Olivia by Ian Falconer Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Olivia
Book Review: A major hit!
Summary: 5 Stars
I don't know what it is about Olivia books and cartoon, but my son (2+ yrs) LOVES it. He doesn't even speak English but he would watch it all day long, if they had it on NickJr. And the books, too, wants me to read them every night (which is a pain, because I have to translate it).Book Review: A+ illustrations, C- attitude
Summary: 3 Stars
What I loved:
The artwork.
The artwork.
The artwork.
The skill and subtly of shading is breathtaking. The minimalist palette (black & white plus red) is brave, and certainly helps to highlight key elements (mostly Olivia's clothes!). I am reminded of the ghost-activated inventory in The Sixth Sense. In any case it should come as no surprise that Mr. Falconer is a talented set designer.
What I didn't love:
The many examples of poor behavior.
I can accept that a piglet like Olivia has an ego bigger than her size belies. But letting a young child act out in a selfish and often destructive manner is no recipe for success. Maybe it works in a pigpen but then again, Olivia is anthropomorphized so we must hold her to a higher standard than most swine.
Painting on the walls à la Pollock and intentionally frightening her younger brother are actions not to be admired or laughed at. Olivia's parents are of course complicit to some degree. Allowing her to try on upwards of twenty outfits every morning, and negotiating before bedtime, would never stand in this house. Finally, and possibly most egregious, the goodnight exchange of "I love you anyway" seems far from a secure and sincere expression of love.
Book Review: Absolutely enchanting - a family favourite
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a charming story with just enough plot to engage a small child's imagination and plenty of humour for everyone to savour.The illustrations are truely excellent.
We look forward to future volumes from Mr Falconer.
Book Review: Absolutely the Worst Book for a Toddler
Summary: 1 Stars
I know everybody loves this book, I cannot imagine why. It is terrible. Why would I want to put the following ideas into my stubborn two year daughter's head?
Scaring her little brother is OK
Trying on everything in the morning to get dressed is OK
Drawing on the walls to imitate pictures at a museum
Asking for five books at bedtime
My daughter does not need these ideas put into her head. If I do put these ideas into her head with this book she will learn it is ok to scare younger children, it is ok to try on all your clothes when getting dressed, how to draw on walls, Olivia asks for 5 books so will I. Who is this author? Do they have children and siblings? Do they try to leave the house on time when the children are trying on all their clothes? Do they try to put a child to sleep after just five more books?
I don't get the point of this book. Children learn by what they see, read, hear, etc. Why introduce these concepts to a toddler? This book is plain awful.
Book Review: Adorable story - great illustrations
Summary: 5 Stars
I have a 16 year old daughter named, Olivia. We have all the "Olivia" books and love them all. Of course, I had to buy them!! Each time a friend has a baby, we give her this book. Just a great childrens book all the way around.