Olivia by Ian Falconer

Genre: Picture Book - Fiction
Themes: Traditional Family, Self-Esteem, Humor
Grade Level: K-2
Curricular Connections: Art (Realistic vs. Abstract); Social Studies (Traditional vs. Nontraditional Families; Self-Esteem); Reading (Enjoying Literature)

Olivia is about an independent and spirited young girl who "wears her mother out." It begins by telling about her traditional family including her mother, father, younger brother, and family pets, a dog and a cat. Once Olivia has gone through her morning routine, including trying on all her clothes, she goes with her mother and brother to the beach. The pictures at the beach provide a lot of humor including a sunburned Olivia and her rather grand sand castle. As Olivia stares at her favorite painting of ballerinas in the art museum, she dreams of becoming one herself. Upon returning home, she decides she can paint as well as one of the abstract artists, and tries it out in her favorite colors of red and black on one of her mother's white walls. After being punished, Olivia takes a bath, eats dinner, begs for more than one book read to her at bedtime, and falls asleep dreaming of being an opera singer.

Sequels: Olivia Forms a Band, Olivia Saves the Circus, Olivia...and the Missing Toy, Olivia Helps With Christmas, Olivia Counts, Olivia's Opposites

Classroom Suggestions:

1. In art class students could learn the difference between realistic and abstract art. They could even try an abstract painting and then explain to the class what their painting stands for. You could also add the element of writing as students could label parts of their painting or write short sentences explaining what they have painted.

2. In Social Students teachers could explain Olivia's traditional family, and students could study their own nuclear families while learning acceptance of all types of families.

3.In Religion class teacher's can use this book to remind students that God made all people as individuals with different gifts and abilities. Students should be reminded to be happy about who they are and to use and develop the skills God has given them to serve others.