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Olivia #3
Olivia . . . and the Missing Toy
Olivia has one toy that she loves more than anything. She feeds him, dresses him and takes him everywhere. So when he disappears, Olivia is FURIOUS!
She looks under the rug, under the sofa, under the cat. She shouts at Ian and baby William, she cries, she stomps...all to no avail. Then, one dark and stormy night, Olivia hears a noise...Clutching a candelabra, she creeps bravely into her bedroom, and sees a huge menacing shadow on the wall. Who is this monster, and what's that hanging from his jaws?
All is resolved peacefully in this entertaining story starring our favourite pig and her favourite toy. Now available as an eBook with audio!
42 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2003
16 people are currently reading
1164 people want to read
About the author
Ian Falconer
82 books297 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 271 reviews
September 30, 2018
Too cute!
Olivia and the missing toy and the drama that came with looking for it and finding it! What to do after she found it! Very clever illustrations.
Olivia and the missing toy and the drama that came with looking for it and finding it! What to do after she found it! Very clever illustrations.
October 21, 2022
Olivia doesn’t like the color of her team uniform and asks her mother to make one in a different color which her obliging mother does. While she is waiting, her very best toy goes missing. When she realizes this, Olivia accuses her brothers of having taken the toy in her most genteel voice, i.e., she screams at them. She discovers the dog has ripped the stuffed toy apart and her father immediately offers to buy her a new one. Olivia solves her own problem by sewing the toy back together and even forgives the dog. It’s okay and I get that Olivia is supposed to be spunky, but there’s a fine line between that and bratty and I wonder how many children know the difference. Having read this, I wouldn’t buy or recommend it as a gift for a child.
March 8, 2022
Hyperactive porcine wonder Olivia returns in this third picture-book devoted to her hilarious adventures, following upon the Caldecott Honor-winning
Olivia
, and the fun follow-up,
Olivia Saves the Circus
. Here Olivia finds that her favorite toy has gone missing, and in a film-noir setting, she explores the mystery. The solution - the family dog Perry has eaten her beloved plaything - proves rather mundane, but Olivia is capable of making a drama of anything. Fortunately, she's also capable of forgiveness...
Like its predecessors, I found Olivia and the Missing Toy absolutely hilarious! Ian Falconer has a real gift for capturing the simultaneously stubborn and sweet quality of his little piglet heroine, as well as the sometimes appalled, but always loving reactions of her very patient mother. The artwork, done in charcoal and gouache, captures all the little humorous details in the story, as well as adding some of its own. I particularly appreciated the use of a darker background, and a strategically placed candelabra, in the 'film noir' mystery sequence. All in all, another winner in this wonderful picture-book series! Recommended to anyone who has read and enjoyed the other Olivia books, or who is looking for children's stories featuring imaginative and somewhat madcap little girls.
Like its predecessors, I found Olivia and the Missing Toy absolutely hilarious! Ian Falconer has a real gift for capturing the simultaneously stubborn and sweet quality of his little piglet heroine, as well as the sometimes appalled, but always loving reactions of her very patient mother. The artwork, done in charcoal and gouache, captures all the little humorous details in the story, as well as adding some of its own. I particularly appreciated the use of a darker background, and a strategically placed candelabra, in the 'film noir' mystery sequence. All in all, another winner in this wonderful picture-book series! Recommended to anyone who has read and enjoyed the other Olivia books, or who is looking for children's stories featuring imaginative and somewhat madcap little girls.
June 7, 2022
I adore Olivia and my childhood self related a little too much to her.
August 21, 2008
I was disappointed by this Olivia outing. Part of what makes an Olivia story a proper Olivia story is that the story can be very disjointed as Olivia's short attention span jumps from topic to topic. Sometimes this can be very entertaining and humorous, but in this case it just wasn't very satisfying.
