Kipper's Birthday

A chipper tale that's a preschooler's delight.

Author: Mick Inkpen Illustrator: Mick Inkpen Pages: 24 Publisher: Harcourt Brace and Co. Published Date: 01/01/1993 Genre: Fiction - Picture Book PB Price: $5.95 Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: Baby-Preschool Read Aloud: 2+

Common Sense Note

Abbot and Costello-like blunders occur when the concept of tomorrow versus today is taken to hilarious heights. Sparkling illustrations and lively text convey the festive birthday celebration.

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Ann Marie Sammataro

Mick Inkpen once again delivers a chipper tale that's a preschooler's delight. While one toddler who was read this tale appeared baffled by the today-tomorrow conundrum, older children immediately caught the joke.

The perplexing wordplay is a mini brainteaser for readers to puzzle out. Unlike the Kipper puzzle books and the Little Kippers series, this title is geared toward preschoolers through second-graders, with a substantially longer story and more complex plot. It's also enjoyable for older folks, too. Those who have (enthusiastically) consumed less-than-savory treats created by the children in their life will appreciate Kipper's foray into the culinary arts.

As always, Inkpen's winsome illustrations add a great deal to the tale. Clean lines, warmly drawn characters, and bright colors attract the reader's eye. Keeping the layout simple--with just a few character and objects in each picture--prevents younger children from becoming overwhelmed by detail.

Readers were enthralled by the party theme: Illustrations of bountiful balloons, yummy cake, and presents acted as lures, encouraging little ones to explore the pages even after the story was finished.

Kristina & Myra McLarey's uproariously funny When You Take a Pig to a Party is about the mayhem that erupts when a young girl brings an unusual guest along to a celebration. Shirley Hughes's Alfie and the Birthday Surprise is a touching tale about the irrepressible title character, who throws a surprise birthday party for a neighbor saddened by the death of his cat.

Plot Summary:

Plees come to my bithday party tomoro at 12 o cloc dont be lat. Kipper's having a birthday party and wants all of his friends to attend. Confusion reigns when everyone receives the invitations a day late and mistakenly assume that the party is the following day. Sweet illustrations capture all the fun of a party--with or without guests.

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