Vivian Walsh (author) facts for kids
Vivian Walsh is an American author who writes fun books for children. She is famous for her best-selling book Olive, the Other Reindeer. This story is based on her real-life dog, a Jack Russell Terrier named Olive! Olive's adventures even became an animated TV special, where the famous actress Drew Barrymore voiced Olive. The TV show was made by Matt Groening, who also created The Simpsons.
Contents
The Story of Vivian Walsh
How Her Books Began
Vivian Walsh once lived in New York City. She noticed that the people around her, and even the characters in her early books, were very dedicated to their work. For example, her Mr. Lunch book series starts with the line, "Mr. Lunch was very good at chasing birds, in fact he was a professional." Mr. Lunch is a hardworking dog who even runs an office for chasing birds! Another book, Monkey Business, is about the first monkey to go into space. Later in the story, this monkey grows up to be a very successful business owner.
New Ideas in San Francisco
When Vivian Walsh moved to San Francisco, her books started to explore a new idea. She began writing about different kinds of characters getting along, even with their differences. In her book Gluey, a fast bunny and a slow snail become housemates. They are the fastest and slowest animals in the meadow, but they learn to live together!
Working with an Artist
Vivian Walsh has often worked with the artist J. Otto Seibold. Together, they have created many popular books. Their book Penguin Dreams was even named a "Best Illustrated Book" by the New York Times. Another book, Mr. Lunch Takes a Plane Ride, won a special award called a Cuffie Award from Publishers Weekly. Mr. Lunch was chosen as the most memorable main character! And of course, Olive, the Other Reindeer was a New York Times Bestseller. The animated movie based on the book was even considered for a big TV award called an Emmy Award.
Books You Can Read
- Mr. Lunch Takes a Plane Ride (1993)
- Mr. Lunch Borrows a Canoe (1994)
- Monkey Business (1995)
- Free Lunch (1996)
- Going to the Getty (1997)
- Olive, The Other Reindeer (1997)
- Penguin Dreams (1999)
- Gluey (2002)
- Olive, My Love (2004)
- June and August (2009)
On Television
- Olive, the Other Reindeer (1999) Fox Films, see IMDb
