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Kipper the Dog
Kipper
Kipper’s basket is old and worn. His blanket is smelly and disgusting--but can he find a better place to sleep?
28 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
16 people are currently reading
662 people want to read
About the author
Mick Inkpen
382 books62 followersMick Inkpen is one of the most popular author/illustrators in the world. His books have sold over 4 million copies, and have been translated into over twenty different languages. His best-loved characters are probably Kipper and Wibbly Pig – who are both stars of their very own TV series!
He began his career as a graphic designer, and worked with another children’s author Nick Butterworth (of Percy the Park Keeper fame) on a cartoon strip for the Sunday Express. In 1989 The Blue Balloon was published to great acclaim, and established him as an important and original voice in children’s picture books. He and his wife, Debbie, also had children of their own by this point: “Without the experience of having children of my own I doubt that I would have been capable of writing effectively for children. And yet it’s true that good work really springs from trying to please yourself”
Mick lives in Essex with his wife and two children.
He began his career as a graphic designer, declining a place to study English at Cambridge University. During this period he worked with Nick Butterworth, a fellow children’s author, from whom he learned design and typography. Together they developed a cartoon strip for the Sunday Express magazine, later to become a first series of children’s picture books. They also worked in children’s television.
In 1989 The Blue Balloon established him as a truly original voice in children’s picture books, by which time Mick and his wife Debbie had two children of their own. “Without the experience of having children of my own I doubt that I would have been capable of writing effectively for children. And yet it’s true that good work really springs from trying to please yourself”
He began his career as a graphic designer, and worked with another children’s author Nick Butterworth (of Percy the Park Keeper fame) on a cartoon strip for the Sunday Express. In 1989 The Blue Balloon was published to great acclaim, and established him as an important and original voice in children’s picture books. He and his wife, Debbie, also had children of their own by this point: “Without the experience of having children of my own I doubt that I would have been capable of writing effectively for children. And yet it’s true that good work really springs from trying to please yourself”
Mick lives in Essex with his wife and two children.
He began his career as a graphic designer, declining a place to study English at Cambridge University. During this period he worked with Nick Butterworth, a fellow children’s author, from whom he learned design and typography. Together they developed a cartoon strip for the Sunday Express magazine, later to become a first series of children’s picture books. They also worked in children’s television.
In 1989 The Blue Balloon established him as a truly original voice in children’s picture books, by which time Mick and his wife Debbie had two children of their own. “Without the experience of having children of my own I doubt that I would have been capable of writing effectively for children. And yet it’s true that good work really springs from trying to please yourself”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
July 29, 2025
Well to tell the truth, I simply had to read Mick Inkpen’s 1991 picture book Kipper (when I noticed the book title on Open Library) because our Rottweiler when I was a child (and a teenager) was in fact also named Kipper.
And indeed, this sense of family nostalgia and fond remembrances certainly has made me appreciate Mick Inkpen writing about and illustrating a story about a delightful and funnily entertaining canine with the exact same name as my, as our treasured family dog (and to smile at the fact that Kipper as a name for a dog is obviously acceptable and not even all that inherently strange, unlike a schoolmate tried to make me believe when I told her our Rottweiler’s name in grade six).
However, even though I obviously and of course adore the book title of Kipper and also think that Mick Inkpen’s illustrations of Kipper the dog are colourfully expressive and definitely supremely cute (albeit I personally would much rather have Kipper be a larger breed like a Labrador, a German Shepherd, a Golden Retriever or naturally a Rottweiler), quite frankly, the entire storyline of Kipper almost immediately becomes a bit too unrealistic and too anthropomorphic for me. Because even though it is certainly sweet and also more than a bit thoughtful that Kipper finally after trying to “upgrade” his sleeping arrangements realises that his old dog basket, his blanket and his toys are much more to his personal liking and will also make him sleep much better than any of the new implements and ideas he has been trying, honestly, I most definitely would in particular enjoy Mick Inkpen’s printed words considerably more if Kipper the dog were not seen and described as talking and acting very much like a human, thus leaving me with a definite appreciation of Mick Inkpen’s combination of text and images but also not really totally textually enjoying just how overly humanised Kipper is as a story in and of itself, as I really do think that Kipper’s dialogues and that it is he himself who tries to change and upgrade his sleeping quarters make him as a character not dog-like enough for my reading tastes, make Kipper too much like a person.
