OLIVIA: THE AUDIO COLLECTION Olivia; Olivia and the Missing Toy; Olivia Forms a Band; Olivia Saves the Circus; Olivia Helps with Christmas

Olivia is a precocious and exhausting big sister piglet with an extraordinary imagination and the stamina to go with it. These five stories are read by Australian comedian Barry Humphries in the exaggerated posh accent of his Dame Edna persona—which certainly suits the piglet's over-the-top antics. The most effective and spectacular events in these stories are told in the detailed illustrations, sometime double or triple spreads, which elaborate on the sparse and understated text. So while each story is accompanied by splendid piano music played by Peter Minton to fill in the many wordless sections of the illustrations, the pictures provide humorous sequences with details the listener will enjoy. Those wanting the full Olivia impact should pick up the books at the local library. R.H.H. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2009]