Finally recovered from the holidays (except for those pesky top-of-the-cupboard decorations), I’m getting back on track with my children’s book features. I’m also catching up on a little reading, including an entire month’s worth of the Sunday New York Times. I was surprised to discover this review of “Olivia Goes to Venice” in the January 16 edition of the New York Times Book Review.
I have to admit, I had been feeling a tad guilty about my criticisms of Ian Falconer’s most recent title. Especially considering that everything else that had been written about the book after its publication was immediate and unquestioning praise. So, who was I to knock Falconer’s exuberant use of color and photography?
Well, I’ve finally found someone who agrees with me. Journalism Jessica Bruder writes:
“Olivia’s new worldliness, however, comes at a price. The old Olivia was a D.I.Y. darling. She relied on creativity and pluck to create the fabulous scenes of her dreams. She tamed lions in ‘Olivia Saves the Circus’ and pulled together a cacophonous, one-pig orchestra in ‘Olivia Forms a Band.’ But in ‘Olivia Goes to Venice,’ she consumes, rather than creates, the world around her. So it’s hard to hear her growing litany of demands, as well as the ‘edge of hysteria in her voice’ when she begs, ‘Oh, please — Oh, Please, Mother — can’t we live in a palazzo on the Grand Canal?'”
Going on a Book Hunt 
I agree. I really prefer the original Olivia and Olivia and the Missing Toy to the others as well. I believe that Falconer’s talent as an illustrator has helped him overcome his less brilliant and clever stories. I believe that he had great ideas with the other titles, but they lacked something….I don’t know how to say it except for I was just left wanting more. But I feel guilty for any less than positive remarks too because I don’t have a bestselling children’s book on the market…yet. 😉 I am a mom and educator. I guess that should count for something!!!
I was so relieved to read your review of Olivia Goes to Venice…somehow I missed the NYT review but after I read this book I read the reviews-SLJ PW, Horn Book, and was very disappointed that it received such rave reviews. When I read it I was so sad that Olivia was f risked for guns and she enjoyed it and then she stole a brick and wrecked havoc in Venice. I know many a child that would take that as a nod to taking something from the next landmark they visit-I feel that lately many picture books are marketed for preschool + but not written with their emotional and social development in mind. Thanks for your review. Julie Watkins Librarian, MD