Sunday, March 12, 2023

Ian Falconer 1959 - 2023

 


“I never underestimate children: they’re built to sort things out, figure things out, make sense of things.” —
from a 2012 interview for Publisher’s Weekly


Ian Falconer is a painter and illustrator and Olivia was his first children’s book.  Since the debut of Olivia in 2000, Ian Falconer has gone on to write and illustrate more than 10 books in the Olivia series.  Falconer has also illustrated for The New Yorker magazine and designed costumes and sets for the theatre.  The characters of Olivia and Ian who appear in this book are based on Falconers own niece and nephew.

I was so sad to read this week that Ian Falconer had died. His Olivia books hold a special place in my heart. Here is his obituary


About Olivia: Ian Falconer wrote and illustrated this hilarious story about a precocious little pig.  His illustrations are simple and, with the exception of the color red used for impact, are done all in black and white.  Some pages are filled with Olivia dressing in various clothing outfits trying to decide on what to wear for the day, while other pages are dominated by a single large illustration of a sand castle or painting.  The illustrations compliment the text as they are both sparse and contain a quirky deadpan comedy. Children's Award winners








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