A new and unexpected heroine emerges with the irresistible Olivia. Olivia is a spunky little pig with an abundance of energy and enthusiasm. Her daily activities -- singing the loudest of songs, creating art on walls, and building skyscrapers -- do not tire her in the least. Rather, when it is time for bed, she asks for a plethora of books to be read! Olivia's mom, on the other hand, is drained. Parents and kids alike will marvel at Olivia's abounding energy -- and her mom's abounding patience and love.

Readers will be equally enchanted with the book's illustrations. Using simple black and white with splashes of red may sound a bit harsh for a child's eyes, but simplicity, detail, and humor go a long way. Olivia appears at the beginning of the book standing and listening to headphones that are bright red. She then dresses herself in a very smart sailor dress that is, yes, red. Throughout the story, Olivia is shown engaging in her many activities, of which the only colored highlight is a shade of red. Perhaps this serves to counter the active and supercharged (but lovable!) antics of Miss Olivia. In any case, it just works -- wonderfully. Favorite images include Olivia visiting the museum with her mom and brother. Standing in front of a Jackson Pollack painting she declares, "I could do that in about five minutes." And when she she gets home, she gives it a go with some crayons and her bedroom wall. Olivia, you're one heck of a pig.



.