Mick Inkpen

Colorful, fun, and mischievous, with loads of animals. For those of you who like a touch of darkness in their children's literature, my wife pointed out that there is some mystery as to the fate of the zookeeper: is he a victim of revolution?

This book was provided to me as an uncorrected digital proof by the publisher, via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.

The author of the beloved Kipper series teams up with his daughter to tell the heartwarming story of a sweat-band-wearing pug who just can’t seem to do the right thing.
Dog is very badly behaved—he destroys everything, chases cars, rolls in poo, and won’t stop running away! But when he finds himself lost and alone there is one person he knows he can always count show more on.

Dog is the definition of incorrigible; he is who he is, and there’s no changing that. He is young, rowdy, and low on attention span, but he loves his boy. The narrative is cute, irreverent, rhymes, and is sure to catch children’s’ attention. Chloe Inkpen did a lovely job of illustrating the story, and the image of the dog pulling his boy’s sock off will make kiddos giggle. The best part of this read is the message that even the most poorly behaved dog (person) is worthy of affection and devotion. Dog doesn’t suddenly change his stripes, he is simply loved for who he is, and that’s something children need to hear. show less

I find the Kipper television series to be sweet in a low-key manner that is very soothing to watch, and this picture book is like reading a Kipper episode in book form. Actually, I think there is an episode with this story, and if so, I'm not sure which came first, the book or the television show. In most cases like this, I would find the book derivative; books based on TV usually are. However, I like this book. Just as with the television series, I find the story adorable and calming, yet show more not boring at all, but actually very appealing.

The story takes place on Christmas Eve. Kipper sets out to find a tree, a living one all covered in snow, and brings one home (along with a mouse). En route, he meets Pig and Arnold, and they visit for a time. They leave to wrap gifts, but later return, along with Tiger. They all exchange gifts, then each one is off to home, and bed, to await the blissful morning. All along, Kipper has been wondering which is better, Christmas or Christmas Eve. He ends the story with a decision: Christmas Eve. But then he wanders out on to the roof because he can't sleep, and the reader wonders if in the morning he might not decide that Christmas is better, after all. I like how the book ends in that spot, with Kipper and Arnold on roofs opposite each other, awake and waiting, happily longing for morning.

Did I mention that on the last page, Arnold's reindeer hat has a real flashing red light? This is probably my girl's favorite part, although they do like the rest of the story. I also am a fool for innovations in books, so I like it, too. But I appreciate other aspects of the book, such as the characters, the little detail of the mouse hiding in the tree and how only Arnold notices it, the fact that Kipper wants whatever Santa brings him for Christmas, and the gentle spirit that pervades the story, that encourages friendship and gratitude and love. If you want an uplifting Christmas story that is suitable for younger readers, Kipper is a good choice. show less

This was a favorite all through my daughter's childhood. We read it to pieces and then taped it back together to read it again.

Kipper is so cute as he boggles at the changing number of toys in his toybox. It's fun to closely search the pictures for clues as to what is happening. And the last page kicker is hilarious!

FOR REFERENCE:

#1362 in our old book database. Rated "Good" in our old book database by Rod and Adelia.