Olivia

Ian Falconer (2000), 32 pages

Audience: toddlers, pre-K

Format: picture book and television show

Falconer first introduced Olivia, a spunky confident, and precocious little piglet in 2000 and it was love at first read! Through a very limited palette of charcoal grays and splashes of red, Falconer invites us into Olivia’s world; a world where she imagines all kinds of things (like singing at the opera, painting masterpieces, building sandcastles, etc). From the onset, Olivia is lively, self-assured, and “good at a lot of things” --her personality and charm materialize page after page. She has so much energy sometimes, she wears her mother out, but her mother loves her anyway and Olivia replies: “I love you anyway too.” She also has a passion for books often negotiating with her parents how many bedtime stories she’ll get (print motivation) … a great read for a spirited youngster! Winning a Caldecott Honor in 2001 launched this fun-loving character into popularity and now ten years later has become a bestselling series. Falconer has authored several other Olivia-themes books which have since inspired a television show, products, a website (recipes, games, activities), even a fan club.

Olivia, the television show (based on Falconer’s picture books) produced by Chorion began airing episodes in 2009. The animated series focuses primarily on Olivia and her family. Characters include Mom, Dad, brother Ian, baby brother William, cat Edwin and dog Perry, and others, such as school classmates, teacher, grandmother, etc). Plots focus on typical family life, Olivia’s daydreaming adventures, talents, and behavior. This show captures Olivia’s independent spirit, affinity for red clothing, active imagination, and ingenuity well –and yes, she still manages to be full of opinions too! Frequently Olivia quotes her life lessons or “rules of life.” For instance, in episode Olivia and the Crystal Ball she tries to hid baby William unsuccessfully … resulting in “Rule #4: If you really want to hide your baby brother, change his diaper first.” Released in 15-30 minute segments, this program is easy viewing for preschoolers. In addition, each episode includes two shorts (usually small clips of amusing or funny vignettes). Olivia’s outgoing nature and exuberance is infectious. Whether read as a storybook or viewed online, Olivia is a character young children everywhere will enjoy!

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans, Angelina Ballerina by Katharine Holabird, Eloise by Kay Thompson, or Fancy Nancy by Jane O’Connor

Other books by this author: Olivia Saves the Circus, Olivia … and the Missing Toy, Olivia Forms a Band, Olivia Counts, Olivia’s Opposites, Olivia Helps with Christmas, and Olivia Goes to Venice

If you liked this television show, you may like: Max and Ruby, The Backyardigans, or Ni Hao Kai-Lan