And finally, after having briefly checked the remaining Kipper books, I do think that they would more than likely all be rather too much into making Kipper speak and act like a human being for me to continue on with the series (although I do believe that for many children, Mick Inkpen’s combination of an engaging narrative and fun illustrations would probably be a total hit).
And indeed, this sense of family nostalgia and fond remembrances certainly has made me appreciate Mick Inkpen writing about and illustrating a story about a delightful and funnily entertaining canine with the exact same name as my, as our treasured family dog (and to smile at the fact that Kipper as a name for a dog is obviously acceptable and not even all that inherently strange, unlike a schoolmate tried to make me believe when I told her our Rottweiler’s name in grade six).
However, even though I obviously and of course adore the book title of Kipper and also think that Mick Inkpen’s illustrations of Kipper the dog are colourfully expressive and definitely supremely cute (albeit I personally would much rather have Kipper be a larger breed like a Labrador, a German Shepherd, a Golden Retriever or naturally a Rottweiler), quite frankly, the entire storyline of Kipper almost immediately becomes a bit too unrealistic and too anthropomorphic for me. Because even though it is certainly sweet and also more than a bit thoughtful that Kipper finally after trying to “upgrade” his sleeping arrangements realises that his old dog basket, his blanket and his toys are much more to his personal liking and will also make him sleep much better than any of the new implements and ideas he has been trying, honestly, I most definitely would in particular enjoy Mick Inkpen’s printed words considerably more if Kipper the dog were not seen and described as talking and acting very much like a human, thus leaving me with a definite appreciation of Mick Inkpen’s combination of text and images but also not really totally textually enjoying just how overly humanised Kipper is as a story in and of itself, as I really do think that Kipper’s dialogues and that it is he himself who tries to change and upgrade his sleeping quarters make him as a character not dog-like enough for my reading tastes, make Kipper too much like a person.
And finally, after having briefly checked the remaining Kipper books, I do think that they would more than likely all be rather too much into making Kipper speak and act like a human being for me to continue on with the series (although I do believe that for many children, Mick Inkpen’s combination of an engaging narrative and fun illustrations would probably be a total hit).
July 15, 2015
Ah Kipper, you were always there in my childhood when I needed you. Whilst Kipper does not win first place in my childhood reads, it is certainly high up there (within my top ten, which is a hard thing to do considering the number of childhood reads out there).
Charming and loveable it is certainly a book to keep the wee ones happy.
Charming and loveable it is certainly a book to keep the wee ones happy.
Read
March 17, 2019Kipper is a familiar character to many children and this book was the first in the popular series. It is appropriate for children from a very early age and could be read by some children by the end of reception or beginning of year one as the majority of the book can be phonically decoded. Pictures and the fact 'its a dog' make it a fun class reader!
September 27, 2024
A good little children's book with lovely illustrations. Kipper reminded me of my own two dogs with their chewed up toys.
Elijah's Verdict (1 month old)
This book really captured his attention, but he had no interest in the pictures. Loved the high pitched voice of Kipper that his mother apparently thought he had. He even made some noises in reaction to it. Let out a big yawn when the book was about finished.
Elijah's Verdict (1 month old)
This book really captured his attention, but he had no interest in the pictures. Loved the high pitched voice of Kipper that his mother apparently thought he had. He even made some noises in reaction to it. Let out a big yawn when the book was about finished.
