Another great children’s book find in Olivia by Ian Falconer. This is Ian Falconer’s first children’s book and deserves a standing ovation in line with the attention his character, Olivia the pig, craves. Ian Falconer is a notable artist in his own right and has designed many covers for the New Yorker magazine as well as done costume and set design for the New York City Ballet and others.

He has great art and literary world connections, or his editors do. On the back cover are little notes from some very talented celebrities.

Eloise has met her match! We love Olivia! ~ Hilary Knight (Author of the Eloise series)

Many dream of dancing on the stage, but Olivia has the legs for it ~ Mikhail Baryshnikov (Famous dancer, very tongue-in-cheek statement of course)

At last, a pig with self-esteem ~ Gloria Steinem (writer, editor, and feminist)

If these aren’t enough to help sell a book, well! Actually, this extra boost from famous people is not really needed. Mr. Falconer has an adorable story, an adorable character, and fabulous artwork. Sure a little push for a new author is always good but he can swim on his own now that the masses are acquiring this book in record numbers and numerous unbiased review organizations are giving it two thumbs up. (Oppenheim Toy Portfolio for one)

When I saw Olivia at Barnes & Noble I plucked it off the shelf immediately. The simple cover with the single picture of Olivia in all her black, white, and red glory, begged for a look-see.

I sat down on the floor and read it cover to cover myself and then grabbed my 2 ½+-year-old for a good perusal and test of attention span/reaction. A++ reaction from the both of us with an objective look at hardcover price and longevity value = SOLD.

So who is this pig with personality, plus? Meet Olivia.

She is good at lot of things.
She is very good at wearing people out.
She even wears herself out

Olivia is pictured in multiple play poses from hammering a nail into a board (GO, Olivia!) to playing a game of kickball with herself. Oh boy! We have to spend extra time on this page as we interpret all of Olivia’s activities.

Olivia has a little brother named Ian.
He’s always copying.
Sometimes Ian just won’t leave her alone,
So Olivia has to be firm

The red highlights on the black and white drawings are perfect. The red lipstick, hair bow, and pumps on Olivia and the red lipstick on her little brother with smears on his black and white-striped shirt meet with nods from me (as I recall these discussions with my own siblings) and overall interest from my kids.

In the morning, after she gets up, and moves the cat, and brushes her teeth, and combs her ears, and moves the cat,

Be prepared for this question, “Why does Olivia need to keep moving the cat so much?” A tired answer from me might sound like this, “’Cause she does, honey.” An enthusiastic and peppy answer from me might sound like this, “ That’s just like Olivia, likes things her way, likes her space….”

For those parents that can relate to kids who are fashion-conscious, meet Olivia, She has to try on everything in all their red glory.

Her mother teaches her how to make sand castles at the beach one year, the next, she is building skyscrapers.

When Olivia’s mom comes in to remind her of her you-know-what nap. Olivia stubbornly sits on her bed and when the door closes she is leaping through the air, doing a balanced arabesque, a flying leap. Hah! to the naps.

Olivia is a dreamer, when her mother takes her to the museum on rainy days. Olivia likes to visit the famous ballerinas (by Degas). She dreams of herself up onstage. Ah, modern art is utterly confusing to Olivia and comments on a splash-art masterpiece, ”I could do that in about five minutes”. And she does, but in her home living room. Yep, the reader is entertained by the horror on Olivia’s mother’s face.

Time out is in order followed by bath, dinner, and bed. The negotiations begin, which is something I can relate to completely. The issue, how many books will be read to Olivia. Olivia wins with three, down from five.

When they’ve finished reading, Olivia’s mother gives her a kiss and says, “You know, you really wear me out. But I love you anyway.” And Olivia gives her a kiss back and says, “I love you anyway too.”

Olivia is off to dreamland with visions of opera singers all in her head.

Olivia, you’re so cool I’m willing to bet there will be more to come like Eloise, Angelina Ballerina, and Madeline.

This book appeals to my kids (a son, 5, and a daughter, barely 3) and the strength of the character is utterly refreshing.




Recommended: Yes