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Olivia #8
Olivia the Spy
Everyone’s favorite pig is about to have a birthday…but will her penchant for eavesdropping lead to more than presents?
Olivia’s birthday is days away. Plans must be made. Who makes plans? Moms! Who simply must know the plans? Olivia, who is NOT above eavesdropping. But when she not-so-accidentally-but-kinda overhears her mom talking about her not-so-squeaky-clean-and-possibly-very-bad-behavior, Olivia’s imagination runs wild…because it sounds like not only will there be no birthday, but Mom might just be sending her to military school instead. What a BAD birthday that would be!
Olivia’s birthday is days away. Plans must be made. Who makes plans? Moms! Who simply must know the plans? Olivia, who is NOT above eavesdropping. But when she not-so-accidentally-but-kinda overhears her mom talking about her not-so-squeaky-clean-and-possibly-very-bad-behavior, Olivia’s imagination runs wild…because it sounds like not only will there be no birthday, but Mom might just be sending her to military school instead. What a BAD birthday that would be!
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2017
11 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
About the author
Ian Falconer
82 books298 followersIan 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 others. Mr. Falconer lives in New York City. (Simon & Schuster)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
October 16, 2017
A fun children's read!
My View:
I love this feisty little character called Olivia – she is inquisitive, she has imagination and the writer and illustrator, Ian Falconer, has a great sense of humour that is evident throughout the narrative (and the drawings). This is part of a number of “Olivia” books – I think young children would enjoy to follow this fun character on her adventures.
There is a moral to the story – so this could be a useful tool for school librarians, teachers, budding young artists (the drawings are so much fun) and care givers alike.
This is a very fun read.
My View:
I love this feisty little character called Olivia – she is inquisitive, she has imagination and the writer and illustrator, Ian Falconer, has a great sense of humour that is evident throughout the narrative (and the drawings). This is part of a number of “Olivia” books – I think young children would enjoy to follow this fun character on her adventures.
There is a moral to the story – so this could be a useful tool for school librarians, teachers, budding young artists (the drawings are so much fun) and care givers alike.
This is a very fun read.
October 27, 2022
in this book, Olivia learns the difference between spying and eavesdropping and the consequences of listening in on other people's conversations.
April 9, 2017
I love it! Classic, stupendous Falconer. Falconer hasn't released a picture book in years. He has been sorely missed. Olivia the Spy is clever and humorous with simply the most amazing illustrations. A few real photos thrown in to add to its awesomeness. Brilliant!
May 5, 2017
This felt like an Olivia book written for adults rather than a book for children just because of the mother's conversations. It felt a bit strange.
But, I always love the illustration style of the Olivia books, so, really I enjoyed it anyways. The lesson of the book is not to eavesdrop so that you don't get misinformation. I know a lot of parents like a book with a morality message, this one is definitely specifically about not eavesdropping and that is reiterated in the conclusion.
I don't really like obvious morality lessons, I prefer to not really realize it's a morality lesson until the last page. Though, maybe for children it is better that it is more obvious.
But, I always love the illustration style of the Olivia books, so, really I enjoyed it anyways. The lesson of the book is not to eavesdrop so that you don't get misinformation. I know a lot of parents like a book with a morality message, this one is definitely specifically about not eavesdropping and that is reiterated in the conclusion.
I don't really like obvious morality lessons, I prefer to not really realize it's a morality lesson until the last page. Though, maybe for children it is better that it is more obvious.
March 31, 2017
Oh Olivia, never stop being you!
November 27, 2018
Olivia the pig returns in this eighth picture-book devoted to her madcap adventures, this time discovering (as have many before her) that eavesdroppers rarely hear anything good about themselves. Listening in on her mother's telephone conversation, in which some (very justified!) venting is occurring, Olivia gets the idea that she is to be sent to an 'institution,' specifically, to prison. Her subsequent visit to the ballet is quite a relief, although she manages to cause chaos there too. In the end, the question is: has she learned her lesson...?
This being Olivia, it's doubtful she has, and I'm sure the reader can expect more high-spirited but essentially goodhearted shenanigans in future installments of her story. Like its predecessors, Olivia the Spy features an entertaining tale about a mischievous, head-strong girl-pig, and beautiful artwork done in charcoal and gouache. As someone who has attended the ballet at Lincoln Center a number of times, I was tickled that the theater that Olivia and her mother visit is the one here in NYC. Recommended to all Olivia fans, and to anyone looking for children's stories about eavesdropping on others.
