Olivia Helps with Christmas (Olivia Series) | Perfectly captures holiday atmosphere

Olivia Helps with Christmas (Olivia Series) | Olivia's Charm Continues

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Olivia Helps with ...

	Olivia Helps with Christmas (Olivia Series) Atheneum, 2007 - 58 pages average customer review:based on 37 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Perfectly captures holiday atmosphere

This is this is an excellent book, full of Ian Falconer's witty and beautifully executed drawings. The author perfectly captures the holiday atmosphere with Olivia in the middle of all the preparations. The drawings themselves are beautifully rendered with new techniques unseen in earlier books, and the rich red cover with an embossed title makes this the perfect holiday gift. To make your gift more substantial, you may add to it books from the series Why Some Cats are Rascals.

Olivia's Charm Continues

While this book is less plot-driven than the most recent Olivia books, the vignettes around the Christmas season retain Olivia's trademark mischievous charm that drives both children and adults to read the books again and again. The book is enjoyable throughout, and there are even two or three pages when I laughed out loud the first time through. My impression is that the book is somewhat longer than previous books--with two four page fold-outs thrown in. Definitely a lot of Olivia bang for your children's book buck.

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Great Stocking Stuffer!!

Was just thinking how great a stocking stuffer this book would be for kids. With the holidays fast approaching, I'm starting to compile my shopping list. Books have always been my favorite stocking stuffer. Much better than the mindless toys and trinkets most people give.

Searched [...] bestsellers for each category and here are some stocking stuffer suggestions...

For Baby Boomers: "You: Staying Young: The Owner's Manual for Extending Your Warranty (You)"

For College Students: "How To Ace Your Way Through College and Still Have a Life"

For Young Girls: "The Daring Book for Girls"

For Young Boys: "Star Wars: A Pop-Up Guide to the Galaxy"

For Moms with Small Children: "Deceptively Delicious: Simple Secrets to Get Your Kids Eating Good Food"

For Working Women: "Women & Money: Owning the Power to Control Your Destiny"

For Men: "Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, & Priorities of a Winning Life"

For Entrepreneurs: "The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich"

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Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Stand-Bys . . . Olivia Style

"Twas the day before Christmas, Olivia and her family had been out all morning, busy with last-minute shopping." The story moves on from there into a series of vignettes as her father carries Ian and a tree into the house while her mother carries William and a huge stack of colorful packages.

"Olivia was exhausted, yet there was still so much to do." Olivia orders her father and Ian to put the tree up while she feeds William some yummy blueberry pie (and you can guess what happens next).

Next, Olivia begins studying the fireplace, impatiently waiting for Santa. To distract her, Olivia's mother asks Olivia to untangle the Christmas tree lights . . . which isn't such a good idea. After finishing the tree, the three children stare out the window looking for Santa.

Olivia asks her if she can help set the table. Her mother is at first impressed to see the originality of the table, until she considers what else might have happened.

After dinner, the family sings carols, and Olivia lets out a big "Gloria." Then, the stockings are hung with care by the fireplace and a snack is left out for Santa. Now, it's time for bed.

But a sound on the roof awakens Olivia. Too bad it's not Santa!

The next morning brings snow, presents, full stockings, and a missing snack for Santa.

After a quick breakfast, there's time to open presents. Olivia gives her parents a huge present that they'll never forget.

Afterwards, the kids take their snow gear outside to play.

On Christmas night, they light a fire and Olivia later goes to sleep dreaming of wonderful things.

As you can see, this story is more about the Christmas experience of a child who doesn't attend religious services than it is about Olivia's special qualities and humor about her. But I'm sure that all Olivia fans will be glad they have a chance to enjoy the gentle good times in this book.

The illustrations are rich and vivid. In a number of places, there are folded over pages to complete the continuity of a scene or story.

You'll be humming Jingle Bells long before you end this book.

Merry Christmas to all!

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Great Xmas Book