Book Review: Olivia (Olivia, #1) by Ian Falconer
The other night, as I nestled into the oversized chair in the living room, my littlest took a deep breath and theatrically sighed, “I wish we had a quiet day!” It was one of those moments where the chaos of motherhood felt a bit oppressive, and we just needed a break from life’s wonderful whirlwind. A cozy bedtime story seemed like just the remedy. That’s when we reached for Olivia.
From the moment we opened this delightful book by Ian Falconer, I felt the familiar excitement that has made Olivia my unexpected friend during my year of babysitting those two charming little bundles of joy. As I read those first few pages, I instinctively felt the warmth of memories flood back—like when the kids would mimic Olivia’s boldness and creativity, perhaps dressed in their own imaginative outfits, making every day a mini adventure.
Summary of Olivia
In Olivia, we meet a spirited little pig who is anything but ordinary. With her striking red and white striped dress and her love for art, Olivia is unapologetic in her quest for exploration. The book takes us through a day in her life, filled with curiosity, charm, and a touch of mischief. Although my little ones aren’t pigs, they relate to Olivia’s determination in funny ways. “I’m like Olivia, Mommy! I want to paint a masterpiece!” one of my kids chimed during our read-aloud, while the other bounced excitedly at the thought of wearing stripes like Olivia.
The simplicity of Falconer’s writing mirrors the innocence of childhood, flowing seamlessly from one sticky situation to another—whether it’s a humorous take on a naptime struggle or an artistic escapade that pushes the boundaries of what a young mind can dream up. I loved how the book sparked conversations amongst my kids. They’d chime in with, “Can I paint the walls too?” and “Why can’t we have a pet kind of like Olivia?”
Illustrations and Read-Aloud Magic
Now, let’s talk about those illustrations. The captivating watercolor-and-ink styling of Olivia genuinely draws you in. The expressive faces of the character provide an added layer of humor, which keeps my kids glued to each page. When I read aloud, every giggle from their faces told me I was hitting the right notes. And the best part? Our dog immediately perked up when we flipped to the page featuring Olivia’s antics—maybe she thought we were referring to her!
One of my favorite lines was when Olivia declares, “I am a work of art!” and let me tell you, it prompted an entire discussion on how each of us is unique, just like Olivia. In a world that often pushes for conformity, it’s refreshing (and quite honestly, funny!) to embrace individuality through Olivia’s deliciously outrageous life.
Final Thoughts
I wholeheartedly recommend Olivia for kids aged 2 to 6, especially those who have a fiery spark of creativity. This isn’t just a one-time read; it’s officially a new family favorite, nestled cozy next to my heart-shaped plush Olivia doll. It resonates with me because Olivia embraces the beauty of being different—a lesson I want my kids to learn early on. Just like those joyful snippets of babysitting that turned unexpectedly lovely, this book has become a treasured part of our nightly routine. So here’s to snuggles, bedtime stories, and many more adventures with our beloved little pig. Happy reading!
