Olivia Helps with Christmas

Hyperactive porcine heroine Olivia returns in this fifth picture-book devoted to her continuing adventures, this time "helping" her family prepare for Christmas, as she eagerly awaits the arrival of Santa Claus. Whether it's detangling the Christmas tree lights, or setting the table for dinner, Olivia has her own way of doings things - a way that often leads to hilarity. In the end, despite some missteps, Christmas in Olivia's family is full of love and warmth...

Author/illustrator Ian Falconer continues to demonstrate an almost flawless grasp of picture-book creation in Olivia Helps with Christmas, which pairs beautiful and humorous artwork with an engaging, entertaining tale. Anyone who recalls the eager anticipation they felt, in the show more days leading up to Christmas, will recognize a bit of themselves in Olivia, as she continually keeps a look-out for Santa Claus. I found myself giggling at many of the scenes here, whether it was of Olivia helplessly tangled up in the lights - I've struggled to deal with Christmas tree lights myself! - or of the family dog Perry eating the treats left out for Santa. Recommended to anyone who has read and enjoyed other stories about Olivia, as well as to anyone looking for fun Christmas tales that capture the childhood magic of the holiday. show less

This is a great holiday book for all ages - it's simple enough to keep our 1-year-old engaged, snarky enough to entertain our 11-year-old, and funny enough to make my husband and I laugh. We read it this year for the first time as part of our Books for Advent Calendar and we're keeping this one in the mix for next year.

I think I am officially sold on the Olivia series. The first time I tried reading this book, I had two squirming, squabbling toddlers on my lap (one on each leg). Needless to say, it was difficult to be open-minded about any equally mischievous heroine when every other thing you say starts with "Wait! No! That's a bad idea!" However, having now read several of the Olivia books, I have decided that they are wonderful, humorous, intricate books worthy of attention. The Christmas installment is particularly adorable, as it is related to so many children and parents, particularly with how it handles Santa.

The Olivia series is one of my children's favorites and this Christmas installment doesn't disappoint. We are given the usual Olivia experience, but with a helping of Holiday cheer.

From her long pointy ears, to her spicy little attitude, Olivia is absolutely delightful! The illustrations are always entertaining and beautifully done, the storylines are humorous and entertaining. We love Olivia!

Like always, Ian Falconer tells an imaginative tale full of cute little scenes and real to life circumstances. In this case, Olivia does everything she can to help her family prepare for Christmas. She feeds the baby (that makes him sick), she untangles the Christmas lights (after needing help getting herself untangled), she sets the table, and finally Christmas comes. The next day is spent playing with their new toys and wearing themselves out. I like this story because it is how every child who celebrates Christmas reacts on Christmas Day. It is typical behavior, and relatable for children. The beauty with Ian Falconer’s illustrations is the way he mixes his mediums. He uses both photographs and rough sketches to and images to his show more stories. They add a certain level of realism and whimsy that intrigue readers.

Details: This book was written to interest children in grades K-3 and is on a 2.3 reading level. show less

Very cute book that I could read to my class for fun around Christmas time. I enjoyed this book because I see it being very relate-able to children on Christmas eve. With the helping to pass time, the sleepless night, the worries and the morning rush. And Olivia still doesn't lose her girl power, even during Christmas time.

Olivia helps her family get ready for Christmas, she worries Santa won't come, but on Christmas morning she gets a surprise. Great read-aloud book for younger children ages 2-5. Cute pictures and a nice story make this a good book.