Favorite Preschool Book Character - Olivia

What Makes Her Great?

Ian Falconer's images capture such simplistic wonder that will resonate in your mind. Olivia is one of those pigs you wish you could have for a friend. Or, maybe some of you are lucky enough to know your very own "Olivia" type.

The Character Creator

The man behind the pig is Ian Falconer. His idea for Olivia stemmed from his niece, who already knew, "it was all about her!" The wonderful success for the Olivia books took him by great surprise, and he now has over 8 books starring this tremendous character! But that's not all. You can also find journals, note cards and more, all starring this wonderfully sassy-sweet pig!

Falconer puts all of the emphasis on Olivia and her expressions by eliminating most colors. But these books come to life like no other! By only using black, red, and white, Falconer puts more attention to the details that matter, by illustrating a more "theatrical" Olivia.

From the Reviewer - Sylvia C. Hall

The Olivia books provide a great opportunity to discuss the many challenges Olivia faces. She also has involved parents, which help her, and siblings, which cause some distress as well.

Olivia books can bring about some great discussion of art. Explore art with your preschooler in an Olivia sort-of-way. Go to a museum or find a book of art and ask your preschooler: What art do you like? What do you not like?

Use Olivia’s many interests and activities to explore new realms of play and pretend!

Olivia's behavior can always be grounds for discussion as well. There may be time in these books, when it is best to use her behavior as an example of "what not to do."

Why You Should Check it Out

Naughty or nice, we can all learn a little something from Olivia's excitement for life!