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99th out of 235 books
—
259 voters
Olivia and the Fairy Princesses (Olivia)
by
Ian Falconer
In this picture book starring the world’s most imaginative pig, Olivia embarks upon a quest for identity with very lofty goals—and being a princess is NOT one of them!Olivia is having an identity crisis! There are too many ruffly, sparkly princesses around these days, and Olivia has had quite enough. She needs to stand out! She has to be special! She wants to do more than...more
Hardcover, 40 pages
Published
August 28th 2012
by Atheneum Books for Young Readers
(first published August 1st 2012)
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October 3, 2012
Falconer offers something else to all the girls who don't want to be sucked into the princess industry. Both my daughters and I give it two thumbs up. Or, you know, hooves, if that's more appropriate. (Trotters?) We love feisty, difficult, but ultimately fascinating Olivia.
Library copy.
Falconer offers something else to all the girls who don't want to be sucked into the princess industry. Both my daughters and I give it two thumbs up. Or, you know, hooves, if that's more appropriate. (Trotters?) We love feisty, difficult, but ultimately fascinating Olivia.
Library copy.
6 likes · like · see review
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It has been previously mentioned once or twice that Olivia is my favorite. It is true. Olivia rules.
In this one, my particularly favorite part, other than the end, which is awesome, is the Martha Graham page. Also, good use of the words "corporate malfeasance." And Ian Falconer's drawings are, as always, amazing.
Ranking:
1. Olivia And The Missing Toy. It has the fold out page, including the surprise, and that is difficult to beat. Plus, it has a premise that is compelling to for all ages. Or, may...more
In this one, my particularly favorite part, other than the end, which is awesome, is the Martha Graham page. Also, good use of the words "corporate malfeasance." And Ian Falconer's drawings are, as always, amazing.
Ranking:
1. Olivia And The Missing Toy. It has the fold out page, including the surprise, and that is difficult to beat. Plus, it has a premise that is compelling to for all ages. Or, may...more
6 likes · like · see review
Olivia is in a dilemma. Of course, Olivia is a total princess, but she does not feel that special being JUST a fairy princess anymore. It seems like all of her friends are also fairy princesses, and Olivia wants to stand out! To fix her dilemma, Olivia brainstorms ideas on what she could be instead of a pink loving, fairy princess when she grows-up. How about an Indian princess? Or a French Sailor? There are so many decisions for Olivia to make. What will she decide? Will she choose to be a fair...more
This is a very well written and entertaining book. Ian Falconer, the author and illustrator, compiles a story about a young girl who questions why exactly every young girl wants to be a princess. The book takes the audience through Olivia's identity crisis of wanting to be something more than just a princess. Olivia finds herself not wanting to be like most of the girls her age, instead she wants to be and individual, which is a great message for younger girls. The author takes the reader throug...more
2 likes · like · see review
For some reason, we never really got into the Olivia series by Ian Falconer. We've read several of the books and liked them, but we just weren't entranced by the storylines or the main character.
When I saw the cover of this book, I was a bit wistful. Our girls went through a fairy princess phase themselves and had this book come out then, I'm sure they would've loved it. I figured they'd just roll their eyes if I brought it home now, though. But I decided to borrow it from the library and just...more
When I saw the cover of this book, I was a bit wistful. Our girls went through a fairy princess phase themselves and had this book come out then, I'm sure they would've loved it. I figured they'd just roll their eyes if I brought it home now, though. But I decided to borrow it from the library and just...more
Olivia returns, this time in the throes of an identity crisis--”and what should I be?” she exclaims. To her father, of course, she will always be “...my little princess,” but Olivia wants to stand out from the very crowded field of pink princesses galore. Why not an Indian princess, or an African princess, she reasons. After bath time, her mother reads her a story about a beautiful maiden rescued by a prince! Olivia protests and in exasperation, her mother offers her the story of The Little Matc...more
I loved the original Olivia. It was different. It was clever. It cracked me up. I have loved the subsequent Olivia books less, though. They just didn't have the same snappy qualities of the first book.
Until this one. The Olivia that made me chuckle is back, and she's determined to stand out from the crowd. Oh, she may have wanted to be a fairy princess dressed all in pink once, but that was when she was little. Last year. Seriously. She's all grown up now. Pink is in the past.
