Kipper's Toybox (by Mick Inkpen)

KIPPER'S TOYBOX is another entertaining installment chronicling the adventures of this amiable pup. Mick Inkpen imbues Kipper with plenty of character; parents and caregivers will smile wryly at Kipper's typically child-like actions, while kids identify with him. Inkpen understands kids, right down to the quirky objects that become a small child's treasures: an unmatched slipper, a novelty sock, and a tattered stuffed animal.

The full-color, whimsical illustrations are a perfect counterpart to the story, offering clues for observant readers. A wriggly pink tail or twitchy nose randomly pop up in the illustrations, making this tale more fun to read the second time around as readers pore over the pictures to locate the elusive mice. Situated against gleaming white backgrounds, the vivid pictures seem to leap off the pages.