Olivia
by Ian Falconer
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Book Reviews of Olivia
Book Review: Olivia reviews "Olivia"
Summary: 5 Stars
This book gets a 10+ rating from Olivia, the high school educator. I am drawn to books that are entitled, "Olivia" and/or written by authors named Olivia. So, I was definitely drawn to purchase "Olivia" by Ian Falconer. After reading the book, I told my family and friends about it because "Olivia" is so descriptive of ME!I took "Olivia" to school and read it to my 9th grade high school students. My students were ecstatic and are in agreement with the characteristics of "Olivia." The majority of my students agree with the author when he stated, "She is very good at wearing people out. She even wears herself out." My students agree because they often say, "You wear us out because you give us so much work. You challenge us to strive for excellence."
I keep the book on display in my classroom. Since my first copy of the book was starting to look "used," I purchased a second copy of the book and display it in our living room. I am the only one who can touch this copy!
"Olivia" is phenomenal! It is a book that should be read by children and adults, also. Thank you Ian Falconer for making me laugh at "myself." I welcome future books about "Olivia" for years to come!
Book Review: The best children's picture book of the year!
Summary: 5 Stars
"This is Olivia," begins Ian Falconer's delightful picture book about a precocious piglet. "She is good at lots of things." In charming and hilarious illustrations, Olivia's busy adventures take her through dress-up, playing with her cat, going to the beach and museum, (reluctantly) taking a nap, and going to bed after just one story...no, three stories. This simply is one of the finest children's picture books of the year, and sure to be named on everyone's Top of 2000 list. Quietly humorous and tongue-in-cheek narration, fluid and expressive black-and-white-and-red artwork, and the charming portrayal of the busy and mischievous Olivia make this an instant classic. Sight gags abound (Olivia's ambitious sandcastle, her pink-pink sunburn, her dreams of being a ballerina, and her songbook "40 Very Loud Songs") and Falconer, a New Yorker cover artist and theatre designer, portrays the never-ending energy of a tiny pig, er, girl, with wit and charm.
Don't miss this one: suitable for all ages from the very young to the very old, "Olivia" is the prize of the season. It's the kind of book kids will be begging to have read to them before bed: bargaining for not once, not twice, but three times.
Book Review: A Wonderful World with Olivia
Summary: 5 Stars
Olivia is a young, energetic pig who "is good at lots of things." She likes to run, play dress-up, build sand castles, and scare her little brother away. In fact, Olivia has so much energy, that her mother finds it hard to get her take a nap during the day. Like most children, Olivia has bigger and better things to do than worry about a little sleep, especially when she could be at a museum looking at her favorite picture. Also like other children, Olivia gets inspired and decides to paint a picture on her own bedroom wall. All her adventures during the day make Olivia a typical child. Before the end of the day, Olivia really wears out her poor parents. As a tradition in many families, Olivia's mother still finds the strength to read her a few books before bedtime. And when all is said and done, her mother still loves her anyways.Like many children, Olivia is into many activities and uses her energy to the full extent. This book allows children to feel comfortable and secure in knowing that they can play all day, make mistakes, and wear their parents out without losing their love. It provokes children to be energetic and creative while enjoying the tales of lovable pig who inspires them to play and create.
Book Review: When I Need A Quick Laugh I Read Olivia
Summary: 5 Stars
The cover caught my attention. Olivia was written big and boldly across it. A white piglet wearing a red dress with a black bow tie and zebra stripped stockings. It begged me to read it.Author and Illustrator Ian Falconer has written a funny book about a little piglet named 'Olivia' who has too much energy. My favorite part of the book are the first four lines: "This is Olivia. She is good at lots of things. She is very good at wearing people out. She even wears herself out." The reader is shown (on two pages) a series of drawings in succession of Olivia jumping, running, standing on her head, yelling, playing ball, etc. and finally (the last drawing) she is flat on her back exhausted.
You can see her driving her mom crazy. She's adorable to read about but if she were my daughter she'd drive me crazy also. In my baby name book 'Olivia' means 'holy'. Not quite Olivia I thought. I got the dictionary and read through all the definitions for 'holy'. There it was at the bottom 'holy terror, a troublesome child'. Bingo! Now that's Olivia but in a funny way.
As I read through the book I could hear myself giggling. Laughter is good for the soul, so go ahead and get a heavy dose of Olivia. I recommend it. It's good for you!
Book Review: Banal
Summary: 1 Stars
My daughter received this book as a gift. I would never have purchased it myself. I think that it is entirely banal, not cute at all and lacking in true imagination. Yes, toddlers do have big egos, and sometimes this makes their actions laughable. But there is something about Olivia that I find unsettling. She seems very much alone, too much alone. As if her parents are just standing on the sidelines, watching her. As if she lives in a household where children are "seen and not heard."
There is so much more to toddlerhood than egotism. But one cannot appreciate the true beauty and imagination of childhood if one cannot slow down a little bit,let go of one's own ego, and try to see through the eyes of one's child. I do not think that this book helps adults to do that.
I appreciate children's books that are about absolutely nothing: ie. The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson. Many adults these days may find this kind of book to be silly and artless, but, in my point of view, it is much more appropriate for toddler aged children and is the kind of book that will encourage the development of a child's true imagination.