October 8, 2019
This is a very mild children's horror story (the horror is that a toy is destroyed). The characters, especially Olivia, have a lot of personality. The illustrations are imaginative, and are effective in evoking a sense of horror at a level that is appropriate for small children.
February 24, 2022
Here at the library this is "Olivia and the Missing Page" which led to some confusion on my part.
July 21, 2024
Olivia's toy is missing, and she looks for it. That's it.
The art is unattractive and even goes for straight-on horror for a few pages.
The only thing that made the book even remotely interesting was the expression on Olivia's mother's face when she dislikes what her husband is saying near the end of the story.
When I first read this book to my daughter back in 2005, she liked it more than I did, giving it a thumbs up.
The art is unattractive and even goes for straight-on horror for a few pages.
The only thing that made the book even remotely interesting was the expression on Olivia's mother's face when she dislikes what her husband is saying near the end of the story.
When I first read this book to my daughter back in 2005, she liked it more than I did, giving it a thumbs up.
December 3, 2023
Quite an improvement on the original. Still not without its flaws, but at least there was some real drama present
March 4, 2024
I read this to a class, and even they were confused by the message. Olivia comes across as spoiled and entitled. Not a good lesson for kids. If nothing else, it facilitated a conversation about how not to behave.
I added a star because the illustrations were interesting.
I added a star because the illustrations were interesting.
March 8, 2013
My son absolutely loves Olivia and the Missing Toy, as do I. Some reviewers have mentioned that they felt Olivia is spoiled and ungrateful in this book. I will admit that she is a bit high strung, however, we have taken it as a perfect opportunity to talk about just that sort of thing while reading the book. The sole purpose of reading to your child does not have to be getting from one cover to another. Books can be so much more than just words on paper.
I was especially attracted to the 12 part cartoon on the end papers of the book that show Olivia using tape to get her favorite bear to sit up. That little wordless story nicely sets the stage for the main event within.
To me the strength of the story was the Olivia takes the initiative to solve the problem of her missing toy . . . and then doesn't hold a grudge. The message is that things happen, but we shouldn't take them too seriously if we can repair matters. That's a good lesson for us all.
I was especially attracted to the 12 part cartoon on the end papers of the book that show Olivia using tape to get her favorite bear to sit up. That little wordless story nicely sets the stage for the main event within.
To me the strength of the story was the Olivia takes the initiative to solve the problem of her missing toy . . . and then doesn't hold a grudge. The message is that things happen, but we shouldn't take them too seriously if we can repair matters. That's a good lesson for us all.
November 11, 2025
It's Olivia, what can I say? But dammit, Perry, I was rooting for you. Review here!
July 27, 2015
1 January, 2004
I love Olivia, and the dark and stormy night of the story. Boos and hisses to the TV people for moving the family to the suburbs. I love a story about a chic urban pig family.
I love Olivia, and the dark and stormy night of the story. Boos and hisses to the TV people for moving the family to the suburbs. I love a story about a chic urban pig family.
June 13, 2017
About as cute as the original Olivia book. Dame Edna narrates this audiobook.
January 1, 2020
I just love Olivia!
January 15, 2020
Marked down because not quite up to the first. I didn't quite believe Olivia would of just thanked her Dad for saying they would buy her another toy tomorrow and forgive the dog by bedtime.
February 28, 2017
A distracted Olivia loses her toy and is distraught when she discovers the dog chewed it. Although she is behaving badly, young readers will find her high drama amusing. The visual humor adds much to this picture book while the satisfying ending redeems Olivia's overreactions.
Read
March 28, 2014Olivia is a young pig whose typical day consists of dealing with waiting for grown-ups, playing with household pets, reading books, & practicing piano. In this story right as her mother presents her with a newly sewn soccer shirt Olivia realizes that her favorite toy is missing. The search reveals that the dog has taken the toy and ripped it apart. Olivia has to deal with the disappointment, yet uses her creativity to fix the toy making it “all better”.
