Olivia - DO NOT USE

Olivia #1

by Ian Falconer, Dame Edna Everage (Narrator)

Have fun with Olivia...

dressing up

singing songs

building sand castles

napping (maybe)

dancing

painting on walls

and -- whew! --

going to sleep at last.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Animals, Humor, Family, Fantasy

40 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Ian Falconer is the author and illustrator of all the titles in the bestselling Olivia series: Olivia, Olivia Saves the Circus,Olivia...and the Missing Toy, and Olivia Forms a Band. His illustrations have also graced many covers of the New Yorker. In addition, he has designed sets and costumes for the New York City Ballet, the San Francisco Opera, and the Royal Opera House (Covent Garden), among others. Mr. Falconer lives in New York City. (Simon & Schuster)

Reviews

[Calista · Rating 3 out of 5]

Olivia does remind me of my niece. She wears me out some days too. But she has a boundless imagination. This was a good story with a now well loved character.

The niece has outgrown this book and she didn't even want to read it. The nephew likes Olivia and he enjoyed reading it.

I do like when some famous art work was thrown in at a museum.

[Meredith Holley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I spent about a year in an awkward situation that started out with accidentally babysitting two adorable little kids. Bundles of joy are those two, and I'm not even being ironical. Mommies and daddies, when you ask nice single gals of even age with yourselves if they'll do you a favor and watch your kiddos while you go wine tasting for a night, do you usually mean, "Will you be my nanny?" I hope not. It is very uncomfortable to get out of that kind of situation. Anyway, Olivia was an invaluable friend during that year.

Last Christmas, I went shopping with the grandma of the kids, who we'll call "Mima." Mima told me that she had been Christmas shopping that day with the girl, and they had come across something that made the girl exclaim, "Mima, that's Miss Meri's favorite!" (This family requires Miss and Mr. before any adult names, which I personally find really creepy. Most kids I know call me Mers - pronounced "Meh-rs" not "M-er-s." When I told the girl she could call me Mers, she replied, with some attitude, "Why would I call you Mers? That's not your real name." I had to shamefully admit she was right, and we compromised with Miss Meri.) Back to the story - Mima suggested they buy this favorite thing for me as a Christmas present, and the girl agreed.

When Mima told me about the present, I spent some time trying to guess what it could possibly be and hoping it wasn't a princess dress, but I'm a bad guesser. Unfortunately for surprises, when I was dropping Mima off that night, I helped her carry in a bag of presents. As I was setting it down, it fell open, and seeing what was inside I involuntarily exclaimed, "Hey! That's my favor- . . . wait a second!" Yes, as you may have guessed, it was a stuffed Olivia doll. She's wearing her Christmas outfit, which is pretty spectacular. Olivia is my favorite, it turns out. I think it's because she's good at lots of things.

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

This past weekend, I got to spend some quality time with my adorable and amazing nephew, Zach. During that QT, we read this book together. Or rather, I read the book to him, and he tested it out for edibility. And while he seemed to enjoy it (he's one - his bar is pretty low right now), I personally expected something better, especially considering how freaking popular this book is.

But I think that the popularity is mainly because of the mommies who can relate to being worn out by their kids: having to clean their paintings off the walls; having to pick up every single article of previously-clean clothing that someone had to try on before deciding on something to wear; etc.

I expected something of a storyline, and got instead a random day filled with random acts of kid stuff. Which is fine if that's what you're looking for or expect, but it was a bit disappointing for me. I've read other children's books which have great art, hilarious antics, AND a story, so this one just missed the mark for me.

[Ronyell · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I heard about the popularity of “Olivia,” I wanted to give this book a shot and I am glad I did! “Olivia” is a Caldecott Honor Book by Ian Falconer which is about the adventures of an energetic girl piglet named Olivia who does all kinds of activities that tires her family out! “Olivia” is the perfect story for children who love trying out new things everyday!

Olivia is good at many things such as wearing people out and dressing herself up in different types of clothes. Olivia also has a little brother named Ian, a mom and dad, a dog named Perry and a cat named Edwin that she lives with. Olivia loves going to the beach and building sand castles and she loves going to museums and imagining herself as a ballerina dancing on stage. After Olivia has a day of strenuous activities, she goes off to bed, dreaming of doing more things.

Wow! This book is so amazing! I always wanted to know about the hype that “Olivia” had received over the years and now I know why this book was so popular! Ian Falconer has done a brilliant job at both illustrating and writing this story about a young piglet who shows the audience about what it truly means to be hyperactive! I loved the way that Ian Falconer based this book on his real family life as he actually has an older sister named Olivia who loved doing many things and he is the younger brother in this book, which made this book extremely memorable. I also loved the way that Ian Falconer made Olivia into your average energetic child who loves trying out new things, even though her parents do get tired out by such an energetic child! Ian Falconer's illustrations are extremely beautiful and creative as the illustrations are mainly in black and white colors, except for Olivia's clothes, which are always shown in red colors and that makes Olivia truly stand out from all the other characters. I also loved the images of the paintings that Olivia sees in the museum as they are real paintings from the museum and the image I thought was the most breathtaking in this book was the image of Olivia imagining herself as a ballerina!