August 2, 2022
I liked this book a lot. I liked this book because I found it funny. Kipper could not find a place to sleep. His basket was uncomfortable. I did not like the part where Kipper couldn't find a place to sleep because I felt a bit sorry for him. It made me sad because Kipper was sad. And I really like Kipper. Kipper is a friendly and kind dog who everyone loves. He is helpful and funny too. I have read lots of the Kipper stories because he is in all of them and he is my favourite character.
February 4, 2021
Liked the colorful drawings, found the story around it a little boring. It is an okay story for very small children. Classic charming book.
August 24, 2021
30/1001 1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up
"Kipper was in the mood for tidying his basket."
"Kipper was in the mood for tidying his basket."
August 26, 2024
Pretty predictable I fort he might miss his blankey ball and bone the pichers are nice maybe some more culer in them next time Mick
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2022
Very nice for todlers.
September 3, 2025
perfect stories to read out loud
March 29, 2012
'Kipper' by Mick Inkpen, is the tale one of our favourite dogs who in this story is uncomfortable in his basket and wants to find somewhere new to sleep. He throws out his soggy dog and blanket and goes in the search of somewhere new and exciting to sleep in the garden. Should he copy the ducks and sleep on one leg? Should sleep on a lily pad just like the contented frog? Or perhaps in a dark hole like the friendly mole? Kipper realises that none of these options are right for him and returns to hi goods old smelly basket and falls straight to sleep, contented and happy.
I enjoyed reading this book as a child and equally enjoyed reading it to children. The different sizes of texts and fonts encourage emotive reading; making it more exciting to children. The children loved shouting 'DISGUSTING!' in response to the capitalised text. Another good part of the story, is the subtle introduction to number. For example, 'two ducks' and 'three sticks' means that the pleasurable process of reading can also incorporate numeracy, appropriate to the learning young children. A further benefit of this book is that there is a repitition of process, e.g. Kipper meets the animal, finds out where he/she sleeps, copies it and then realises that it does not work for him. We all know children love this repitition! With this in mind, it is a shame that there are not repeated phrases mentioned in the story and thus children would be able to join in with the story, even if they can not read.
Despite this point, this is a good story for children around nursery school age and I would recommend introducing it to young children.
I enjoyed reading this book as a child and equally enjoyed reading it to children. The different sizes of texts and fonts encourage emotive reading; making it more exciting to children. The children loved shouting 'DISGUSTING!' in response to the capitalised text. Another good part of the story, is the subtle introduction to number. For example, 'two ducks' and 'three sticks' means that the pleasurable process of reading can also incorporate numeracy, appropriate to the learning young children. A further benefit of this book is that there is a repitition of process, e.g. Kipper meets the animal, finds out where he/she sleeps, copies it and then realises that it does not work for him. We all know children love this repitition! With this in mind, it is a shame that there are not repeated phrases mentioned in the story and thus children would be able to join in with the story, even if they can not read.
Despite this point, this is a good story for children around nursery school age and I would recommend introducing it to young children.
June 30, 2013
Kipper is a familiar character to many children and this book was the first in the popular series.
It is appropriate for children from a very early age and could be read by some children by the end of reception or beginning of year one as the majority of the book can be phonically decoded.
In Kipper, the well known dog decides that he no longer wants to sleep in his smelly basket and so explores where and how other animals live.
In an Early Years setting, this could be used to promote Understanding the World, allowing children to explore the idea of different habits, discussing why certain homes are appropriate for some animals and not others.
I like this book because it is quite a simple concept but it manages to facilitate both learning and enjoyment. That there are several other books in the series means that children who like the character could find other texts to engage with.
It is appropriate for children from a very early age and could be read by some children by the end of reception or beginning of year one as the majority of the book can be phonically decoded.
In Kipper, the well known dog decides that he no longer wants to sleep in his smelly basket and so explores where and how other animals live.
In an Early Years setting, this could be used to promote Understanding the World, allowing children to explore the idea of different habits, discussing why certain homes are appropriate for some animals and not others.
