Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this book features pig protagonist Olivia being her usual independent, creative -- but not necessarily obedient -- self. The Olivia brand includes other books, dolls, a cookie kit, etc.
Families can use this 4th of July story to talk about how they'll celebrate the holiday. The may also be inspired to try the activities shown in the book: planning a picnic or even forming a family band. Parents may also want to use Olivia's bad example to remind their kids why it's important to clean up after they've finished an activity.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kate Pavao
This is a rather meandering story about a spirited swine who decides to form a band to help celebrate the 4th of July. But by the time it's dark enough to actually see the fireworks, Olivia has moved on.
She tries on lipstick, sees the fireworks with her family, and goes to sleep dreaming of being on the Supreme Court. The only reference to the band in the latter part of the book comes when her mother trips on the instruments Olivia has neglected to put away.
It's Olivia's spunky, childlike energy -- not the storyline -- that makes this book so enjoyable (choosing the perfect outfit is her final step in creating her one-girl band). That and the stylish illustrations, that is.
This Olivia installment blends Falconer's trademark black, white, and red with aqua flourishes. Parents and kids alike will crack up at the images of Olivia donning lipstick and admiring herself in the mirror, or the parting shot of an illustrated Olivia sitting amongst a photo of the Supreme Court justices.
All in all, this is a charming installment in the Olivia collection.
From The Book
"When are the fireworks going to start?" asked Olivia.
"When it gets dark," explained her mother.
"When will it be dark?"
"Soon, sweetheart."
"Is it dark yet?"
"Almost. Be patient."
"Now is it dark?"
Plot Summary:
It's the 4th of July, and Olivia wants to start a band. When no one else in her family wants to join, she becomes a one-girl show. Of course, when it's finally time to go see the fireworks, she has lost interest.
Related Books:
Other Olivia Books
Olivia
Olivia Saves the Circus
Olivia and the Missing Toy
Other Prize Pigs
Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo
Charlotte's Web by E. B. White
Digger Pig and the Turnip by Caron Cohen
Babe the Gallant Pig by Dick King-Smith
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