Join Olivia on a quest for individuality in this picture book where being a princess is the last thing on her mind! Olivia is tired of blending in with all the ruffly, sparkly princesses and is determined to stand out. With a humorous journey to find her true self, Olivia's unique spirit shines through in a way that will have children and parents alike rooting for her.
4.7Editorial Reviews Review "Thank God for Ian Falconer and his Olivia", " She is the popular school-age pig, the latest in a line of independent, high-spirited young ladies that goes back at least to Madeline and Eloise, and also includes Frances the badger and Lilly the mouse
Her seventh full-fledged adventure, "Olivia and the Fairy Princesses," is, to my taste, her best since her introduction 12 years ago
" ―The New York Times Book Review, August 2012 "The legions of young children (and parents) who have relished Ian Falconer's "Olivia" books are well aware that the redoubtable eponymous piglet has a distinct personality and a flamboyant sensibility all her own
As a stand-in for the most amusing sort of precocious child, Olivia revels in her uniqueness and finds it provoking that other people need to conform
Yet at the same time, she is not wholly indifferent to the pleasures that other little girls enjoy
" ―Wall Street Journal, August 25, 2012 *"Falconer's hammy piglet…opens this delightful installment declaring, "I think I'm having an identity crisis
I don't know what I should be!"…
Olivia stubbornly dresses in red-and-white-striped long johns, resists damsel-in-distress bedtime stories, and lies awake considering philanthropic lines of work
Lest this be seen as pure propaganda, however, Olivia's ultimate career decision places everything in perspective
" ―Publishers Weekly "In this latest, delightfully droll episode, readers find their precocious pig suffering from an identity crisis
Olivia's whirring brain begins to consider what she might like to be…
Her ultimate choice is quintessentially Olivia
Falconer's charcoal-and-gouache illustrations, black and white with splashes of color interspersed, showcase Olivia's unique spirit and dramatic flair…panache aplenty
" ―Kirkus Reviews "Olivia is back and as strong-willed as ever in this rumination on individuality
The usually upbeat piglet is depressed
“I think I'm having an identity crisis
" All of the children in her class want to be princesses…
But Olivia likes to be unique…
Falconer's trademark use of minimalistic color to make Olivia stand out from the crowd is in full force here
His visual humor underscores his punch lines and illustrates Olivia's imagination…the subtle, sophisticated humor is pitched at adults as well as children
Falconer's witty parent-child banter will resonate with listeners old and young alike
Anyone who is afraid of challenging words and complex ideas should stay away, but parents looking for a way to expand their children's minds with more than a few chuckles along the way will find this story just the ticket
More please
" —School Library Journal,August 2012 "Olivia is depressed
She sees that individuality counts for little in her world…
After she spends the night pondering what she can be other than a princess, the last page shows her glorious answer…as with previous books, most of the fun comes from the delicious artwork executed in signature charcoal perked up with reds…
There are also some strong messages here about individuality and reinventing yourself according to your own vision
It's an idea you're never too young to learn
" ―Booklist "Independent-minded Olivia continues to be an endearing and distinctive heroine, and many a kid (and adult) weary of Barbie-pink fluff will find Olivia's perspective refreshing…the hordes of piglets clad in rosy tutus are actually quite adorable, but confident Olivia pictorially makes a strong case for striped ensembles and primary hues as she attractively poses in Falconer's charcoal and gouache illustrations
This is a helpful reassurance that there are enjoyable alternatives to pink princesses for imaginative play and dress-up possibilities
" ―The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, September 2012 "I approach sequels cautiously--they frequently don't measure up to the original
Happily, this one doesn't disappoint
Falconer's droll humor is evident in both words and pictures
pure Olivia
" ―The Plain Dealer About the Author Ian Falconer is the author and illustrator of the Olivia book series, including Olivia, Olivia Helps with Christmas, Olivia and the Fairy Princesses, Olivia and the Missing Toy, Olivia Saves the Circus, to name a few
Falconer's illustrations have graced numerous covers of The New Yorker
He has also designed sets and costumes for the New York City Ballet, the San Francisco Opera, the Royal Opera House, and many others
He lives in Los Angeles, California
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