The Olivia series of picture books are made to stand out from other picture books in that all the images are black & white, with only red or green accent objects. The characters are also drawn fairly small in comparison to the page size, which creates a contrast that is visually appealing.
This book deals with a disappointment that seems catastrophic to Olivia. She is frustrated when her parent’s do not place the same level of importance that she does to the situation. As children read about Olivia’s experience, reaction to, and resolution of a bad situation they can see an example of how to deal with disappointing situations. Furthermore, discussion can take place about whether or not students/teacher believe Olivia handled her situation well.
While these pictures will be appealing to a wide age-range of students, it would best fit with second or third grade level independent readers.
The Olivia series of picture books are made to stand out from other picture books in that all the images are black & white, with only red or green accent objects. The characters are also drawn fairly small in comparison to the page size, which creates a contrast that is visually appealing.
This book deals with a disappointment that seems catastrophic to Olivia. She is frustrated when her parent’s do not place the same level of importance that she does to the situation. As children read about Olivia’s experience, reaction to, and resolution of a bad situation they can see an example of how to deal with disappointing situations. Furthermore, discussion can take place about whether or not students/teacher believe Olivia handled her situation well.
While these pictures will be appealing to a wide age-range of students, it would best fit with second or third grade level independent readers.
November 18, 2015
Children's series
Our feisty little piglet girl has talked her mother into making her a different colored soccer shirt, as the team's green isn't to her liking. The drawings of Olivia waiting and waiting and waiting (including a nap) while the new shirt is being sewn are delightful.
The drama begins when Olivia's favorite toy goes missing. Olivia looks in the house, high and low, and discovers the toy, but it has been tattered and is in pieces. She considers the suspects -- little brother Ian, baby brother William, the cat, or the dog. She solves the mystery and repairs the toy with sweet, heartwarming results.
This book includes an image of The Sphinx, from a photo by The Griffith Institute, Oxford, and a picture of Martha Graham, famous dancer, choreographer and author (thank you, Google). Both used by permission.
Other Olivia books contain famous photos (one of the U.S. Supreme Court justices), so the books weave in an array of real life information for children.
Our feisty little piglet girl has talked her mother into making her a different colored soccer shirt, as the team's green isn't to her liking. The drawings of Olivia waiting and waiting and waiting (including a nap) while the new shirt is being sewn are delightful.
The drama begins when Olivia's favorite toy goes missing. Olivia looks in the house, high and low, and discovers the toy, but it has been tattered and is in pieces. She considers the suspects -- little brother Ian, baby brother William, the cat, or the dog. She solves the mystery and repairs the toy with sweet, heartwarming results.
This book includes an image of The Sphinx, from a photo by The Griffith Institute, Oxford, and a picture of Martha Graham, famous dancer, choreographer and author (thank you, Google). Both used by permission.
Other Olivia books contain famous photos (one of the U.S. Supreme Court justices), so the books weave in an array of real life information for children.
October 24, 2016
1. Summary: Olivia loses her toy and runs around blaming everyone. It is obvious that Olivia is rather spoiled and her parents tell her that they will buy her a new toy and it will be much better. Olivia, however, only wanted her "very best toy". Olivia finds her toy but it is all torn to shreds..figure out who tears apart her very best toy!
2. grade level- k-1st
3.Subject area: No particular subject but could be used as a transition
4. Individual students who might benefit: Any student who is a fan of the "Olivia" books would enjoy this one.
5. Small group use: I think students would benefit more from this book as an individual read or read aloud.
6. I would like to use this book as a read aloud. I think it would be great for transitions or even talking about respect. I believe Olivia doesn't talk to her family as nicely as she should and doesn't have much manners. We could talk as a class some of the things Olivia did that wasn't okay and how we would speak to our parents differently.
7. Related books: "Olivia" "Olivia Saves the Circus" "Olivia and the Fairy Princess"
8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIx5A...
