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Christmas is coming, and Olivia is incredibly busy. She has to wait for Santa, make sure dad sets up the tree, wait for Santa, watch mom make the Christmas dinner, wait for Santa, oversee the care with which the stockings are hung and, of course, OPEN HER PRESENTS! Do you see how hard it is to be so helpful during the holidays?
A lovingly-told and lavishly-illustrated Olivia Helps With Christmas is the perfect stuffing for any stocking, and a bright star atop the Olivia series. Now available as an eBook with audio!
More a succession of family anecdotes-in-the-making than a plot-driven story, the holiday installment of a much-loved series finds the adroitly accessorized piglet and her family decking the halls of a house in the country on Christmas Eve. Olivia, charged with "a very special job" (Mom-speak for interrupting the "Santa watch" Olivia and her younger brothers mount by the rain-streaked picture window), proudly shows off the table she has set by herself, topped with a decorated miniature tree: "Why, that's beautiful, darling. Where did you ever find that perfect little . . . " her mother beams; open the gatefold to see the rest of the room, where a saw and a stool stand next to the family's (decapitated) " . . . tree?" as the mother falteringly completes the question. Readers will claim other episodes as their own favorites; as usual, Falconer knows how to play pictures and text off each other to maximum comic impact. Ages 3-7. (Oct.)
Copyright 2007 Reed Business InformationPreS-Gr 2-Children who are familiar with this irrepressible pig will know what kind of help Olivia is likely to provide as her family prepares for the holiday. Her antics seem a little forced in this selection, but the dazzling illustrations, highlighted with green as well as Olivia's signature red, are as charming as ever; and the ending-a snowy Christmas-is quite satisfying. This is a good bet for family sharing.-Virginia Walter, University of California, Los Angeles
Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information
Falconer did not start off as a writer and illustrator of children's books, but he did have an impressive background in art. After studying art at New York University, Parsons School of Design, and the Otis Institute, Falconer hooked up with noted artist David Hockney to design sets and costumes for stage productions in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and London. He also made a name for himself as an illustrator for The New Yorker.
However, Falconer's life changed when he first laid eyes on his baby niece, who, by no coincidence, is named Olivia. "I was just entranced by her," he told Barnes & Noble.com. "I wanted to make a little present for her, so I started working on this book."
That gift for his niece would become the first in a series of smash hit children's books, although it was no overnight sell. Falconer first submitted the book to a Manhattan agency, which loved his expertly rendered illustrations but felt he needed to work with an established writer. "So, I sat on it," he explains. "Then a couple of years later, Anne Schwartz at Simon and Schuster called me. She liked my New Yorker work and asked if I would be interested in doing a children's book. I brought her Olivia." Fortunately, Schwartz had the foresight to recognize the potential of Falconer's peppy pig and his first book was published.
Olivia is particularly unique in the world of children's picture books because of its stark minimalism. Inspired by the similar style of Dr. Seuss, Falconer chose to create uncluttered images in black and white with the occasional splash of red. His story was equally minimal, describing the antics of a hyper-active piglet who tests her mother's patience by belting out songs, drawing on the walls, dancing, and...well... acting like a kid. "She's not really a bratty character but she does get away with a lot," Falconer says of his creation. "She manages to do what she wants, create havoc and sort of gets away with it, because whatever she's doing, it's also kind of interesting. I think Olivia could possibly be a little more thoughtful of others, but she'd be not nearly as much fun."
Kids certainly picked up on the fun in Olivia, sending the book onto the New York Times bestseller list and inspiring a parade of new adventures for everyone's favorite piglet. In Olivia Saves the Circus, she spins tall tales about lion taming and tightrope walking. In Olivia ... and the Missing Toy, she plays amateur detective. In Olivia's Opposites and Olivia Counts she even teaches some valuable lessons for the toddler mindset. All of the books are distinguished by Falconer's trademark humor and unmistakable illustrative style.
In Olivia's latest escapade Olivia Forms a Band, Olivia makes a racket like never before when she decides to start a one-pig band using items she finds around the house. Only a rapscallion like Olivia can get away with making music on pots, pans, toys, and even a pair of suspenders and still remaining 100% adorable. The book also breaks new ground as it introduces some welcome shades of blue into the visual mix.
