Olivia

Olivia Written and Illustrated by Ian Falconer Book Review by Cyndi Fedorko Biographical Data: Title: Olivia Author/Illustrator: Ian Falconer Publisher: Atheneum Books For Young Readers; First Edition (October 1, 2000). Hardcover: $13.08 Amazon.com ISBN-13:9780689829536 Pages: 40 Age Range: 3 and up Language: English Summary: Olivia is about an outgoing, energetic, confident, creative, silly pig appropriately named Olivia who is “very good at wearing people out”. The book starts with an introduction to Olivia, and her family. Then, the book chronicles typical days in the life of Olivia, from getting reading in the morning, to spending sunny days at the beach, and rainy days at the museum, or trying to recreate things Olivia saw at the museum. Many of the things Olivia does are reminiscent to behaviors of young children. For example, Olivia cannot decide what to wear, loves to make sand castles, hates naps, and always wants more bedtime stories. Olivia is a small pig with a big personality and big dreams, that adults and children a like are sure to enjoy reading about. Analysis of A Literary Element – Illustrations: The written story, //Olivia,// is accompanied by mostly black and white illustrations, with highlights of red. Even without the accompanying words, the illustrations alone tell a lot about the staring pig, Olivia. The captivating pictures depict exactly what Olivia is doing at any given moment. For example, the illustrations follow Olivia as she introduces her family, gets ready in the morning, lays on the beach, visits the museum and so on. These pictures are also say so much about the character that Olivia is, as splashes of red are reminiscent of her boldness and audacity. For example, an entire page is devoted to Olivia trying on different outfits in the morning. There are 17 black and white images of Olivia in outfits from ballet tutus, to bathing suites to evening gowns to a red and white striped tee shirt. The articles of clothing are the only hints of red on the entire page. All of the outfits represent Olivia’s big dreamer attitude, while the red emphasizes her confidence and self-assurance. The images jump off the page, and make for an interesting and fun accompaniment to a great story about a great pig.



Book Review: I enjoyed this book very much. This book emphasized many of the silly behaviors and habits of children, while all the while reminding reader that no matter what the children in our lives do, we love them unconditionally. Olivia reminded me a lot of many of the children that wear me out while we spend time with on the beach, or in museums, and whom I love so very much. The fun illustrations were a great accompaniment to such a silly upbeat story. Part of the reason that I loved this book so much, was that I couldn't stop smiling while reading it. The little pig Olivia made me so happy, and reminded me of so many good moments that I have had with some of my favorite kids. I would certainly use this book in my future classroom. For example, I might read Olivia to my class, and then have the students make their own mini books detailing a day in their lives, or all the things they love to do! I think this book would be an excellent tool to get students excited about writing! This book may also be used in a lesson about personification, as Olivia is a pig with human characteristics! Author Bio: Ian Falconer’s passion for art is what led him to his current career as a writer and illustrator of popular children’s books. He studied art at New York University, Parson’s School of Design and the Otis Institute. Falconer then went on to design sets and costume for stage productions in big cities including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and London. Falconer first started illustrating for the popular New York magazine, The New Yorker. Falconer was inspired to begin writing by his baby niece, Olivia. He wrote and illustrated a children’s book, titled in her honor, Oliva as a gift for her. Falconer did not publish Olivia immediately, but rather submitted it per a request from an executive at the publishing firm Simon and Schuster who admired Falconer’s work for The New Yorker. Olivia was not an overnight success, but it eventually reached the New York Times bestseller list. Falconer then authored and illustrated an entire series about the now famous piglet, Olivia. All of these include Falconer’s famous humor and unmistakable illustrative style.

Related Links:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/writers/writerdetails.asp?cid=968049

http://wannabwestern.hubpages.com/hub/Favorite-Childrens-Books--Olivia

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