2. grade level- k-1st
3.Subject area: No particular subject but could be used as a transition
4. Individual students who might benefit: Any student who is a fan of the "Olivia" books would enjoy this one.
5. Small group use: I think students would benefit more from this book as an individual read or read aloud.
6. I would like to use this book as a read aloud. I think it would be great for transitions or even talking about respect. I believe Olivia doesn't talk to her family as nicely as she should and doesn't have much manners. We could talk as a class some of the things Olivia did that wasn't okay and how we would speak to our parents differently.
7. Related books: "Olivia" "Olivia Saves the Circus" "Olivia and the Fairy Princess"
8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIx5A...
February 28, 2011
The most important thing I can say about this is that if you're not a fan of the cartoon don't bother reading this. If you're not a fan of Olivia already the books probably won't make you one.
My daughter loves the cartoons so whenever we see a book we just have to get it. She liked this just as much as any other we've read and almost as much as any of the Olivia cartoons.
There are certain aspects to Olivia that you just can't grasp in one reading. The story itself is very much like watching the cartoon and it's actually partially the same. There is an episode where she wants a different colored shirt for her team uniform for example. Some kids will remember that of course which is a plus I think, it'll drag them right on it.
I love the illustrations - the coloring is startling to say the least.
My daughter loves the cartoons so whenever we see a book we just have to get it. She liked this just as much as any other we've read and almost as much as any of the Olivia cartoons.
There are certain aspects to Olivia that you just can't grasp in one reading. The story itself is very much like watching the cartoon and it's actually partially the same. There is an episode where she wants a different colored shirt for her team uniform for example. Some kids will remember that of course which is a plus I think, it'll drag them right on it.
I love the illustrations - the coloring is startling to say the least.
May 23, 2011
Olivia is probably my favorite female character in any children's book. The true magic here lies in Falconer's little touches. The disgruntled, slightly frustrated look on her mother's face as she deals with her daughter's short attention span. The clueless father as he emerges from his paper just long enough to offer a solution that hinders more than it helps. Her two younger brothers as they alternatively cower before her brief flashes of (quite potent) anger. Falconer really understands the dynamics of not only what makes these things funny, but how families really work.
As for the story what can I say? Next to the first Olivia book this is probably my favorite and ranks just slightly above Olivia Saves the Circus. Definitely a must have for any collector.
As for the story what can I say? Next to the first Olivia book this is probably my favorite and ranks just slightly above Olivia Saves the Circus. Definitely a must have for any collector.
November 9, 2012
My 8 year old brought Olivia and the Missing Toy home from the library one day. I'll be honest, upon seeing it, I thought, "What in the world was she thinking? That looks something for preschoolers drawn by kindergartners."
But I was wrong. The author managed to create a book that can entertain younger children with the simplicity of the plot and the silliness of the drawings, but that has enough going on that even second-graders who can read to themselves could find the humor in it. And I admit that I snorted a few laughs at the various parents-will-understand moments throughout the book.
An excellent read-out-loud to younger kids (for the parent and the child!), and a funny read for 1st and 2nd graders.
But I was wrong. The author managed to create a book that can entertain younger children with the simplicity of the plot and the silliness of the drawings, but that has enough going on that even second-graders who can read to themselves could find the humor in it. And I admit that I snorted a few laughs at the various parents-will-understand moments throughout the book.
An excellent read-out-loud to younger kids (for the parent and the child!), and a funny read for 1st and 2nd graders.
December 1, 2022
Like usual, Olivia will either appear feisty or bratty, depending on the reader and their standards. However, the story is certainly entertaining, with dramatic, emotionally expressive illustrations and a strong plot. I like the ending, in which Olivia .
September 30, 2019
Tummasävyinen Olivia-tarina, jossa tarina etenee kummallisten kuvioiden kautta lelun katoamiseen! Paikoitellen jopa synkäksi luettava kuvitus toi omanlaisiaan säväyksiä tarinaan.