This being Olivia, it's doubtful she has, and I'm sure the reader can expect more high-spirited but essentially goodhearted shenanigans in future installments of her story. Like its predecessors, Olivia the Spy features an entertaining tale about a mischievous, head-strong girl-pig, and beautiful artwork done in charcoal and gouache. As someone who has attended the ballet at Lincoln Center a number of times, I was tickled that the theater that Olivia and her mother visit is the one here in NYC. Recommended to all Olivia fans, and to anyone looking for children's stories about eavesdropping on others.
March 2, 2019
This is my first experience with Olivia, and I have to say, I'm not impressed.
I don't mind that Olivia's a brat. What really got to me is how her mother was talking badly about her within earshot... and then the kid got blamed for eavesdropping. I didn't find the plot about Olivia thinking she was going to get sent to an institution (like military school) very funny; that could be pretty frightening for some kids. And does anybody learn a lesson? Not really. Olivia shows that she's "learned" something by spouting a bunch of long words that the audience for this book probably won't understand ("partial truths and misinformation", "insecure and suspicious"), and her mother apparently learns nothing at all (while Olivia is off crashing the ballet, the mother is standing with another pig, still talking about how much trouble her daughter is).
I didn't like the pictures. I especially didn't like how the photographs were incorporated into some--but not all--of the illustrations. It made the book look very uneven; I would've preferred straight illustrations (but maybe Falconer was too lazy to draw buildings and washing machines).
This is the only e-book my library has in this series. I'm not that disappointed; I don't think I'd want to read another of these books, anyway.
I don't mind that Olivia's a brat. What really got to me is how her mother was talking badly about her within earshot... and then the kid got blamed for eavesdropping. I didn't find the plot about Olivia thinking she was going to get sent to an institution (like military school) very funny; that could be pretty frightening for some kids. And does anybody learn a lesson? Not really. Olivia shows that she's "learned" something by spouting a bunch of long words that the audience for this book probably won't understand ("partial truths and misinformation", "insecure and suspicious"), and her mother apparently learns nothing at all (while Olivia is off crashing the ballet, the mother is standing with another pig, still talking about how much trouble her daughter is).
I didn't like the pictures. I especially didn't like how the photographs were incorporated into some--but not all--of the illustrations. It made the book look very uneven; I would've preferred straight illustrations (but maybe Falconer was too lazy to draw buildings and washing machines).
This is the only e-book my library has in this series. I'm not that disappointed; I don't think I'd want to read another of these books, anyway.
May 31, 2021
This is part of my 365 Kids Books challenge. For an explanation see my review for 101 Amazing Facts about Australia You can see all the books on their own shelf.
Olivia has been spying, which ends up making her unhappy. Her camouflage is hilarious, as are the faux pas that exasperate her mother. I would love to see more of Olivia being audacious. Always.
3 August 2018
Now when I read an Olivia book, I keep an eye out for Edwin the cat.. This is not my favorite Olivia, she's not as brash, which is important to balance the relentless activity. Also, I am curious to see more of her interactions with her brothers.
Library copy
Olivia has been spying, which ends up making her unhappy. Her camouflage is hilarious, as are the faux pas that exasperate her mother. I would love to see more of Olivia being audacious. Always.
3 August 2018
Now when I read an Olivia book, I keep an eye out for Edwin the cat.. This is not my favorite Olivia, she's not as brash, which is important to balance the relentless activity. Also, I am curious to see more of her interactions with her brothers.
Library copy
November 11, 2025
Is this my autobiography?? Because I’m pretty sure I’m Olivia. Review here!
February 13, 2018
Olivia's at it again, causing chaos. This time, she ends up spying on her parents to find out what they're saying about her, and end up thinking she's headed for the big house.
May 28, 2017
Classic Olivia story about misunderstanding and growing up.
March 23, 2018
Olivia does it again. She is JUST LIKE real children. "Mommy, I KNOW how to use the blender." Result -- disaster. "Mother, I KNOW how to work the washing machine." Result -- disaster. "I KNOW how to go to the bathroom, Mommy." Result -- what Mommy doesn't know won't hurt her. "MOMMY, I KNOW how to COOK!" Which is the cliff-hanger denouement to the book.
In essence, this is a fable. The message is this...
Mother: "Well, Olivia, what have you learned by eavesdropping?"
Olivia (in tiny, tiny font): "Partial truths and misinformation--"
Mother: "And how did that make you feel?"
Olivia (in tiny, tiny font): "Insecure and suspicious--"
The real lesson, though, should be directed at the parent. BE CAREFUL how you speak about your child in any situation where you might be overheard. Happily, and unbeknownst to me, my child heard me say of her to someone, "She is my best helper," and she let that script her for life.
