bn.com review
The Barnes & Noble Review
Everyone's favorite pig is back in this charming sequel to Ian Falconer's Caldecott Award-winning Olivia. Standing proud in her adorably accessorized school uniform, Olivia recounts her adventurous summer vacation, which was highlighted by a trip to the circus that led to a heroic and hilarious performance from the petite pig. Upon arrival at the big top, she learned that all the circus people were out sick with ear infections. "Luckily I knew how to do everything," she says. We see Olivia the Lion Tamer (her grisly growl frightens the biggest lion) and Olivia the Tightrope Walker. Madame Olivia and her Trained Dogs will evoke a big chuckle as the pooches turn out to be a hilariously inept bunch. At the end, Olivia's boastful account leaves the teacher scowling at her desk. When asked if her wild story is true, Olivia politely responds, "Pretty all true."
From the sassy piglet's school uniform to her unmatched determination to know everything, Olivia is a favorite among kids and adults, and her trademark humor and energy fill the pages of this amusing tale. Falconer portrays the portly pig as rambunctious but still lovable. This little darling exhibits the proud boldness recognizable in many preschoolers. Olivia'a imagination will also ring familiar with readers who have told more than their share of "pretty all true" stores. Once again, Falconer uses a palette consisting mostly of greys, black, white, and reds. Donning several different outfits, including a sweet clown suit, Olivia is sure to be a fashion icon to the pre-K sect in no time.
Get your hands on this little piggie and kids will giggle with glee, parents will smile knowingly, and Olivia will probably sit back and say, "See? Told ya so." (Amy Barkat)
The expressive young pig who wowed readers in Olivia is back in all her glory. Like the first book, this one is short on plot but long on charm. Olivia rushes through the morning making pancakes and accessorizing her boring school uniform before dashing off on her scooter to school. Asked to report on her summer vacation, Olivia spins a yarn about how she saved the circus, playing all roles from lion tamer to trapeze artist when the performers were out sick. Outstanding graphic design and color choices, plus lots of humor, make this book as irresistible as its main character.
—Kathleen Odean
Child Magazine
A Child Magazine Best Book of 2001 Pick
When it's Olivia's turn to tell her classmates about her vacation, the little pig spins an outrageous fib about her imaginary circus exploits. Falconer serves up second helpings of his precocious porker with gusto, dressing the pages in shades of black and white splashed with red and crowned with understated humor.
Kirkus Reviews
She's b-a-a-c-k. The precocious star, in her trademark red, has started school, where she's required to wear a boring uniform. Lucky for Olivia she has a gift for accessorizing. Taking her turn to tell the class about her vacation is a proud moment: "Olivia always blossoms in front of an audience," the text states in a case of absurd understatement. It is at this precise page turn that Olivia starts to tell her fantasy story and the artist's palette turns from red and charcoal, to bright salmon and charcoal. The circus performers are sick and Olivia is able stand in for them all. "Luckily I knew how to do everything," she declares with typical Olivia humility. She is everything from Olivia the Clown to Olivia the Tightrope Walker, wearing an assortment of salmon-and-charcoal outfits, her mouth set in a purposeful (never fearful) line. So adroitly does Falconer charm and entertain, that it is easy to overlook the consummate skill required to completely capture personality in spare line and economical text. Sly, ironic details and superb book and page design support the effort. Two spreads open into four: simply captioned "Olivia Queen of the Trampoline," it alternates Olivia flying into the air, her shadow cast precisely onto the trampoline and Olivia as she disappears face down and then rear end down, leaving nice impressions of her very distinguishing features. A photograph of Eleanor Roosevelt hangs over her bed, an apt model for a determined young woman, unquestionably destined for greatness. Fans will not be disappointed by this uniquely new sequel.