Olivia still wants...more
Until this one. The Olivia that made me chuckle is back, and she's determined to stand out from the crowd. Oh, she may have wanted to be a fairy princess dressed all in pink once, but that was when she was little. Last year. Seriously. She's all grown up now. Pink is in the past.
Olivia still wants...more
5 likes · like · see review
All the girls, and even some of the boys, are all dressing as princesses with pink, ruffly skirts and sparkly wands. Olivia wants to be something different, she just doesn't know what. She tries the French fashion look. When all the girls, and some of the boys, try out for the fairy princess ballerina, Olivia goes for a more stark, modern style. But nothing feels quite right. What is a little pig to do? Knowing Olivia, she will figure it out.
I just want to say I think every little girl, and even...more
I just want to say I think every little girl, and even...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Olivia is back to true greatness in Olivia and the Fairy Princesses. Admittedly, any Olivia is generally better than whatever else is out there, but this one's a true gem as Olivia fumes over the large number of girls (and even a few boys) who are mad about dressing up like pink princesses (don't they know there are LOTS of kinds of princesses, she wonders). At parties, at Halloween, at ballet... all the others just seem to lack Olivia's imagination and she struggles with the fact that everyone...more
Nov 17, 2012
Leslie Bishko
rated it
1 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
no one
Recommended to Leslie by:
daughter received as gift
As Olivia tries on identities, she considers: "Or maybe adopt orphans from all over the world!" The image: diapered babies, multi-ethnic, with sad mouths and blank stares, with Olivia smiling proudly as she surveys her brood.
1) the message implies adoption as philanthropy, and if the intent is to poke fun at high profile international adoptions, that is a message with NO PLACE in a children's book.
2) implies adoption as occupation
3) portrays adopted children as sad victims, as vulnerable
4) typif...more
1) the message implies adoption as philanthropy, and if the intent is to poke fun at high profile international adoptions, that is a message with NO PLACE in a children's book.
2) implies adoption as occupation
3) portrays adopted children as sad victims, as vulnerable
4) typif...more
Olivia and I have a touchy relationship. On the one hand, I love the first Olivia book, and find all of them entertaining. On the other, I think Olivia as a character gets more annoying as the books continue, particularly from the point of view of an adult who can imagine being responsible for this small child (I know, I am NOT the intended audience). However, I really did like Olivia and the Fairy Princesses.
I thought it was both cute and typical that Olivia was done with fairy princesses, and...more
I thought it was both cute and typical that Olivia was done with fairy princesses, and...more
Olivia is back in another cute tale about being unique
Olivia, the stubborn and funny pig, is back in another adorable children’s book. This time, Olivia is tired of everyone wanting to be a fairy princess, even some of the boys. At birthday parties, the school dance recital, and even Halloween, all anyone wants to be is a Fairy Princess. But Olivia wants to stand out and be unique in her own way. As Olivia goes through a list of all the different things she could be, she finally decides somethin...more
Olivia, the stubborn and funny pig, is back in another adorable children’s book. This time, Olivia is tired of everyone wanting to be a fairy princess, even some of the boys. At birthday parties, the school dance recital, and even Halloween, all anyone wants to be is a Fairy Princess. But Olivia wants to stand out and be unique in her own way. As Olivia goes through a list of all the different things she could be, she finally decides somethin...more
First, Maria Callas love.
Now, Isadora Duncan love. Falconer explains a plucky heroine in dress and posters so that adults can 'get it', too.
Having just taken my seven year old granddaughter for her annual "Day Out", when she can name the restaurant in which to eat and also pick out a *small* (as in somewhat inexpensive) gift just for her, this book flashed through my mind. A gut-wrenching decision had to be made-- should she go for the pink sparkle spray 'cologne' at Bath and Body Works, or a si...more
Now, Isadora Duncan love. Falconer explains a plucky heroine in dress and posters so that adults can 'get it', too.
Having just taken my seven year old granddaughter for her annual "Day Out", when she can name the restaurant in which to eat and also pick out a *small* (as in somewhat inexpensive) gift just for her, this book flashed through my mind. A gut-wrenching decision had to be made-- should she go for the pink sparkle spray 'cologne' at Bath and Body Works, or a si...more
It's been years since Olivia first took readers by the heart; her exuberance and uniqueness have not lessened or grown stale as many other series characters (sadly) do after a long run. In this volume, Olivia is having an "identity crisis" - she's tired of conformity and does not want to be a princess - unless it's one from India, Thailand, Africa or China (and she's right! there are more options that pink sparkly fairy princesses). Olivia is a true iconoclast - who else would go to the school H...more
What I Liked About This Book: I have been a big fan of Olivia since I first read the original book to a group of kindergarten students about a decade ago. Olivia may be exasperating to her mother, but I love her independent nature, originality and self confidence. She is a strong role model for young girls. Olivia's adventures in this latest installment highlight all of those character traits.