Back to the book, the illustrations (as usual) are superb. I would be tempted to disassemble the book, mat and frame my favorites, and display them on the wall.
That being said, I'm not sure about sharing these stories with little ones. On one hand, the content is over their heads and on the other hand it may inspire behavior that may later be unpleasant to deal with. Sigh.
In essence, this is a fable. The message is this...
Mother: "Well, Olivia, what have you learned by eavesdropping?"
Olivia (in tiny, tiny font): "Partial truths and misinformation--"
Mother: "And how did that make you feel?"
Olivia (in tiny, tiny font): "Insecure and suspicious--"
The real lesson, though, should be directed at the parent. BE CAREFUL how you speak about your child in any situation where you might be overheard. Happily, and unbeknownst to me, my child heard me say of her to someone, "She is my best helper," and she let that script her for life.
Back to the book, the illustrations (as usual) are superb. I would be tempted to disassemble the book, mat and frame my favorites, and display them on the wall.
That being said, I'm not sure about sharing these stories with little ones. On one hand, the content is over their heads and on the other hand it may inspire behavior that may later be unpleasant to deal with. Sigh.
October 20, 2017
Olivia is at it again, getting on her mother's last nerve with all the messes she makes. When she overhears her mother's telephone conversations she misconstrues what she hears, as usual, and keeps spying to hear more! Olive and Spy by Ian Falconer is sure to inspire some spying around your house. For ages 3-8.
August 15, 2017
damn these are funny.
April 20, 2019
This was really funny. I love Olivia!
March 13, 2020
Our first encounter with Olivia and we utterly enjoyed it. Olivia is such a delicious character! And her relationship with her mother is wickedly realistic with a touch of sass. Glorious piggistry!
June 22, 2024
When Olivia marched on stage, I CACKLED.
September 22, 2019
I love the Olivia books and found this one! The author Ian Falconer writes and illustrates these beautiful stories about his niece! Olivia is five years old and thinks she can do anything...but it all ends rather messily! It would be a fun read-a-loud book for K-2 and pre-K. It is humorous for adult readers which is always a plus!
February 2, 2025
What kind of children’s book incorporates a mother speaking badly about her child within earshot? And then jokes about sending the child away, so the kid gets upset and thinks maybe they’ll go to an institution, military school, or prison? No more Olivia books in my house.
July 18, 2022
Olivia can't help but eavesdrop!
Read with my 7yo to tackle our 2017 backlist!
Read with my 7yo to tackle our 2017 backlist!
February 25, 2018
Olivia learns a lesson about eavesdropping. Another classic!
May 18, 2017
Olivia and I don't always get along, and this is one of those times. Fully agreed with a review saying it seemed more written for adults, but I'm sure kids will eat it up anyway. I also feel like there needed to be an extra spread of Olivia's mom actually telling her why spying was a bad idea instead of just asking her what she learned at the end. If we're going to teach a lesson here, let's actually teach it.
August 10, 2017
So glad Falconer has written another original Olivia book! This one is just as cute and clever as the others. I loved the charcoal and gouache illustrations; especially the blueberry blender disaster. I also liked the photo of the ballet venue, with all the silhouetted pigs in the windows. A great addition to the series.
September 20, 2018
Olivia is a little girl pig who always stands out and is always up to something, especially mischief. After causing havoc around her house Olivia's mother is fed up. Olivia attempts to blend in rather than stand out because she overheard her mother saying she wants to send Olivia to an institution. Olivia does her best to investigate what the word 'institution' means, but what she doesn't know is that her mom is actually planning on taking her to the ballet.
The illustrator uses color to emphasize Olivia's character and her mischief. Most of the book and characters, such as Olivia's parents, are black and white but Olivia is almost always seen wearing red. The shenanigans that Olivia has are in color as well. When Olivia is making a smoothie that explodes all over the wall it is a bright blue, and when Olivia attempts to wash her father's clothes the laundry detergent is a bright blue and red. A metafictive device the author uses to help the story is typographic experimentation. Towards the middle of the story when Olivia is scared and under the impression her mom is sending her away, the faunt is very small when Olivia talks, signifying that Olivia is speaking softly because she is scared.
This book is fantasy because of the personified animals as well as postmodern because of the use of metafictive devices. I would suggest this book for mothers and daughters because it is a great representation of a typical mother and daughter relationship. Olivia's mother gets frustrated by Olivia's shenanigans and Olivia learns a lesson about eavesdropping, which every parent and child can relate to. Olivia is an extremely lovable character, anyone can relate to her curiosity, naivety, and passion for standing out.
The illustrator uses color to emphasize Olivia's character and her mischief. Most of the book and characters, such as Olivia's parents, are black and white but Olivia is almost always seen wearing red. The shenanigans that Olivia has are in color as well. When Olivia is making a smoothie that explodes all over the wall it is a bright blue, and when Olivia attempts to wash her father's clothes the laundry detergent is a bright blue and red. A metafictive device the author uses to help the story is typographic experimentation. Towards the middle of the story when Olivia is scared and under the impression her mom is sending her away, the faunt is very small when Olivia talks, signifying that Olivia is speaking softly because she is scared.
This book is fantasy because of the personified animals as well as postmodern because of the use of metafictive devices. I would suggest this book for mothers and daughters because it is a great representation of a typical mother and daughter relationship. Olivia's mother gets frustrated by Olivia's shenanigans and Olivia learns a lesson about eavesdropping, which every parent and child can relate to. Olivia is an extremely lovable character, anyone can relate to her curiosity, naivety, and passion for standing out.
June 13, 2018
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is Olivia The Spy, the most recent of the wonderfully funny Olivia series by Ian Falconer.
Olivia the precocious piglet is back, and just as trouble-prone as ever. The story opens of Olivia overhearing a phone conversation of her mother’s in which the exasperated older pig is recounting Olivia’s latest exploits (covering the kitchen in blueberry smoothie when she tries to use the blender, and popping her red socks in with the white dress shirts, turning everything pink). Olivia is incensed, and decides to investigate – she just needs to do a little spying. However, for a little piggy who loves to stand out, even blending in seems to be a bit of a production. Olivia accidentally overhears (and misinterprets) a conversation between her parents, and thinks she is finally being sent away for her misbehaviors. She solemnly packs her belongings and prepares for exile… only to find that her mother has actually been planning a surprise trip to the ballet.
Fans of the series will definitely enjoy this one, as it offers everything readers have come to expect from Olivia’s stories: tongue-in-cheek, deadpan humor for both children and adults; gorgeous illustrations that capture the grandeurs of Olivia’s adventures, both real and imagined; and a breezy story of humorous vignettes tied together with a few wry running gags. There’s definitely some fun to be had here, making for a light and silly read to share. The length is fine, and JJ always enjoys Olivia’s shenanigans. On it’s own, a fun escape; as a part of the series, another welcome jaunt through the whimsical world of Olivia. Baby Bookworm approved!
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
June 15, 2017
Olivia is always causing messes, there was that time that she overloaded the blender with blueberries, or put red socks in with the white laundry, all her mother wants is for her to get some sense. So Olivia, “the spy” sets out to discover exactly what “sense” really is, just in time to overhear her parents talking about sending her to an institution… An institution? Can Olivia really live a life behind bars, and what does she even pack for it?
Follow Olivia on a hilarious journey as she discovers just how hard spy work can really be, and what happens when you get things all wrong?
Simply adorable, Olivia does it again, and this time as a spy. This time the little piglet, who loves to stand out, must learn how to stay hidden in order to eavesdrop on her mother, but only hearing part of the conversation lets Olivia’s over-active imagination get the best of her. Little ones will giggle and laugh at all the messes Olivia causes, but also will earn the valuable lesson behind eavesdropping.
For fans of Olivia, the wait is over, and you will not be disappointed. This is a perfect addition for fans who know and love Olivia, or the start to any child’s library. With her own unique personality, big dreams, and tenacity Olivia is sure to charm her way into your heart.
You can find the rest of my reviews and giveaways in my weekly newspaper column: For the Love of Books-Dixon's Independent Voice
Follow Olivia on a hilarious journey as she discovers just how hard spy work can really be, and what happens when you get things all wrong?
Simply adorable, Olivia does it again, and this time as a spy. This time the little piglet, who loves to stand out, must learn how to stay hidden in order to eavesdrop on her mother, but only hearing part of the conversation lets Olivia’s over-active imagination get the best of her. Little ones will giggle and laugh at all the messes Olivia causes, but also will earn the valuable lesson behind eavesdropping.
For fans of Olivia, the wait is over, and you will not be disappointed. This is a perfect addition for fans who know and love Olivia, or the start to any child’s library. With her own unique personality, big dreams, and tenacity Olivia is sure to charm her way into your heart.
You can find the rest of my reviews and giveaways in my weekly newspaper column: For the Love of Books-Dixon's Independent Voice
December 20, 2024
Ian Falconer's Olivia the Spy delivers another delightful adventure featuring the ever-curious and mischievous Olivia. This eighth installment in the series brings humor, charm, and a touch of suspense as Olivia overhears a conversation and jumps to conclusions, leading to hilarious misunderstandings.
The story is both relatable and endearing, capturing Olivia's vivid imagination and her tendency to get carried away with her schemes. Children will resonate with Olivia's mischief, while adults will appreciate the humor and heart woven into the narrative.
The mixed-media illustrations are a standout feature, blending elegant minimalism with playful details that bring Olivia's world to life. Falconer's artistic style perfectly complements the whimsical tone of the story, making each page a visual treat.
Olivia the Spy is a joy to read, offering a fun and relatable tale that will charm readers of all ages. A must-read for Olivia fans and anyone who loves a good laugh with a touch of intrigue.
The story is both relatable and endearing, capturing Olivia's vivid imagination and her tendency to get carried away with her schemes. Children will resonate with Olivia's mischief, while adults will appreciate the humor and heart woven into the narrative.
The mixed-media illustrations are a standout feature, blending elegant minimalism with playful details that bring Olivia's world to life. Falconer's artistic style perfectly complements the whimsical tone of the story, making each page a visual treat.
Olivia the Spy is a joy to read, offering a fun and relatable tale that will charm readers of all ages. A must-read for Olivia fans and anyone who loves a good laugh with a touch of intrigue.
June 2, 2017
Olivia is back! In this eighth book about irrepressible Olivia, the little pig with the big personality overhears her mom talking about her on the phone. Olivia decides to learn more… by spying. So she disguises herself as a lamp, a zebra rug, a painting, a photo. An eavesdropped conversation leads her to think she is being sent to a military school. Instead, she is relieved to find out her surprise trip is to the ballet. Olivia’s lines often start with “Mommy I know how to…” followed by her doing something incorrectly, and in a BIG way: she explodes blueberries out of the blender, her red socks turn the laundry pink, and for her grand finale, at the ballet she heads to the restroom by herself, but accidentally uses the stage door instead and ends up calmly walking across the stage mid-performance! New Yorkers, especially, should get a kick out of seeing their famous Lincoln Center transformed by highbrow pig art and artists.
January 5, 2018
I loved Olivia when my kids were the right age for her - sadly, they're no longer the right age and won't tolerate my passion for picture books! But I picked this up in the library to see how Olivia was standing up after all these years. Well - the answer is she's awesome, possibly with even more attitude than ever. And I love that Falconer has plenty of inside jokes for parents. In this story, Olivia becomes concerned when she acts as a spy and eavesdrops on her mother's conversations. One minute she hears her mother despairing about Olivia bringing her 'to the end of my tether', the next Olivia overhears her talking about taking her to 'an institution'. Olivia fears the worst after asking her teacher the meaning of this word - oh, it could be the library, marriage, the military or a prison! Poor Olivia becomes convinced she's to be sent away for her crimes but of course, ends up going to see her favourite thing - the ballet! A gorgeous read for junior primary kids.
December 1, 2023
Si el niño elije este libro y como adulto le ayudas (comprar, regalar, prestar) para que pueda leerlo, ten por seguro que es una buena elección. Si como adulto, te gustaría conocer un poco más sobre el libro, entonces te invito a leer la reseña:
Fue el primer libro que leí de Olivia, me pareció un libro divertido y con muchas ocurrencias, Olivia como personaje es alguien “atrevido”, aventurero y poco empática; estos rasgos la llevan a que “todo puede pasar en la historia”, lo que se traduce en situaciones alocadas y con elementos aleatorios en la trama. Las ilustraciones son prácticamente a blanco y negro con un alto detalle en los personajes, con fondos blancos o simplificados.
En este libro, Olivia escucha a su mamá platicar de ella con su tía y decide que va a investigar, esto lleva a que espíe las conversaciones de su mamá, lo que mal entendidos y malos ratos.
Fue el primer libro que leí de Olivia, me pareció un libro divertido y con muchas ocurrencias, Olivia como personaje es alguien “atrevido”, aventurero y poco empática; estos rasgos la llevan a que “todo puede pasar en la historia”, lo que se traduce en situaciones alocadas y con elementos aleatorios en la trama. Las ilustraciones son prácticamente a blanco y negro con un alto detalle en los personajes, con fondos blancos o simplificados.
En este libro, Olivia escucha a su mamá platicar de ella con su tía y decide que va a investigar, esto lleva a que espíe las conversaciones de su mamá, lo que mal entendidos y malos ratos.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews