My three-year-old son loves Kipper. The gentle story lines resonate with his own experiences of getting along with friends (even when some of them behave mischievously), helping others, and exploring the world. Some of the more imaginative episodes have opened up the opportunity for family discussions on "real" vs. "pretend". (Do magic frogs really live in puddles under rainbows? No--that's silly! Are there pink and purple guys on the moon? Probably not, but I haven't been there, so I don't know for sure. Let's look up what things are like on the moon! Do butterflies really like purple flowers? Well, that's easy to check--let's go into the back yard and watch.)
Kipper
(Rated TV-Y, Children, cartoons, & animation, Starring Martin Clunes, Chris Lang, Where to watch: Sprout, DVD)
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
Adventurous puppy tales for preschoolers.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 3 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
-
Violence & scariness:
-
Sexy stuff:
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
-
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Kipper was written by Audrey Shapiro
Parents need to know that this cartoon for preschoolers is based on the popular children's book series by Mick Inkpen. The show is voiced by British actors and uses British phrases, which could be confusing for some very young American kids. But other than that, this is a delightful show for young viewers. The animal characters do lots of exploring and learn lessons about friendship, kindness, and the difference between right and wrong.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about what it means to be a friend and how the animals interact with one another to resolve their differences. Why is Tiger sometimes tricky? Does the way the animals talk sound "funny"? Why? This might be a good opportunity to discuss the meaning of potentially unfamiliar words and phrases from other countries.
Have you seen it? Review It!
More on Kipper
What’s the Story?
KIPPER introduces preschoolers to the world of a lovable, curious talking dog and his animal friends. Together they learn life lessons, go exploring, and work through conflicts. Based on the award-winning children's books by Mick Inkpen, Kipper's main character (voiced by Martin Clunes) is an earnest friend who has a lot in common with his optimistic, inquisitive preschool viewers. Kipper's two best pals are Tiger and Pig (both voiced by Chris Lang), who often accompany him on outings. Tiger is a worldly, sometimes-sneaky grey schnauzer who loves to try new gadgets and play little tricks while testing the boundaries of friendship. The nasal-voiced Pig is naïve but a loyal friend. Rounding out the group is Pig's baby cousin, Arnold, who doesn't say much but tags along as they explore the world around them.
Is It Any Good?
Like the Kipper books, the series encourages creative thinking and reinforces preschool lessons about distinguishing right from wrong, cooperation, friendship, kindness, and courtesy toward others. Bottom line? Kipper is a keeper. Kipper's charming storylines are enjoyable and easy for preschoolers to follow, and the lessons the characters learn in each episode are simple and relatable.
The show's British-accented dialogue includes a sprinkling of English words and phrases that kids might not have heard before ("right then" instead of "OK," "sweet" instead of "candy," and so on). The unfamiliar expressions might be a bit of a barrier for the youngest viewers, but the upside is that they give American audiences a little something extra to learn.
Our Members Say
See all 9 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
-
I rate this title on for age 3 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
A fun, friendly favorite
-
I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Would you like a dog like Kipper? Sure!
My son ate this show up when he was 2-3 years old. Tricky to find on the tube but have DVDs galore. Gentle and cute show about exploring and having fun. A UK import that still works across the pond.
-
I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
Sweeeeeeeeeet!
Kipper is AWESOME!!! him and his friends are sooooo appropriate!!!!! Go dogs!
-
I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
I...
I love this show!!!!!!!
-
I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
WE LOVE KIPPER!
We all like this one! Kipper is enjoyable for my 2 1/2 yr. old daughter and mom & dad! Kipper is feel good TV! Kipper is caring without being whimpy, and his shows end with a good moral to the story. We like him.
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.Tell us your child's age:
Already a member? Log inOur Members Rate It
Ratings at a Glance
| 50% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 50% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
Have you seen it?
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
JazzerGyrl recommends:
Lanny and Wayne the Christmas Elves in Prep & Landing
for kids age 7
See more from JazzerGyrl
Lanny and Wayne the Christmas Elves in Prep & Landing
for kids age 7
See more from JazzerGyrl