In recent years, I've noticed a series of Olivia books based on the popular Saturday morning TV show. Wh...more
In recent years, I've noticed a series of Olivia books based on the popular Saturday morning TV show. Wh...more
One of the best Olivia books, I think, and that's saying a lot!
Olivia is growing more and more irritated over how her age-mates, "including some of the boys," are all about dressing as fairy princesses. In pink. She does her best to come up with alternatives, and darn awesome ones too! Her parents' responses are realistic and highly amusing.
The art is perfect Olivia, especially facial expressions (just for one example, Olivia's brothers when they submit to her nursing ministrations).
The ending-...more
Olivia is growing more and more irritated over how her age-mates, "including some of the boys," are all about dressing as fairy princesses. In pink. She does her best to come up with alternatives, and darn awesome ones too! Her parents' responses are realistic and highly amusing.
The art is perfect Olivia, especially facial expressions (just for one example, Olivia's brothers when they submit to her nursing ministrations).
The ending-...more
When I read a few Olivia books several years ago, nothing about them struck me as particularly wonderful. The stories were okay, but something about the artwork isn't my cup of tea. As the Olivia hype has grown, I haven't really seen the huge appeal. However, I just read a children's book that uses the words "corporate malfeasance." How can you not laugh at that?
So, while the artwork is still not appealing to me, I have to admit that this story just plain works and made me relate to a talking ca...more
So, while the artwork is still not appealing to me, I have to admit that this story just plain works and made me relate to a talking ca...more
When I read a few Olivia books several years ago, nothing about them struck me as particularly wonderful. The stories were okay, but something about the artwork isn't my cup of tea. As the Olivia hype has grown, I haven't really seen the huge appeal. However, I just read a children's book that uses the words "corporate malfeasance." How can you not laugh at that?
So, while the artwork is still not appealing to me, I have to admit that this story just plain works and made me relate to a talking c...more
So, while the artwork is still not appealing to me, I have to admit that this story just plain works and made me relate to a talking c...more
Okay, I'll admit it here. I've never read an Olivia book before. Why? Umm . . . no good reason except I'm not especially enamored of pigs and just didn't happen to pick any of them up. Until now. I was straightening the children's section and this one landed in my hands and I just had to read it. What sold me on it is Olivia's expression on the cover, one that indicates the "fairy princess" costume she's wearing is not a source of joy and happy pinkosity.
Now, of course, I'm going to have to go a...more
Now, of course, I'm going to have to go a...more
Olivia, that ever sassy pig, returns in this latest installment of the popular series. Olivia, as always, marches to the beat of her own drummer. While other girls are enamored of pink, bejeweled princesses, Olivia is ready to question everything they stand for. ""Why is it always a pink princess? Why not an Indian princess or a princess from Thailand or an African princess or a princess from China?" she cries. "I'm trying to develop a more stark, modern style," she says. As a child of the 70's,...more
Why do all the little girls want to be pink fairy princesses? Olivia wants to be something more interesting...but maybe not as interesting as the Little Match Girl.
"Olivia and the Fairy Princesses" follows Olivia on a quest to discover who she is -and she is willing to think outside the box (at least outside the box of the typical 6 year old). The story introduces girls to alternate kinds of princesses (they don't all wear pink tutus!), chic fashion, modern dance, and careers that make the worl...more
"Olivia and the Fairy Princesses" follows Olivia on a quest to discover who she is -and she is willing to think outside the box (at least outside the box of the typical 6 year old). The story introduces girls to alternate kinds of princesses (they don't all wear pink tutus!), chic fashion, modern dance, and careers that make the worl...more
I really love Olivia! These books are always so fantastic! The stories are cute and funny and the illustrations are so fun to look at. My favorite part was this:
[Olivia]:"At Pippa's birthday party, they were all dressed in big, pink, ruffly skirts with sparkles and little crowns and sparkly wands. Including some of the boys."
Plus, Olivia looked so fabulous during that part:
She is so fantastic! I love her!!
