Olivia Counts
(Olivia)

PreS-In Counts, sketches in charcoal and gouache depict the piglet with one ball, two bows, three pots of paint, etc., up to a final spread of 10, with Olivia performing different stunts and in different outfits or accessories. In Opposites, she wears a long evening dress and a short tutu; is intimidated by a loud lion before bellowing back; appears in a plain pair of red briefs, then is decked out with fancy red heels, bows, lipstick, and jewelry. Of the two, Opposites is totally engaging; Counts is an additional choice for young fans.-Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY Copyright 2002 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Children's NOTES Learn with Olivia What better way for toddlers to learn the basics than with two board books starring Ian Falconer's Olivia? Youngsters start with one ball at the beach (in the signature red-and-white stripes) and finish with ten Olivias jumping rope, doing handstands and sprawling on a beach towel in Olivia Counts. A red numeral accompanies each scene. In Olivia's Opposites she demonstrates word pairs with comic flair (for instance, she models a scarlet evening gown for long and a red tutu for short). Both feature b&w and red illustrations from Falconer's Caldecott Honor book, Olivia, and its companion, Olivia Saves the Circus. (June) Copyright 2002 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.