Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly
Inkpen's flair for creating affable animal characters is again evident in this brief tale of a dog who, in a fit of housecleaning, clears his stuffed rabbit, ball, bone and ``smelly old blanket'' out of his basket. But unable to get comfortable in his empty sleeping quarters, he ventures outdoors to find a new resting place. Kipper attempts to squeeze into a flowerpot, where some wrens have nested; make a nest of sticks, just like the squirrels; snuggle down in the grass, alongside a sheep; and balance, frog-like, on a lily pad. Finally the frustrated pooch rushes indoors, where he hides under ``his lovely old smelly blanket'' and curls up amid his well-worn possessions. With its large print and short, perky sentences, this warmhearted, there's-no-place-like-home story is well suited for beginning readers. It's also a satisfying read-aloud for littler ones. Ages 3-8. (Apr.)
School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 2-- Kipper the puppy cleans out his old basket, throwing out his smelly blanket, soggy bone, and ragged stuffed rabbit. When he can't get comfortable, he then tries out the resting places of animals he comes across. After several unsuccessful attempts to emulate others, he decides that his basket and old familiar things are best of all. While the no-place-like-home story is nothing new, it is well done. Preschoolers will enjoy the pup's attempts to get cozy in flowerpots and on lilypads. Inkpen's watercolor illustrations are deceptively simple. They are playful and humorous, yet the composition is strong, showing a lot of movement. His use of color is subdued and very effective; the soft-edged drawings give Kipper character. Children will adore him. --George Delalis, Oakland Pub . Lib . , CA
From the Publisher
Delightful...Another proven winner.—Church Times
Touches a chord with parents and children alike ... children will return to the story (and character) time and time again—Carousel
Mick Inkpen's illustrations are, of course, as gorgeous as ever. They have warmth, charm and familiarity—The Bookbag
Full of gentle humour and straightforward, uncluttered pictures, this story will appeal to the very young—Practical Parenting
A lovely sweet tale that truly celebrates friendship—Junior
The charmingly comical Inkpen, as always, hits the spot.—The Guardian
Who doesn't love Kipper and friends?—Prima Magazine
Kipper has touched a chord with children and parents alike—Practical Parenting