Kuopus valitsi tämän kirjan luettavaksi, mutta mielenkiinto ei tuntunut pysyvän yllä kuuntelussa.
Kuopus valitsi tämän kirjan luettavaksi, mutta mielenkiinto ei tuntunut pysyvän yllä kuuntelussa.
March 24, 2008
A favorite children's book character and partly responsible for my daughter's name.
August 5, 2008
The Olivia series in general is really cute - but some of these books depict less than gentle parenting. This book avoids that while being funny for the adult.
January 31, 2022
The Olivia books will make children of all ages squeal with delight.
March 7, 2018
Summary:
Olivia…and the Missing Toy, is just what the title says Oliva and her missing toy. Olivia misses her toy after her mother finishes her new soccer jersey, and she cannot remember where she put it. Olivia looked everywhere for her missing toy. We later find out, the dog at her toy and tore it into little pieces. Olivia had a break down and was not fulfilled until she put her favorite toy back together.
Major theme of the story:
The major theme of Olivia…and the Missing Toy, is to take a deep breath if something is not going your way, and it will all be better soon.
Personal response:
One of my favorite parts of the Olivia Series is the illustrations especially with Olivia's red outfit and most things black and white. It allows for Olivia to stand out in the book and the pictures. I love the different fonts included in this book, I believe it emphasizes Olivia's panic attack and her emotions. I remember reading this book to my little brother when he was younger because Olivia has a little brother and I felt like we could relate to it. Overall, I love this book and think it is well written and well-illustrated.
Recommendation of this book:
I definitely recommend this book, I believe it teaches children that everything will be okay even though their favorite toy may be destroyed. It also can teach children and show children that if they want something really bad, they will have to look for it and help fix it if it is not the way it was before.
Olivia…and the Missing Toy, is just what the title says Oliva and her missing toy. Olivia misses her toy after her mother finishes her new soccer jersey, and she cannot remember where she put it. Olivia looked everywhere for her missing toy. We later find out, the dog at her toy and tore it into little pieces. Olivia had a break down and was not fulfilled until she put her favorite toy back together.
Major theme of the story:
The major theme of Olivia…and the Missing Toy, is to take a deep breath if something is not going your way, and it will all be better soon.
Personal response:
One of my favorite parts of the Olivia Series is the illustrations especially with Olivia's red outfit and most things black and white. It allows for Olivia to stand out in the book and the pictures. I love the different fonts included in this book, I believe it emphasizes Olivia's panic attack and her emotions. I remember reading this book to my little brother when he was younger because Olivia has a little brother and I felt like we could relate to it. Overall, I love this book and think it is well written and well-illustrated.
Recommendation of this book:
I definitely recommend this book, I believe it teaches children that everything will be okay even though their favorite toy may be destroyed. It also can teach children and show children that if they want something really bad, they will have to look for it and help fix it if it is not the way it was before.
April 11, 2018
This book is all about Olivia trying to find her missing toy.It starts out with Olivia wanting her mom to change her soccer uniform from green to red. When her mom comes in to show her the new uniform, Olivia then realizes her toy is missing. She starts to scream and get so upset when she can't find it. When she raises her voice, the words are in all caps and bold font. She looks under the rug, the couch, the cat, and screams at both of her little brothers. On her journey, she walks through dark halls while a thunderstorm is happening outside. She then finds her toy being destroyed by her dog. Then Olivia cries and tells her parents what happened and her dad tells her he will buy her a brand new toy. This book is long, rectangular, thin and short. The colors in this book are white, red, black, and green. It uses pastels and is a lot thicker illustrations. Red means passionate and fun of energy and all of Olivias clothes are red and Olivia is full of spunk. Black means scary and in those scenes of trying to find her toy its like a stereotypical scary movie scene. There is a piano she's playing and then the storm brewing outside. This book is so funny and very entertaining. A child will definitely feel excitement and suspense as they read this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 271 reviews