Vivian Walsh (author)

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Vivian Walsh is an American author of children's picture books. She is best known for her book Olive, the Other Reindeer, which was adapted into a 1999 animated television special featuring the voice of Drew Barrymore. The special was produced by Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons.

Biography

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While living in New York City, Walsh created stories featuring characters inspired by the city's work-driven culture. Her Mr. Lunch series centers around a dog who operates a bird-chasing business, reflecting the humorous personification of professional life. In Monkey Business, Walsh tells the story of a monkey who becomes a middle-aged industrial mogul after traveling to space.

After relocating to San Francisco, Walsh's work began to explore themes of diversity and cooperation. Her book Gluey features an unlikely friendship between a bunny and a snail, characters representing different ends of the speed spectrum.

Walsh collaborated with illustrator J. Otto Seibold. [1] Together, they have produced several books, including Penguin Dreams, which was named one of the New York Times' "Best Illustrated Books". Mr. Lunch Takes a Plane Ride received a Cuffie Award from *Publishers Weekly* for Most Memorable Character in a Lead Role. Their book Olive, the Other Reindeer became a New York Times Bestseller and was later adapted into a television special[2] that was nominated for an Emmy Award.

Selected works

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  • Mr. Lunch Takes a Plane Ride (1993), Viking Penguin[3]
  • Mr. Lunch Borrows a Canoe (1994), Viking Penguin
  • Monkey Business (1995), Viking Penguin
  • Free Lunch (1996), Viking Penguin
  • Going to the Getty (1997), Getty Books[4]
  • Olive, The Other Reindeer (1997), Chronicle Books[5]
  • Penguin Dreams (1999), Chronicle Books
  • Gluey (2002), Harcourt Children's Books
  • Olive, My Love (2004), Harcourt Children's Books
  • June and August (2009), Abrams

Television

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References

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  1. ^ Thym, Jolene (3 Dec 1994). "Picture Perfect". Oakland Tribune. Oakland, CA. pp. B1. Retrieved 16 July 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. ^ Kuch, Maureen (5 September 1999). "Carrey to Play the Grinch". The Morning Star. Vernon, British Columbia, Canada. p. 44. Retrieved 15 July 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ Jones Jr., Malcolm (12 Dec 1993). "Kids are Hip". Books. Tampa Bay Times. pp. 6D. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
  4. ^ Brunskill, Joan (27 Jan 1998). "Books Invite Children into Worlds of Art". The Leaf-Chronicle. Clarksville, Tennessee. Associated Press. pp. D3. Retrieved 15 July 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ "Today's Busy with Return of the Raffi, 'Olive' Signing". Oakland Tribune. 15 Nov 1997. pp. CB-3. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
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