[1] Her best selling book Olive, the Other Reindeer is based on her real life Jack Russell Terrier.
The dog, Olive, was later portrayed (with the voice of Drew Barrymore) in the animated version of the picture book.
Ms. Walsh states that when she lived in New York City, her picture book heroes, like the people around her, were all workaholics.
When Vivian Walsh moved to San Francisco her books took on the theme of a diverse community; of everyone getting along despite their differences.
Olive, the Other Reindeer was a New York Times Bestseller and the movie version was nominated for an Emmy Award.