Olivia Goes to Venice
written and illustrated by Ian Falconer
Call Number E FAL
Olivia is back and this time she and her family go on vacation in Venice. The latest in the Olivia series is once again a book both children and adults can enjoy.
Falconer briefly pokes fun at airport security by having Olivia searched for weapons by two TSA agents. Olivia smiled and was “very pleased.” Olivia is so exhausted after the flight that she does not notice the beautiful view outside her hotel window. After a night at the hotel, Olivia and her family tour the sites of Venice, frequently stopping to purchase gelato (Italian ice cream). Olivia is so enamored of the palazzos off the Grand Canal that she wants to live in one. The family takes a gondola ride on the second day of the trip. Later, Olivia searches for the perfect souvenir, with disastrous consequences.
The beautiful illustrations incorporate stylized photos of Venice and give the story a sense of place. Falconer also captures jet lag in a hilarious illustration of Olivia sleeping at the hotel by drawing x’s for Olivia’s eyes. Falconer’s depiction of the number of pigeons at Piazza San Marco is spot-on (see illustration below).
Olivia’s latest adventure is once again a pleasure to read. It reminded me of my trip to Venice several years ago.
Simon and Schuster created a brief video in which Ian Falconer discusses the inspiration for Olivia Goes to Venice:
Reviewed by Margaret Ballard
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