I have to disagree with the reviewer who said the Olivia books are stupid. They are actually very clever and Olivia, while a tad impatient with her brother (hardly an unrealistic situation), is a good-hearted, intelligent and creative character. As role models go, I think she is very good. She has many interests, has tenacity and is never afraid to try new things. As a precocious youngster, she appeals to both boys and girls. She gets into mischief occasionally, but that is part of childhood. She learns from her mistakes and her family supports her and shows kids that no matter what, their parents will love them. Unlike the case with many other programs for children, Olivia's father provides a good male role model. He is involved with his children to a far greater degree than in the books. Overall, this show is a winner.
Olivia
(Rated TV-Y, Children, cartoons, & animation, Starring Emily Gray, Michael Van Citters, Brianna McCracken, Where to watch: Nickelodeon, DVD)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Precocious pig offers positive messages for preschoolers.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 4 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
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Sexy stuff:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Olivia was written by Emily Ashby
Parents need to know that this engaging animated show for preschoolers is based on a series of best-selling books by Ian Falconer. If your kids are already familiar with Olivia's escapades, they'll be delighted to see her in this new form, and newcomers will be inspired to check out Falconer's stories after watching her in action. Adventurous Olivia has plenty of positive messages for kids about friendship, self-confidence, and the joys and responsibilities of being a sibling, and she demonstrates that imagination is a reliable tool in working through the issues kids face in everyday life.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about solving problems. What problems did Olivia have to work out? How did they affect her and her family and friends? How did she work to solve them? Was everyone happy in the end? Have you had any problems like that? How did your solutions compare to Olivia's? Families can also discuss how the series compares to the books. How does the animated Olivia compare to the one you imagine when you read her stories? Does seeing her on TV change how you imagine her in books now? What are some of your other favorite shows that are also book series?
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More on Olivia
What’s the Story?
One of preschoolers' favorite literary characters comes to life in OLIVIA, which follows the adventures of a spunky young pig with a big imagination. Based on the award-winning books by Ian Falconer, the show centers on an irrepressible 6-year-old named Olivia (voiced by Emily Gray) who finds that many of the pint-sized woes she encounters with family and friends can be resolved with a little imagination and a lot of heart. While her daydreams take her to the far reaches of the world, Olivia always returns home with a fresh outlook on the day's problem and a sense of confidence that the solution is within her grasp.
Is It Any Good?
This precocious pig has plenty to offer her young viewers, who will delight in her creativity and humor and will relate to the troubles she has with peers and her two younger brothers. Although Olivia's imagination plays a big role in helping her solve problems, the outcome is always realistic enough for kids to apply to their own lives, and the stories include positive messages about self-confidence, patience, and friendship.
Happily, the show stays true not only to Falconer's original stories but also to his beautiful illustrations. Fans who already know and love Olivia and her friends will find that the transition from print to screen in no way lessens the quality of these stories and characters, and those meeting Olivia for the first time are sure to appreciate this chance to visit the books' world.
Our Members Say
See all 7 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 4 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Olivia provides good role models for boys and girls
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I rate this title on for age 4 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
Wonderful show for Kids!
I think this is a great show that should stay on Nick Jr. It is educational, fun, and displays a good role model for children. I hope the show stays longer for my kid to see. :)
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I rate this title off for age 4 and give it
Bossy Pig
I think Olivia is mean to her brother and often annoyed by him. This show does not foster great sibling relationships. Also, her mother asks her to do things, and she complains and doesn't always listen. This pig is a bossy spoiled role model.
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I rate this title on for age 4 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
I like it
Nothing bad. No in-your-face talk.
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I rate this title off for age 2 and give it
hidden raciam
francine lies
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Ratings at a Glance
| 67% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 67% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 33% | of parents say it's educational |
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