherine Applegate's anxiously awaited sequel to the Newbery Medal–winning The One and Only Ivan, comes out on May 5. SLJ recently caught up with the author to hear about returning to the world of the lovable gorilla and his friends.

Want to hear more about Bob and Ivan and meet the author? Be sure to tune in for the live webcast next Tuesday. 

It’s been years since you published Ivan. Was it difficult returning to that world? Or are the characters always with you?

It was like visiting dear old friends. They may have a few more gray hairs or wrinkles, but they still sound exactly the same. And they have plenty of new stories to share.

You have a great deal of experience when it comes to expressing the voice of nonhuman narrators (The One and Only Ivan; Wishtree). What are the challenges of writing these characters? And how was writing Bob’s voice different than Ivan’s?

I’m always aware that when you write from the point of view of a different species, anthropomorphism is inevitable. You can do all the research in the world, but at the end of the day, you’re taking a leap into the unknown.

Ivan has a distinctive voice. He’s a poet, a philosopher, a guy who’s accepted the worst of human behavior and learned to move on.

Bob, on the other hand, is a tough-guy mutt, street-smart and sarcastic. I wanted to be sure he had his own unique sound.

Still, they may sound different, but deep down, Ivan and Bob are both softies at heart.

The artwork of Ivan and Bob are so integral to both books. How much of the art do you see before the book publishes?

The first time you see art created for your manuscript is like nothing else. Until then, the story is just about words on paper, and suddenly the images in your head are brought to life. I was lucky enough to see Patricia Castelao’s early sketches and watch them blossom into her remarkable illustrations. And that cover is breathtaking! She has such a gift.

Which character would you most like to write about if (or when) you choose to write further titles?

I suspect Ruby, the baby elephant, has some interesting tales to tell. . . .

Meet Katherine Applegate and hear more about Bob, Ivan, and Ruby at the Virtual Book Launch next Tuesday, May 5 at 4 p.m. ET.