Tools for this page
Print

Olivia

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version
    Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 3; suggested age 4.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Precocious pig offers positive messages for preschoolers.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 4 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Olivia uses creativity and imagination to solve the problems she encounters with her family and friends. Her adventures have positive messages about self-confidence, patience, honesty, and respect.

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    The show is based on a popular series of books, so young fans may want to check them out. (But there's nothing wrong with that!)
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.

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?
Did this review help you decide?

Will your kids tune in?

Have you seen it? Review It!

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.

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

What did you think about Olivia?

or

to post a review

See all 7 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Olivia provides good role models for boys and girls

    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.

  2. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • 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. :)

  3. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title off for age 4 and give it 1.0

    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.

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 3.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational

    I like it

    Nothing bad. No in-your-face talk.

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title off for age 2 and give it 1.0

    hidden raciam

    francine lies

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Avatar

    Avatar

    Action-heavy epic has dazzling effects, familiar story.

  • Tech Tip

    What parents need to know.YouTube and Your Kid

    What parents need to know.

  • Book of the Week

    All the World

    All the World

    Endearing art, rhythmic poem celebrate the flow of life.

  • Pick of the Week

    Sites for Haiti

    Sites for Haiti

    Help kids get involved.

  • Download This

    Pickin' & Grinnin': Great Folk Songs for Kids

    Pickin' & Grinnin': Great Folk Songs for Kids

    Fantastic folk favorites perfect for family road trips.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name