I like this book because it is quite a simple concept but it manages to facilitate both learning and enjoyment. That there are several other books in the series means that children who like the character could find other texts to engage with.
Read
September 14, 2011As The Guardian so rightly points out ‘The charmingly comical Inkpen, as always, hits the spot’. The first from the collection of Kipper books, it describes Kipper’s struggle to get comfortable in his doggy basket. He tries a number of amusing options such as a gardening pot, only to find it incredibly uncomfortable and eventually, he retreats back to ‘his smelly old blanket’.
The sizeably large text is great for beginner readers and the words are easy to sound out. It is best suited to those in early Key Stage One. The pictures convey exactly what Kipper is doing in the story and are colourful and eye-catching. I would recommend it as an individual read but not a communal one as there is no feeling of speculating what will happen next. Inkpen could have incorporated more of an air of excitement, however the sufficiently witty ending, just about managed to do the trick!
The sizeably large text is great for beginner readers and the words are easy to sound out. It is best suited to those in early Key Stage One. The pictures convey exactly what Kipper is doing in the story and are colourful and eye-catching. I would recommend it as an individual read but not a communal one as there is no feeling of speculating what will happen next. Inkpen could have incorporated more of an air of excitement, however the sufficiently witty ending, just about managed to do the trick!
March 31, 2014
One of my own all time favourites as a child. Kipper decides he no longer wants to live in his basket with his smelly old blanket and so he explores the homes of different animals. This book is great for children in an EYFS setting or early KS1 as it can be phonetically decoded and the higher children may read this alone. Different homes can be discussed and then the focus could be moved onto what home each child lives in. This gives them an understanding of their own lives and how it may different to others.
December 9, 2011
A wonderful picture book for the preschool set. Kipper decides to clean out his basket, getting rid of his dirty, worn and chewed old possessions. But then he can't get comfortable, and so he sets out to try various ways that other non-dog animals go to sleep. Oh so very cute story and book, with fabulous illustrations. I never really suspect that a cartoon dog could give such a wry smile as Kipper does- but he can. This is a great book.
December 24, 2019
All of the Kipper books (like the series) are excellently written. The images are simple for young eyes to capture the essential details and the text is a good size and simple to follow without being dumbed-down. Kipper stories are always fun, humorous, and they show Kipper to be a good friend who can laugh, but is not mean. I still love Kipper, even though my daughter has grown. He is curious and gentle. Thank you, Mick Inkpen!
January 16, 2014
I'm not a dog person, but Kipper is the cutest pup ever! Nominative determinism applies beautifully in Mick Inkpen's life; he's every bit the artist as well as a humorist and storyteller with heart. In this first Kipper adventure, our eponymous hero tries out a variety of other creatures' homes before deciding that his own home is where his heart is. Gorgeous.
October 6, 2015
A classic children's book, Kipper tells the story of a dog who decides his basket is too dirty and throws out his dirty blanket, rabbit, and toys. He finds that his basket is no longer comfortable and goes on a search for a comfortable place, running into many different animals along the way. A great story to read with young ones.
February 13, 2010
Kipper decides to rid himself of his smelly bed and toys and seek a new place to sleep. He tries the beds of other animals, but nothing satisfies and he finally returns home to the comfort of his old bed.
April 6, 2018
A favourite book of mine from my childhood, I was pleasantly surprised to see it sat on a book shelf in a classroom. I enjoyed reading the story to the class and seeing them enjoy it as much as I did.
June 24, 2013
This was one of the first books that my daughter learned to read herself, after having it read to her of course. I remember she enjoyed the story of Kipper the puppy, and his smelly blanket.
February 15, 2017
Remember this from my childhood used to love kipper books and it will be one of those books that i read and will reccomend to my neices and pass through the familys children .
