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Olivia

Dream Big

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In this book of inspiring quotes, the iconic Olivia motivates readers to reach for their dreams.

According to Publishers Weekly , "There's a little bit of Olivia in everyone," and it's true. Olivia books are available in 23 foreign editions and 19 languages around the world. The timeless charm and popularity of Ian Falconer's diva pig ensure her status as a children's classic. Dream Big, Starring Olivia , is great for graduation, encouragement, or for anyone starting a new chapter in life. Whether she's taming a lion or building a sandcastle as tall as a skyscraper, Olivia's boundless imagination and courageous spirit are an inspiration to all. Dream Big pairs more than 30 of Ian Falconer's illustrations with motivational musings from really big dreamers like Eleanor Roosevelt, Oscar Wilde, and Walt Disney.
The Olivia children's books are huge hits with preschoolers-and their parents. The first book, Olivia (2000) was the event of the season in children's publishing. Two more books followed, Olivia Saves the Circus (2001) and Olivia . . . and the Missing Toy (2003), both repeating that success.

Olivia book series facts and

* Olivia : Caldecott Honor; Book Sense Children's Book of the Year; 107 weeks on the New York Times Children's best-seller list

* Olivia Saves the Circus : New York Times Best Illustrated Book of 2001; Book Sense Children's Book of the Year; New York Times best-seller for 55 weeks

* Olivia . . . and the Missing Toy : Book Sense Children's Book of the Year finalist; Parent's Choice Gold Award Winner; New York Times best-seller for 21 weeks.

64 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2005

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About the author

Ian Falconer

85 books298 followers
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)

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5 stars
142 (48%)
4 stars
77 (26%)
3 stars
58 (19%)
2 stars
14 (4%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Allison Faught.
381 reviews219 followers
January 19, 2021
Such a cute and inspiring book full of great quotes to encourage you. Some of these quotes are my all-time favorites and the graphics to match are just downright adorable. Very excited to read this to my daughters one day!
Profile Image for Fariza.
212 reviews54 followers
January 2, 2017
First book of the year!!!! (LOL because it's a cheat book, read it in 5 minutes). Read the book with a friend at bookxcess after have a very 'meaningful' new year celebration. Totally enjoy reading through the book and look at the illustrations. Our favourite quote is "Nobody can be like me, even I have problems with it". Happy new year to me!!!!
Profile Image for Jill.
417 reviews
November 2, 2020
I love Olivia - and i love that the inspirational quotes they have can apply to even the big kid in us!
Profile Image for Mandy F..
130 reviews3 followers
April 6, 2011
This is listed as a Children's book but it's one that anyone at any age can enjoy. I stumbled upon it by accident while at the library with my daughter and I felt like it was just what I needed. I intend to buy a copy someday. It's great to keep around when you need uplifting and encouragement. It has graphics that are geared at kids but the messages are for anyone. It's basically a book filled with quotes but it's words that we all need to hear, things like....

"Everything starts as somebody's daydream." -- Larry Niven

"Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you Anywhere." -- Albert Einstein

"Sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast"' --Lewis Carroll

"Style is knowing who you are." --Gore Vidal

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." -- Dr. Seuss

"Great spirits have always encountered opposition from mediocre minds." -- Albert Einstein

"It's kind of fun to do the impossible." -- Walt Disney

"A woman is like a tea bag - you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water." -- Eleanor Roosevelt

"What should I be but just what I am?" -- Edna St. Vincent Millay

"If you can't convince them, confuse them." -- Harry S. Truman

"I'm afraid of nothing except being bored." -- Greta Garbo

"Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So.... get on your way!" -- Dr. Seuss

Profile Image for Mary.
303 reviews2 followers
August 7, 2007
I love this book! It has classic "Olivia" illustrations with famous quotes from many different people. She is a pig for the ages.
22 reviews2 followers
June 5, 2017
I've read this small picture-book in Innwa Books & Coffee's Shop at Myanmar Plaza.
I like this book, and I think my children will be excited with it!
39 reviews
Read
October 4, 2021
Oops. This book was meant for adults as it's just quotes with Olivia pictures. My six-year-old wanted to finish it, but I don't think she was impressed.
Profile Image for Jessica.
2,212 reviews22 followers
December 4, 2022
Olivia is one of those books that I like way more than my students ever seemed to - so I have brought them home for me to enjoy.
Profile Image for Shiz.
53 reviews1 follower
November 13, 2025
Had so much fun reading this together with a friend of mine. Commenting on the illustration as well as the quotes inside. Overall, cute.
Profile Image for Larry Bassett.
1,659 reviews339 followers
January 11, 2011
I got this book as a swap and wondered if it would be interesting for my daughters: one is 18, one is almost 8. I will leave it sitting on the coffee table for a while and see what happens. Mei Mei (the 8 year old) took a look at it but offered no comment. Anna is in Cambodia until May volunteering at an orphanage so I will have to observe her reaction at a later date.

This can't really count as "reading" a book, can it? It's 64 pages are not numbered. The book measures 6 1/4" by 6 1/4" and has entertaining but minimal quotes from known people. It sells new for $9.99. Bathroom book, I would say, but in your bathroom, not mine; as I have noted before, I have no books in my bathroom.
Profile Image for Lakeira King.
50 reviews1 follower
Read
July 10, 2013
I loved this book! It was nothing but quotes from all different types of people; one on every page. The illustrations were awesome! They went with the quotes perfectly. I am not sure if every quote is appropriate for children but you could pick some out. A writing activity would go great with this book. You could pick a quote and have the children write about what they think it means.\
My favorite quotes from this book were,
"Anything is possible if you have the nerve." - J.K. Rowling
"A woman is like a tea bag, you never know how strong she is until she gets into hot water." -Eleanor Roosevelt
"Always behave as if nothing happened no matter what has happened." -Arnold Bennett
61 reviews4 followers
October 1, 2012
PB 28: I'm a sucker for amazing and meaningful quotes and that's what this book did for me. Its a collection of amazing quotes said by amazing people and I read it more than once. These great quotes get you thinking and allowed me to have a very optimistic day. "Logic will get you from A to B, but imagination will take you anywhere. Extraordinary book, I loved it! Especially because it ended with a quote from my favorite book of Oh The Places You'll Go!
Profile Image for Beth.
1,390 reviews
March 17, 2010
Classic quotes are paired with the cute pig, Olivia. Olivia, the circus tamer, is matched with Carroll.

"Sometimes I believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." Lewis Carroll

This quote also made it into the Tim Burton version.
Profile Image for Jocelin.
2,044 reviews48 followers
March 23, 2013
Another great one from the creator of the Olivia series. This is a gift book with inspirational quotes and fun pictures. The funny thing about this book is that the quotes were fitting to Olivia. It was a really sweet and endearing book.
Profile Image for Marjorie Elwood.
1,367 reviews25 followers
August 29, 2014
Olivia, aided by some wisdom from various notables, ponders living one's life to the fullest. My favorite quote: "The only people who never tumble are those who never mount the high wire." Oprah Winfrey
Profile Image for Suzan Alteri.
78 reviews2 followers
August 4, 2012
A really great book of quotes, featuring Falconer's Olivia illustrations, for both the young and old. I want to keep this on my nightstand!
Profile Image for M.
123 reviews27 followers
September 16, 2012
Great illustrations of the beloved Olivia the Pig. I love the inspirational quotes--perfect for kids growing up with dreams of their future.
Profile Image for Josephine.
596 reviews10 followers
April 15, 2013
Not quite as amusing as some of the other Olivia books, this is simply a collection of quotes, with Olivia illustrations.
151 reviews3 followers
July 30, 2013
quotes are a bit entrancing for reading to such a tiny fellow, but they were well picked and well-imaged.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews