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Parents' Guide to

Hissss!

By Ann Marie Sammataro, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Illustrations capture splendor of a summer day.

Book Mick Inkpen Picture Book 1999
Hissss! Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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What's the Story?

It's a sultry summer afternoon and Kipper fancies a dip in his wading pool. Disaster seems imminent as his pool springs a leak. It's up to Kipper to use his head, literally in this case, to resolved this soggy dilemma. Sunshine-bright illustrations capture the splendor of a summer's day.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

HISSSS! is another entry in Mick Inkpen's Little Kippers, which features engaging everyday topics for toddlers and preschool-age children. In HISSSS! Kipper models exemplary problem-solving skills, ingeniously rectifying the situation on his own -- a vital developmental milestone for young children. His zany but effective solution generated plenty of grins from one preschooler. The slightly longer but simple format makes this a great intermediate book for children who find board books a breeze but are not quite ready for full-length picture books.

Charismatic, full-color illustrations celebrate the lazy days of summer, capturing a kid's-eye-view of a perfect day: reclining on a sun-warmed blanket, slurping a melting ice cream cone, and reclining in a wading pool. The drawings of the cuddly Kipper are irresistibly cute. Several readings of this tale will have little ones longing for the mercury to rise.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about their favorite things to do on a sunny day. How about when it's rainy?

Book Details

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