July 30, 2017
Scarlett aged 6 ****
Poppy aged 4 *****
Poppy aged 4 *****
May 5, 2018
The grass is not always greener
September 24, 2019
Great book for KS1
Great for learning phonics
Great for learning phonics
December 21, 2020
Kipper is known the world over to millions of readers and is, again, this book is a first in what became a longer series and a globally successful franchise.
A small dog whose naivety is similar to Spot’s (Where's Spot?) own, Kipper is a little bit more cheekily playful than Spot and a tad more anthropomorphically cutesy in his innocence. In this story, Kipper decides that his bed needs sorting and throws everything out. When it’s time to sleep he just can’t seem to settle down so he ventures off to see how other animals manage.
What he finds of course is that the answer was what him all along and sometimes the familar breeds a deep sense of comfort. Soon all his toys and teddies are back with him and he is able to sleep again. Inkpen's work is synonymous with those white backgrounds and character focus and the theme of this story is one that all children can relate to: the comfort that bed and childhood belongings can bring. I am sure some of us still have a teddy or two close at hand...
If you want a REALLY good Butterworth, then I also recommend Lullabyhullaballoo
A small dog whose naivety is similar to Spot’s (Where's Spot?) own, Kipper is a little bit more cheekily playful than Spot and a tad more anthropomorphically cutesy in his innocence. In this story, Kipper decides that his bed needs sorting and throws everything out. When it’s time to sleep he just can’t seem to settle down so he ventures off to see how other animals manage.
What he finds of course is that the answer was what him all along and sometimes the familar breeds a deep sense of comfort. Soon all his toys and teddies are back with him and he is able to sleep again. Inkpen's work is synonymous with those white backgrounds and character focus and the theme of this story is one that all children can relate to: the comfort that bed and childhood belongings can bring. I am sure some of us still have a teddy or two close at hand...
If you want a REALLY good Butterworth, then I also recommend Lullabyhullaballoo
December 9, 2019
Kipper the dog trying to find a better place to sleep. He explores different animals’ habitats to try and find somewhere comfier but none of them are suitable. For example, he tries to make a bed out of sticks like a nest but he can only find three. Eventually he gives up trying and he decides it is best to go back to his original basket as it is comfy as ever. The book involved Kipper trying out risks but sometimes it is better to stick with what you know! It make Kipper realise that his bed wasn't so bad after all.
September 24, 2023
This was one of my favorite books as a kid. Nana saved it so I got to read it with Jack.
He was trying to evade bedtime, so he crawled around a lot while I read on his bedroom floor at Nana’s house. But he kept coming back to look at the dog (“Daisy,” as he’s decided to call all furry animals that aren’t cats), and eventually wanted to turn the pages.
I like the message of this story. It’s okay to be who you are and like what you like. Sometimes, when you try to change, it doesn’t work out and that’s okay. You have to do that to appreciate what you have.
He was trying to evade bedtime, so he crawled around a lot while I read on his bedroom floor at Nana’s house. But he kept coming back to look at the dog (“Daisy,” as he’s decided to call all furry animals that aren’t cats), and eventually wanted to turn the pages.
I like the message of this story. It’s okay to be who you are and like what you like. Sometimes, when you try to change, it doesn’t work out and that’s okay. You have to do that to appreciate what you have.
March 25, 2019
L was looking for dog books (as always!) so the children's librarian recommended Kipper. I recall a very cute Kipper animated cartoon from when I was younger--too old to be the target audience for the cartoon, but much younger than I am now!--so I figured L would like this book. She did enjoy it, and asked her dad and I each to read it to her a couple of times. There isn't anything particularly brilliant about the story, but Kipper is endearing for sure.
March 14, 2025
Wow, what a journey! Poor Kipper learns that you don’t always know what you’ve got until it’s gone—and that the grass isn’t always greener (even if it looks very fun to roll on). A big story for a little reader like me! Also, extra points for the shiny laminated cover… very good at protecting the book from my drool. Sorry, Kipper!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews