Olivia Goes to Venice
#6 in Olivia Series
on Goodreads (1,598)
What’s inside...
In her first brand new adventure in three years, Olivia takes her discerning eye for style to beautiful Venice on a family vacation that involves dodging pigeons in the Piazza San Marco, gorging on gelato, and barely staying afloat in a gondola. This is sure to be a trip to remember!
Character compass
Olivia
Olivia'S Mom
Discussion points
What do you think Olivia felt when she first saw Venice? Can you describe a time you felt the same way?
Olivia tries many new things in Venice. What's something new you'd like to try?
Why do you think Olivia took so many souvenirs? What souvenirs would you like to bring back from a special trip?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in our hometown instead of Venice?
What did Olivia learn from her trip to Venice? What did you learn from the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their experiences with Olivia's, fostering a deeper connection with the character and her adventures.
Use open-ended questions that prompt your child to think critically about the story and relate it to their own life.
Help them visualize by asking them to draw a scene from the book or describe Venice as they imagine it.
Discuss the cultural aspects presented in the book to broaden your child’s understanding and appreciation of different places.
Link discussions to personal experiences, such as family trips, to make the conversation more relatable and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: Olivia's adventures in Venice showcase her curiosity as she explores a new city, experiencing its art, culture, and history.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and learn from their surroundings, fostering a love for discovery and understanding of different cultures.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: During her trip, Olivia learns the importance of taking care of her belongings and managing responsibilities, as highlighted by the moment she has to keep track of her luggage.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by learning to look after their toys, books, and other personal items, understanding the importance of personal responsibility.
Example Lesson: Family Bonds
Explanation: The book illustrates strong family relationships, as Olivia spends quality time with her family throughout the trip to Venice.
Real-World Application: This can remind children of the value of family time and togetherness, encouraging them to participate in family activities and cherish those moments.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Art and History
Explanation: In the story, Olivia is captivated by the rich art and history of Venice, from the beautiful architecture to the famous artworks.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to appreciate and respect art and historical landmarks, possibly sparking an interest in learning more about art and history in their own community or during travels.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Unforeseen Situations
Explanation: Olivia faces and overcomes several unexpected challenges during her trip, showing resilience and adaptability.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of staying calm and solving problems when facing unexpected situations, whether it's a change in plans or solving a small conflict.