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Kipper the Dog
Kipper's Toybox
When Kipper locates a hole in his toybox, he finds that he has two too many toys, but as he counts and recounts his toys, he discovers that two little mice have taken up residence among his stuffed animals.
24 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1992
8 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Mick Inkpen
381 books62 followersMick Inkpen is one of the most popular author/illustrators in the world. His books have sold over 4 million copies, and have been translated into over twenty different languages. His best-loved characters are probably Kipper and Wibbly Pig – who are both stars of their very own TV series!
He began his career as a graphic designer, and worked with another children’s author Nick Butterworth (of Percy the Park Keeper fame) on a cartoon strip for the Sunday Express. In 1989 The Blue Balloon was published to great acclaim, and established him as an important and original voice in children’s picture books. He and his wife, Debbie, also had children of their own by this point: “Without the experience of having children of my own I doubt that I would have been capable of writing effectively for children. And yet it’s true that good work really springs from trying to please yourself”
Mick lives in Essex with his wife and two children.
He began his career as a graphic designer, declining a place to study English at Cambridge University. During this period he worked with Nick Butterworth, a fellow children’s author, from whom he learned design and typography. Together they developed a cartoon strip for the Sunday Express magazine, later to become a first series of children’s picture books. They also worked in children’s television.
In 1989 The Blue Balloon established him as a truly original voice in children’s picture books, by which time Mick and his wife Debbie had two children of their own. “Without the experience of having children of my own I doubt that I would have been capable of writing effectively for children. And yet it’s true that good work really springs from trying to please yourself”
He began his career as a graphic designer, and worked with another children’s author Nick Butterworth (of Percy the Park Keeper fame) on a cartoon strip for the Sunday Express. In 1989 The Blue Balloon was published to great acclaim, and established him as an important and original voice in children’s picture books. He and his wife, Debbie, also had children of their own by this point: “Without the experience of having children of my own I doubt that I would have been capable of writing effectively for children. And yet it’s true that good work really springs from trying to please yourself”
Mick lives in Essex with his wife and two children.
He began his career as a graphic designer, declining a place to study English at Cambridge University. During this period he worked with Nick Butterworth, a fellow children’s author, from whom he learned design and typography. Together they developed a cartoon strip for the Sunday Express magazine, later to become a first series of children’s picture books. They also worked in children’s television.
In 1989 The Blue Balloon established him as a truly original voice in children’s picture books, by which time Mick and his wife Debbie had two children of their own. “Without the experience of having children of my own I doubt that I would have been capable of writing effectively for children. And yet it’s true that good work really springs from trying to please yourself”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 28, 2025
This was a favorite all through my daughter's childhood. We read it to pieces and then taped it back together to read it again.
Kipper is so cute as he boggles at the changing number of toys in his toybox. It's fun to closely search the pictures for clues as to what is happening. And the last page kicker is hilarious!
Kipper is so cute as he boggles at the changing number of toys in his toybox. It's fun to closely search the pictures for clues as to what is happening. And the last page kicker is hilarious!
July 17, 2020
Our second Kipper book for our family read. A nice little book enjoyed by grandad as well as little Lucy.
May 9, 2019
I read this book to my year 1 class and they really enjoyed it. It is also on the Year 1 recommended reads list. Some children had prior knowledge of the book. I liked the element of counting within the story so you could link it to maths and showing one more and one less of Kipper’s toys. At the end, I asked if any children had any comments and they were keen to tell me about their stories of cats bringing mouses into their house and mouse traps their parents had set.
June 9, 2015
There are things in life that make you feel old; when the last Premiership footballer born the same year as you retires, or when their arresting officer looks like they don’t even shave. The fact that Kipper is over 25 years old makes me feel my age; this collection of books always felt a little ageless and classic. The new 25 year anniversary releases looks to cement this.
The Kipper series are the type of joyful storybooks that appear simple to write, but if that was true we would all be doing it. It takes someone like Mick Inkpen to strip down some of the unnecessary paraphernalia that can surround a book for sharing and create something as pleasurable as ‘Kipper's Toybox’. In this tale, Kipper and his stuffed toy pals have a mystery to solve. There appears to be a few too many creatures in the toybox and Kipper is unsure of what is going on. Via a series of counting tasks he is able to work out that a couple of additional friends may have just come to visit.
‘Kipper’s Toolbox’ is a perfect example of a follow on book for children just starting to actually read a story with you. The language is simple in nature, but complex enough that it requires some thought. Most pages have an illustration and three or four lines of text telling the story. You are encouraged to play along with Kipper as he tries to work out what is happening. Counting toys is great fun, as is spotting a sneaky tail or two that may have just snuck into the picture.
Perhaps the best thing about Inkpen is his ability to balance the story and the images. The words are not over dominate and allow the clean images to sparkle. Kipper is a simple design and this is a simple story, but told well. It does remind you of the Spot books with the simple use of Kipper in the middle of the page and white all around him; Kipper is a great follow on book for lovers of Spot.
The 25th Year edition is not particularly different from any earlier version that you may buy. It comes on good quality paper and has a 25 year notice on the front. It is useful if you are a collector as you can use the back page to see which Kipper books you have not managed to pick up yet. The Kipper series and ‘Kipper’s Toybox’ in particular, is an ideal bedtime story. The books are gentle to read and simple enough to follow. There is nothing quite like having a kip after reading a bit of Kipper. Original review on bookbag.co.uk
The Kipper series are the type of joyful storybooks that appear simple to write, but if that was true we would all be doing it. It takes someone like Mick Inkpen to strip down some of the unnecessary paraphernalia that can surround a book for sharing and create something as pleasurable as ‘Kipper's Toybox’. In this tale, Kipper and his stuffed toy pals have a mystery to solve. There appears to be a few too many creatures in the toybox and Kipper is unsure of what is going on. Via a series of counting tasks he is able to work out that a couple of additional friends may have just come to visit.
