Olivia

The Olivia book series, by Ian Falconer, is popular with young girls.  Six-year-old Olivia is a self-assured little girl (pig) who is imaginative and adventurous.  The books have been made into a TV series on Nick Jr.  Some shows are also available on DVD and iTunes.  Each episode has two mini shows each about 12 minutes.  It’s great for short viewing stints.  The best thing about Olivia is its promotion of imaginative play, friendship, and family.  Even better, there is no moralizing at the end of every episode.  No sappy music playing behind a touching parent-daughter teachable moment (think Full House).  Olivia is a positive role model just by being Olivia.   She loves camping, soccer, ballet, painting, animals, surfing, reading, etc.  Little girls will identify with Olivia’s endless imagination and creativity.   In one episode, Olivia makes a huge model of the solar system.  In another, her grandmother teaches her to surf. 

It’s the little things that make Olivia all-around great for girls; things you might not even notice.  Olivia is helping her mom stir up veggie loaf and says its her favorite food.  She and her friends are often showed drinking milk.  At the grocery store, Olivia and her family are always shown in the produce isle.  Olivia knows how to pick out a ripe watermelon.   Olivia doesn’t complain about taking a bath.  The only thing she might teach your daughter that you don’t like is how to bargain.  Olivia always bargains with her mom about how many books to read at night.  “Five”  “No, Olivia, three.” “How about four?”  “Ok, four.”  Abbey seemed to pick up on this right away!

My favorite Olivia moment will illustrate why this is a great show for young girls.  My favorite Olivia moment came in the episode 'Olivia Takes Ballet'.  She is tossing a football in her yard with her little “bother”, Ian, and her uncle.  He throws the ball to Ian and says "are you going to play football when you grow up?" and Ian says, "Yes!"  Then he throws the ball to Olivia (who is dressed in a red tutu for the ballet) and asks her the same question.  The situation is just ripe for a "girl-y" response about who plays football and what sports are acceptable for girls and what is acceptable for boys. Instead, Olivia says, "I think I'd rather be the coach, then I could tell the players what to do.  Or maybe I'll be an owner, then I could tell everyone what to do!"  Classic Olivia.