While these pictures will be appealing to a wide age-range of students, it would best fit with second or third grade level independent readers. Furthermore, discussion can take place about whether or not students/teacher believe Olivia handled her situation well. As children read about Olivia’s experience, reaction to, and resolution of a bad situation they can see an example of how to deal with disappointing situations. She is frustrated when her parent’s do not place the same level of importance that she does to the situation. This book deals with a disappointment that seems catastrophic to Olivia. The characters are also drawn fairly small in comparison to the page size, which creates a contrast that is visually appealing. The Olivia series of picture books are made to stand out from other picture books in that all the images are black & white, with only red or green accent objects. Olivia has to deal with the disappointment, yet uses her creativity to fix the toy making it “all better”. The search reveals that the dog has taken the toy and ripped it apart.

In this story right as her mother presents her with a newly sewn soccer shirt Olivia realizes that her favorite toy is missing.

Olivia is a young pig whose typical day consists of dealing with waiting for grown-ups, playing with household pets, reading books, & practicing piano.

All in all, another winner in this wonderful picture-book series! Recommended to anyone who has read and enjoyed the other Olivia books, or who is looking for children's stories featuring imaginative and somewhat madcap little girls. I particularly appreciated the use of a darker background, and a strategically placed candelabra, in the 'film noir' mystery sequence. The artwork, done in charcoal and gouache, captures all the little humorous details in the story, as well as adding some of its own. Like its predecessors, I found Olivia and the Missing Toy absolutely hilarious! Ian Falconer has a real gift for capturing the simultaneously stubborn and sweet quality of his little piglet heroine, as well as the sometimes appalled, but always loving reactions of her very patient mother. Fortunately, she's also capable of forgiveness. The solution - the family dog Perry has eaten her beloved plaything - proves rather mundane, but Olivia is capable of making a drama of anything. Here Olivia finds that her favorite toy has gone missing, and in a film-noir setting, she explores the mystery. Hyperactive porcine wonder Olivia returns in this third picture-book devoted to her hilarious adventures, following upon the Caldecott Honor-winning Olivia, and the fun follow-up, Olivia Saves the Circus.

Olivia and the missing toy book