📖 Overview
Kipper is a children's picture book featuring a dog named Kipper who decides to explore the meaning of his name. The story follows his quest to understand what "kipper" refers to and whether he fits that definition.
Mick Inkpen's illustrations bring the character to life through simple lines and warm colors. The narrative maintains a steady pace as Kipper interacts with other characters and contemplates his identity.
The book addresses themes of self-discovery and acceptance in a way that resonates with young readers. Through Kipper's journey, the story demonstrates how names and labels relate to our sense of who we are.
👀 Reviews
Parents and children find Kipper to be a gentle, relatable story that works well as a bedtime read. The simple illustrations and minimal text keep young readers engaged.
Readers appreciate:
- Short length suits toddler attention spans
- Dog character appeals to young children
- Gentle humor
- Easy-to-follow plot
- Sturdy board book format
Common criticisms:
- Too basic for older children
- Limited educational value
- Some find it repetitive
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.0/5 (2,100+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.7/5 (890+ ratings)
Sample reader comments:
"Perfect for my 18-month-old who loves dogs" - Amazon reviewer
"My son requests this every night" - Goodreads user
"The story is too simple for preschoolers" - Parent reviewer
"Illustrations could be more detailed" - Library journal review
The book resonates most with children ages 1-3 and their parents as an introductory reading experience.
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Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell The interactive format presents a child's search for the right pet through lift-the-flap discoveries of various animals.
Old Bear by Jane Hissey The narrative follows a group of toy friends who embark on a mission to rescue their old companion from the attic.
Where's Spot? by Eric Hill The lift-the-flap format follows a mother dog searching for her puppy through various locations in their home.
Maisy Mouse by Lucy Cousins The story follows a mouse and her animal friends through everyday activities with bold illustrations and straightforward narratives.
Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell The interactive format presents a child's search for the right pet through lift-the-flap discoveries of various animals.
Old Bear by Jane Hissey The narrative follows a group of toy friends who embark on a mission to rescue their old companion from the attic.
🤔 Interesting facts
🦴 Kipper the Dog first appeared in 1991 in the picture book "The Blue Balloon" before getting his own series of adventures
🎨 Author Mick Inkpen created Kipper's distinctive look by basing him on a real stuffed dog toy that belonged to his children
📺 The Kipper book series was so successful it spawned an animated TV series that ran from 1997 to 2000, winning a BAFTA Award for Best Children's Animation
🌟 The name "Kipper" comes from a traditional British food - kippers (smoked herring) - though the character has nothing to do with fish
🎭 Each Kipper book features the dog's trademark expressions and gestures, which Mick Inkpen developed by studying his own dog's behavior and mannerisms