Olivia by Ian Falconer Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Olivia
Book Review: Excellent book -- but doesn't translate well into Chinese
Summary: 5 Stars
I loved Olivia in English, but the Chinese translation leaves a lot to be desired. The translator missed the fact that the author was using understatement to create a humorous constrast being text and illustration. The translator simply wrote words to fit the picture. For example, he translates the sandcastle tower picture: "Olivia did a really great job!" And some translations are just plain wrong. "Time out" was translated as "It's almost time." Such mistakes occur throughout the text. Chinese children will never know the true charm of Olivia.Book Review: Excellent story...a jewel for those with daughters
Summary: 5 Stars
Anyone who's ever had a toddler...especially an active, inquisitive one can appreciate this story. In the literal sea of vividly colored children's books out there, Olivia stands out based on simplistic artwork, color choices, and it being a GREAT story.
Parents and children can relate to Olivia's antics...singing loudly, trying on everything in the closet, having a vivid imagination, painting on walls, etc., especially Olivia's mom saying "You know you really wear me out." And the fact that she is a spunky pig makes no difference.
I have enjoyed hours reading this book (and other Olivia books) to my daughter. It is short enough for a bedtime story but long enough to be complete. A good book all around.
Book Review: Extraordinary Book - Absolutely Beautiful
Summary: 5 Stars
When I picked up Olivia the first time and read through it, I knew immediately it was a must have for my three year-old daughter. The first time we read it together, she laughed until she cried, and even now, every time we open the book, she is filled with laughter. At bedtime one read is never enough - it's always read twice or three times. She sees herself in Olivia, she sees her brother in Ian, and she loves the illustrations. Extraordinary book - one that Michaela runs to her room to get to show her friends.Book Review: Fabulous!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought the book because my own daughter's name is Olivia and as we read it I discovered that Falconer's Olivia and my Olivia are one and the same - From trying everything on to her favorite picture in the museum. A wonderfully whimsical pig!Book Review: For all the hype, I found it a bit disappointing...
Summary: 3 Stars
During the Christmas 2000 season, this book literally flew off the shelves. Somewhere in that time, I actually took the time to read it, and even used it for a story hour at least once. The illustrations are eye-catching partly because they are sparse, but they are also really cute. The characterization of Olivia is really cute.. She's a typical 4 year old, getting into just about everything, boundless energy, and wearing her parents out.
It is on this last point that I found some exception with this book. I feel that the book ends on somewhat of a weird tone, that being with Olivia and her parents exchanging good-night "I love you anyway"s. I think it was meant to be cute, what with Olivia being a rambunctious pig and all, but it seemed to me to bring into the picture the fear that parents, especially, can choose not to love their kids sometimes.