Overall, “Olivia” is a truly beautiful book about children just having fun in their lives! I would recommend this book to children ages four and up since there is nothing inappropriate in this book.

Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia is a girl (illustrated as an adorable pig) who is ready to try anything and everything.  She dreams big, wears others out and eventually wears herself out.  These stories are about family dynamics, joyful growing up years and wonderful adventures. The books are beautifully illustrated, whimsical, and witty.  Olivia is a character to love and read repeatedly.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story about the everyday life of Olivia and her family. They are a charming family of pigs, who do lovely things like go to the seaside, visit art galleries, and bargain about how many books Olivia can carry off to bed at night. I loved the illustrations - often with multiple versions of Olivia pirouetting (very prettily) across the pages. The accompanying words were heart-warming and funny - and an equal pleasure.

I read this via Open Library, just before going to bed..........truly the perfect bedtime story.

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mesmerizing art. Love the family messages. Love the perspective.

Yes, let Olivia read all the books she wants.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

That hyperactive porcine wonder, Olivia, a pig with a strong (and winsome!) personality, debuted here, in this first picture-book devoted to her many adventures. Always on the go, always trying new things and imitating what she sees, Olivia wears everyone out, including herself! Whether imagining herself as one of Degas' ballerinas, after a visit to the museum, or attempting a Jackson Pollock style painting on her bedroom wall - much to the horror of her mother! - Olivia is a pig who likes to experiment...

Chosen as a Caldecott Honor Book in 2001, Olivia launched a picture-book legend, one who has continued to be immensely popular since, and who now has a television show dedicated to her adventures. For my part, I absolutely love this book, and have since it was first published. The artwork is gorgeous, and well worthy of the Caldecott nod it won Ian Falconer. The scenes in which Olivia imagines herself as a ballerina, or attempts painting, are beautifully done, and immensely humorous. Recommended to anyone looking for picture-books featuring feisty girl characters with lots of imagination and sparkle!

[Kaethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

1 October, 2001

Olivia is pure, unmitigated awesome. I love her energy, her enthusiasm, her style, and her sand sculptures. I love the way she carries her cat around. I love her icons. I love her, even though she wears me out.

Also, I love Falconer's style.



22 February, 2009

Olivia is so very helpful. Although the greatest charm of the first book was the exchange with her mother at the end. And her sandcastle.

[Dana-Adriana B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simpatica cartea, ilustratii haioase, ne-am distrat citind-o.

[Drew Canole · Rating 2 out of 5]

An early book for kids. Just about a little pig doing mundane things in her house (getting dressed, having a bath). Later they go to an art museum and she creates a Jackson Pollock painting at home which leads to another bath.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our Olivia was kind enough to share this book with me an introduce me to this lovely character. I enjoyed it immensely and fell in love with the little piglet. I never paid any attention to picture books but from now on, I will, because it seems like I missed out.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Olivia, the little pig, doesn’t stop dreaming and creating and has to be the best. She would run most parents ragged.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to some rave reviews from GoodReads friends, I decided to meet Olivia! I admit she did not look like the sort of piggy I would usually welcome into my library--but I was being judgmental by looking at the exterior and I'm glad I gave her the chance to share her true spirit with me. What a delight! Love her creativity and humor.

[Brent Weeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

We went through a long Olivia phase here at the Weeks household. Sweet and slyly witty, with a dash of haute couture, and a lot of well-loved but misbehaving child, these books are just great.

(Take note that I think Ian Falconer sold off the rights to this series. There are several by him, and then a bunch by Nickelodeon or something. My review only holds for the originals by Ian Falconer.)

[Knjigoholičarka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pepo - povuci se u ilegalu. Olivija je prase kakvo ti nikada nećeš biti. Ona slika, ona igra balet, ona gradi kule od peska na plaži i tera mamu da joj čita po pet knjiga pred spavanje. Ide u muzej i ima psa i crnog mačka.

Fak jea, Olivija!

[Rae (semi-hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a staple, a classic, of children's books. I loved this so much 🥺

Y'ALL. This is the ONLY book I would read when I was young. My parents would have to pry it out of my greedy, grubby lil hands before bed.

[Caterina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has STYLE!

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

No shrinking violet, this Olivia.

When we first meet this pig with personality, she's singing from a score: "40 VERY LOUD SONGS."

