Happy Holidays! Dr. Toughlove has selected Olivia Helps with Christmas for her December 2024 review. Enjoy!
The holiday season has officially arrived, so Dr. Toughlove thought it was time to review one of her all-time favorite books, “Olivia helps with Christmas” written and illustrated by Ian Falconer. If a book about an Olivia character sounds familiar, it may be because Dr. Toughlove reviewed the first book in this series, aptly named “Olivia” in May, 2022.
This time around, our dear Olivia (who is a lovable and theatrical pig with a wild sense of humor and fashion sense), is helping her family get ready for Christmas. A tree needs to be trimmed, lights must be strung, stockings need to be hung, and the Christmas Eve table wants to be set. Olivia, in true melodramatic fashion admonishes her father for attempting to light a fire in the fireplace (“DADDY! WHAT COULD YOU BE THINKING? DO YOU WANT TO COOK SANTA?” p. 16).
In Ian Falconer’s “Olivia” series, he uses a technique called stark minimalism. Typically, his illustrations are black, white and gray with a splash of color. Sometimes black and white images are used to depict a scene or person that Olivia is thinking about. In “Olivia helps with Christmas” Falconer uses a bit more color – mostly red and green with a bit of yellow and orange thrown in. This change is subtle, but it conveys a festive feeling that is consistent with the Christmas theme. It also displays Olivia’s effervescent personality in all of its splendor.
If Dr. Toughlove had to use three words to describe “Olivia helps with Christmas” she would say this book is whimsical, charming and downright hilarious. Dr. Toughlove doesn’t want to give the story away, but let it suffice to say that Christmas day at Olivia’s house is filled with delight, joy and a bit of drama. Olivia wouldn’t have it any other way.
If you enjoy Olivia’s antics, Dr. Toughlove would suggest that you read the rest of the books in Ian Falconer’s Olivia series. While each book is unique, Olivia’s charm, wit and fanciful imagination always makes an appearance.
“Olivia helps with Christmas” is appropriate for children aged 2-6, and is available at the Queen Anne’s County Library.