[Olivia]:"At Pippa's birthday party, they were all dressed in big, pink, ruffly skirts with sparkles and little crowns and sparkly wands. Including some of the boys."
Plus, Olivia looked so fabulous during that part:
She is so fantastic! I love her!!
Some picture book series become less inspired as they go on (I'm looking at you, Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes). Others, like Olivia, somehow manage to maintain their brilliance. Or is it just that I sympathize with Olivia a little too much? "If everyone's a princess, then princesses aren't special anymore! Why do they all want to be the same?" Exactly, Olivia. Exactly.
Bonus points for the inclusion of: The Little Match Girl, Martha Graham, non-sparkly princesses, matador pants, corpo...more
Bonus points for the inclusion of: The Little Match Girl, Martha Graham, non-sparkly princesses, matador pants, corpo...more
This is by far my favorite book in my favorite picture book series. I love that Ian Falconer doesn't talk down to kids. Your little one will read about corporate malfeasance as they read about princesses. Poor Olivia is *so* over the princess phase, but her peers are stuck in it. You will laugh out loud as Olivia goes through her depressed, stark, modern phase to try to stand out. Olivia seems to have aged and matured with this book - she is trying out new styles and trying to figure out what sh...more
Fed up with all the pink-tutu-wearing wannabe ballerinas and princesses that surround her, Olivia decides that she's had enough. She refuses to dress, act or be like the others, and starts a search to be herself, after she finds herself. Eventually, she does find the proper role for herself, and readers will smile at just how right that choice is. Adults and older readers will hoot at her angst and the two pages that emulate Martha Graham's inimitable dance style while applauding her desire to b...more
"Why is it always a pink princess? Why not an Indian princess or a princess from Thailand or an African princess or a princess from China? There are alternatives."
There is always at least one Olivia book in our library stack - they are just fantastic, and this has to be my favourite yet. Olivia has real ideas and knows her mind, she doesn't want to be the same as every other kid because that would be boring! And I love her for it!
My daughter loves Olivia too, although for much simpler reasons -...more
There is always at least one Olivia book in our library stack - they are just fantastic, and this has to be my favourite yet. Olivia has real ideas and knows her mind, she doesn't want to be the same as every other kid because that would be boring! And I love her for it!
My daughter loves Olivia too, although for much simpler reasons -...more
Our favourite piglet is back!!!! She loves & celebrates being different. What great role model for young girls!! This world needs more Ian Falconer's Olivia! I knew it when I purchased the first book 7 years ago - Olivia is a keeper!!!!
************ SPOILERS ALERT ************
How funny it is that just this past weekend my daughter and I were just talking about how silly that all girls want to be these dumb pink princesses instead of finding their own identities. Weirdest thing is that like Ol...more
************ SPOILERS ALERT ************
How funny it is that just this past weekend my daughter and I were just talking about how silly that all girls want to be these dumb pink princesses instead of finding their own identities. Weirdest thing is that like Ol...more
This is such a cute story and I believe that it truly tells a great story that any child could learn from. I think that this would be a great story to read to young girls that want to be princesses because it tells you to set your goals even higher. This would also be great to read in a fairy tale lesson because it takes a new look at what it means to be a princess. Olivia has her own ideas of what it means to be special and to her being a princess isn't good enough. She wants to be so much more...more
The book is good, but the implications of Olivia and the Fairy Princesses go far beyond the surface.
Olivia is a candidate for president in our library's Vote for Books program. Yet she CLEARLY states, on the very last page of the book, that she intends to overthrow our government and establish herself the head of a MONARCHY! She doesn't want to be our president in this time of need - she wants to be a mere figurehead, sitting pretty and dripping in jewels.
Every vote counts; make sure yours is in...more
Olivia is a candidate for president in our library's Vote for Books program. Yet she CLEARLY states, on the very last page of the book, that she intends to overthrow our government and establish herself the head of a MONARCHY! She doesn't want to be our president in this time of need - she wants to be a mere figurehead, sitting pretty and dripping in jewels.
Every vote counts; make sure yours is in...more
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Ian Falconer is the author and illustrator of all the titles in the bestselling Olivia series: Olivia, Olivia Saves the Circus,Olivia...and the Missing Toy, and Olivia Forms a Band. His illustrations have also graced many covers of the New Yorker. In addition, he has designed sets and costumes for the New York City Ballet, the San Francisco Opera, and the Royal Opera House (Covent Garden), among o...more
More about Ian Falconer...
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