In this week’s episode of Online Storytime, comedic actress and Saturday Night Live alum Ana Gasteyer reads her good friend Ian Falconer’s beloved children’s book, Olivia.
Olivia is particularly unique in the world of children’s picture books because of its stark minimalism. Inspired by the similar style of Dr. Seuss, Falconer chose to create uncluttered images in black and white with the occasional splash of red. His story was equally minimal, describing the antics of a hyperactive piglet who tests her mother’s patience by belting out songs, drawing on the walls, dancing, and…well… acting like a kid.
The character of Olivia — a precocious little pig who loves fashion, ballet, opera, and getting her own way — is based on Falconer’s real-life niece.
“She’s not really a bratty character but she does get away with a lot,” Falconer says of his creation. “She manages to do what she wants, create havoc and sort of gets away with it, because whatever she’s doing, it’s also kind of interesting. I think Olivia could possibly be a little more thoughtful of others, but she’d be not nearly as much fun.”
What books did you most love hearing aloud as a kid?
What books do you love reading aloud to your own children?