As we keep reading, we learn so many things that Olivia's good at. Also, we learn about her routine for grooming. Then comes her extraodinarly thorough routine for getting dressed. Around now, I realize how lol funny this book is. (Goodreaders, you might catch on long before me.)

After her visit to the art museum, Olivia makes a painting at home. I love that double page spread, plus the next one. Outrageously funny!

As for the ending, it doesn't disappoint.

Altogether, Ian Falconer has given us an excellent book, both the words and the pictures. So many cute-and-spunky picture book stars, like Madeleine, leave me cold. But this Olivia? I like, I like.

FIVE STARS

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my little girl's favorite book. I guess Olivia reminds her of herself!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

We loved that one! Aurélia's recognized herself a lot in what Olivia was doing, we laugh a lot.

[La Coccinelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read Olivia the Spy last year, but I wasn't that impressed. Sometimes sequels aren't as good as the originals. That's certainly the case here, and though I didn't love Olivia, I thought it was somewhat charming and entertaining.

I think what I'm grappling with is the way Olivia and her mother say, "I love you anyway." I can't quite put my finger on why that bothers me, but it does.

Overall, it's not bad. It shows a spunky little pig who definitely likes getting her own way. Many parents of young children will likely be able to relate.

[Rossy · Rating 5 out of 5]

<3

[Nickole Naihaus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this book, its illustrations, the character and the way it is narrated have touched me a lot!

[Emily Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olivia, winner of the Caldecott Honor, takes home the prize with black, white and red color schemes, simplistic but fun drawings that carry the story so much farther than the text alone.

Written and illustrated by Ian Falconer, this book is another great example of personification, allowing children to see animals in a different light. Olivia is a piglet who “is good at lots of things.”

This book tells of her daily routines and of her adventures like going to the beach and highlights the relationship she has with her brother and mother. I love how the Falconer uses red against the monotone colors to really make the subject of his sentences pop! In my opinion, the book is nothing without the illustrations. They add comedic relief, exaggerated perceptions of life through the eyes of child, and real art pieces that are found in New York and Paris Museums.



I would read this aloud to kindergarteners, and 1st graders should be able to enjoy it on their own with minimal help. This would be a great read if only for recreational purposes. The unique style of the illustrations coupled with the relatable story of life through such young lenses makes this a great book for young readers!

[Katelynn Callahan]

This book is about a young girl named Olivia. She is good at a lot of things and never gets tired. She is always wearing people out. She enjoys things such as dressing up, singing songs, building sand castles, dancing, painting on walls and much much more. She has a little brother named Ian would sometimes will just not leave her alone. She was a dog and cat and she lives with her mom, dad, and brother. Throughout the story, Olivia does many different activities that she loves to do. Finally at the end of the story after a long day Olivia lays down in bed to read a story with her mother, and finally goes to sleep.

The entire story is done in black and white except for a Olivia's cloths or accessories on each page. The illustrations depict Olivia as a pig. Some of the words are written into the pictures while others are not. The story does not have very many words and it is told more so through the pictures, showing all the things that Olivia enjoys to do each day. It is for a very young reading level and children can almost create their own story through their imaginations using the pictures. It is a story that most little kids can relate to because the activities that Olivia loves are often what children love to do.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

First a note on prior reviews...

If this was a story about a pig who's a boy would all the reviewers still be saying that this is a must have for your daughter? Let's remember that Olivia first and foremost represents a child. I read this book to my son and he could identify with it just as well. I understand that there needs to be more strong female characters for our daughters to admire but I am so sick of hearing that girl characters such as Olivia, Dora, etc are for girls. If you really want to empower woman; let your SON learn that girls can be worthy of admiration.

Having said that, I found Olivia to be in need of much more than a time out and I really don't see what all the fuss is about. The story tries to make up for what it lacks in story through illustrations. To me this gives the story what I like to call "tickle-me-Elmo syndrome." It seems really impressive to adults but does little or nothing for the child whom it is purchased. Furthermore, Chrysanthemum does a much better job of teaching children to be intrinsically proud.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading Olivia not only for the illustrations but also the story line. Olivia is simple yet it has a charm to it and captures humor that draws the reader in of all ages. Olivia is a little girl pig that is never sleepy and gets into paint, tries on every outfit in her closet, wants to read multiple books and is always moving about the house. Olivia wears out her brother and mom but she never seems to wear herself out because she is just not sleepy. The illustrations in Olivia are black and white with splashes of red that draws the readers attention to important details within the picture. For example, when Olivia is trying on her clothes, everything is in black and white except her clothes so the reader can see what she is wearing without being distracted by other colors. I love how the illustrations are simple and to the point but still draw the reader in without being boring or overwhelming. I would read this book for K-5 because I think this is a classic that children of all ages will love and enjoy the illustrations.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

adorable! and the girl loved it!

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! My youngest daughter and I read it all the time :)