Falconer's legions of pint-sized fans will surely be delighted by Olivia's latest adventure. Meanwhile, the real Olivia is taking the popularity of the pig she inspired like a regular celebrity. "I did a book signing out in Connecticut, and about half way through the book signing, Olivia came in with her parents just to say ‘hi'," Falconer explained with a grin. "She had to have been five at the time, and she just sat down and started signing the books. She felt as if she ought to be signing as well!"
Olivia is not the only character in Ian Falconer's books that was inspired by a real person. He says that everyone in the little piglet's family was inspired by members of his sister's family.
Many young readers have already met and fallen in love with Olivia, the perkiest porker to be found. If your favorite school-ager hasn't had the pleasure yet, now is a perfect time as Olivia gets into the spirit of the holiday season. Ian Falconer's illustrations are irresistible as is his text which is liberally sprinkled with quips. Who could resist smiling when Olivia gets soot on her snout as she peers up the chimney looking for Santa? Her family goes through the traditional pre-Christmas rituals, singing carols, trimming the tree (as Olivia tangles herself in strings of lights), and leaving a snack for St. Nick. We're treated to both visual and verbal gifts from the irrepressible Mr. Falconer on the night when 'not a piglet was stirring' (supposedly). - Gail Cooke
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted November 23, 2007
Olivia is decking the hall's! Ian Falconer has made other funny books, but this one is his best yet!!!!If it's untangling lights,to setting the table, or watching Santa Claus, Olivia well make your Christmas a holly jolly one!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted November 25, 2007
Fa la la la la la!Olivia has made her way into town! Watching for Santa out the window, setting the table, and sticking her snout up the chimney!Who could not resist the soot on her snout? Untangling light's! Get ready, Olivia is ready for Christmas!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 16, 2007
This is a very excellent Christmas story! This story is about little Olivia helping with Christmas to make it enjoyable for everyone. It's such a cute and touching story that everyone can enjoy reading together.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 8, 2007
Ian Falconer is brilliant! This book captures 'the most wonderful time of the year' in the most wonderful writing and illustrating of the year. His mixed media illustrations are especially delightful. A 'must read' for the holiday season, and absolutely a 'must have' for Olivia fans.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 25, 2011
5 stars
Great fun. Dame Edna's voice adds to the excitement of the season. Worth listening to!
6001091
Posted December 29, 2010
i loved this fun filled book jk i didnt
0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.memeLY
Posted February 6, 2010
Gave to a grandchild with an "Olivia " quilt and read it on Cristmas day, what a memory.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.A_Father_from_TN
Posted March 2, 2009
I haven't brought it back to my daughter who is now living with her mother in MD. Actually, we decide hold it until next Xmas to have it given as part of the present. We do like the book and are sure our daughter will, too.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 23, 2009
I love the Olivia character because she is very precocious. The books have a lot of layers to them. There is always some infering that goes on. My favorite part of Olivia Helps with Christmas is when the dad goes to build a fire and Olivia stops him until after Santa's visit.
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Posted February 16, 2009
As always Olivia is good for a hearty laugh... If you like children's books, Olivia is a must.
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Posted February 12, 2009
I Also Recommend:
My daughter loved this book, she loves to have me read it over and over again. I've also noticed that she shares it with all of her cousins and friends. It's so funny to hear her compare how she helps out the same way Olivia does. The pictures are amazing and so realistic, it's a great way to spark the imagination and interest in books at an early age. My daughter loves reading and she really enjoyed the Olivia collection.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.dyr
Posted February 9, 2009
Another in a truly classic character - - to be read again and again!
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Posted December 27, 2010
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Posted March 20, 2011
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Posted December 17, 2009
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Overview
Everyone's favorite Caldecott honor-winning porcine and #1 Kris Cringle enthusiast is helping to make the season brighter than ever.
Christmas is coming, and Olivia is incredibly busy. She has to wait for Santa, make sure dad sets up the tree, wait for Santa, watch mom make the Christmas dinner, wait for Santa, oversee the care with which the stockings are hung and, of course, OPEN HER PRESENTS! Do you see how hard it is to be so helpful during the holidays?
A lovingly-told and lavishly-illustrated Olivia Helps With Christmas is the perfect stuffing for any stocking, and a bright star atop the Olivia series. Now ...