Olivia by Ian Falconer

Olivia follows the exploits of Falconer's neice of the same name. It's hilarious, for both adults and kids alike. Olivia is so every-child, you can see your own child in her. E.g. she likes to sing 40 very loud songs, she thinks she can replicate Jackson Pollock's art work and spatters her wall with paint, and at the end of her very busy day, her mother says, "you know, you really tire me out but I love you anyway." Falconer manages to convey her larger-than-life personality with vivid facial and other non-verbal expressions, and that makes it all the funnier.

Art

Scattered throughout the Olivia books are reproductions of famous art works (like Jackson Pollock's mentioned above), which are a good and easy introduction for children to the world of art. If you wish, they can serve as a launch-pad for further discussion with your child on the specific work, or genre. The example above could start off a discussion for you on how the work evokes the feelings and colours of autumn, and perhaps an exploration of the genre of modern art. 

Falconer illustrates the books in monochrome and red, and this too could be an art discussion about how the use of minimal colours enhances appreciation of other aspects of the work. You and your child could practice your own monochrome drawings with colours for highlights. This helps them think through exactly what they want to say through their art.

Lastly, Falconer designs sets and costumes for American ballet companies and opera houses. His talent and background here are put to good use in the book Teatro Olivia, which is actually a beautifully designed stage set with Olivia and Ian dolls. It's great for kids to boost their imagination and play-acting skills (rather than passive tv), but perhaps not for kids under 3 unless you don't mind them tearing the sets and dolls. :)