‘Kipper’s Toolbox’ is a perfect example of a follow on book for children just starting to actually read a story with you. The language is simple in nature, but complex enough that it requires some thought. Most pages have an illustration and three or four lines of text telling the story. You are encouraged to play along with Kipper as he tries to work out what is happening. Counting toys is great fun, as is spotting a sneaky tail or two that may have just snuck into the picture.
Perhaps the best thing about Inkpen is his ability to balance the story and the images. The words are not over dominate and allow the clean images to sparkle. Kipper is a simple design and this is a simple story, but told well. It does remind you of the Spot books with the simple use of Kipper in the middle of the page and white all around him; Kipper is a great follow on book for lovers of Spot.
The 25th Year edition is not particularly different from any earlier version that you may buy. It comes on good quality paper and has a 25 year notice on the front. It is useful if you are a collector as you can use the back page to see which Kipper books you have not managed to pick up yet. The Kipper series and ‘Kipper’s Toybox’ in particular, is an ideal bedtime story. The books are gentle to read and simple enough to follow. There is nothing quite like having a kip after reading a bit of Kipper. Original review on bookbag.co.uk
April 1, 2010
You know me and Kipper. He's one of my best buddies of children's TV. Honestly--you can't go wrong with a British-accent adorable puppy and his friends. As I read this one, I slowly started to remember the TV episode. At least, I remembered Sock Thing coming to life. It took me a couple of times in looking at the pictures to see where the mouse was hidden. But as I neared the end, I had to go back again to find BOTH mice in the pictures. A fun one for children to look at on their own, but I think I can still make it an enjoyable storytime.
3/29/10 The PJ storytime group loved it--British accent and all! (I just had to make sure not to look at the parents, who I think were trying not to laugh.) The only sad thing was my British accent was not quite the Kipper British accent, though I know I can do it very well. My little brother and I STILL talk Kipper. Oh well. It was still fun and I think the wide age range enjoyed it.
3/29/10 The PJ storytime group loved it--British accent and all! (I just had to make sure not to look at the parents, who I think were trying not to laugh.) The only sad thing was my British accent was not quite the Kipper British accent, though I know I can do it very well. My little brother and I STILL talk Kipper. Oh well. It was still fun and I think the wide age range enjoyed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2011
This book written by Mick Inkpen is one of many following the exploits of a dog called Kipper. In 'Kipper's Toybox' our lovable dog protagonist is busy counting his soft toys in to his toybox before bedtime. But something is wrong. There are too many noses, and Sock Thing is missing! Poor Kipper is very upset. How will the mystery be resolved? Well that would be telling, but needless to say the ending will be a happy one - as it always is with Kipper.
This is a pleasing little book with lovely illustrations that children can enjoy. Children can also join in with counting Kipper's toys and practising their number skills. A great book to read aloud to children aged four to six.
This is a pleasing little book with lovely illustrations that children can enjoy. Children can also join in with counting Kipper's toys and practising their number skills. A great book to read aloud to children aged four to six.
August 2, 2022
Kipper and his friends will always remain a firm favourite of mine and one that I love to go back to again and again.
July 30, 2017
Scarlett aged 6 ****
Poppy aged 4 *****
Poppy aged 4 *****
November 11, 2024
A fun story that was enjoyable to read
Elijah's Verdict (2 months old)
He absolutely loved this one. Really enjoyed the pictures and the story and was smiling and interacting the whole way through.
Elijah's Verdict (2 months old)
He absolutely loved this one. Really enjoyed the pictures and the story and was smiling and interacting the whole way through.
January 16, 2022
This book was especially delightful. Kipper is such a curious, kind and considerate dog. Just a lovely character. And I always enjoy the illustrations.
Such a good story.
Such a good story.
April 28, 2024
Practicing Chinese is a humbling experience
April 16, 2025
I am very easily pleased, I can read any book if it is good for me. This book was good, I enjoyed myself reading it.
October 28, 2025
Aww. That was super cute. Sneaking things into art is difficult to do effectively, so this gets an extra star for how well done it does. SOCK THING!
March 2, 2013
This book tells the story of Kipper and his Toy box. Kipper one day notices a hole in the corner of his toy box and is instantly worried that some of his toys may be missing. Kipper then empties all the toys from the toy box and begins to count them but has some trouble. Soon, Kipper manages to get the right number of toys but then notices that his favourite toy ‘Sock Thing’ is missing and gets very upset. Kipper eventually discovers that Sock thing is crawling towards him in the middle of the night and is very confused as none of his toys have ever come to life. He finds a small mouse inside Sock Thing; who has taken bits of the toy box to create a nest. Kind Kipper ends up sharing his toy box with the mouse, as it is very cosy on the inside with all the toys.
I really like this story. It is a lovely read for early years children and can also be adapted for KS1 pupils. It has cross-curricular links so can be used in C&L or PRSN. It is engaging, very easy to follow and the illustrations are adorable, colourful and simple.
I really like this story. It is a lovely read for early years children and can also be adapted for KS1 pupils. It has cross-curricular links so can be used in C&L or PRSN. It is engaging, very easy to follow and the illustrations are adorable, colourful and simple.
December 16, 2012
This book is about a familiar little dog called Kipper.The story is about how Kipper finds a hole in his toybox,and sets out to discover the truth of this mystery. Kipper’s toybox is very special as all his toys live in it. He is worried about his toys and starts to count them to make sure they are all there. After some unsuccessful attempts, the mischievous culprits reveal themselves: it was the mice!
This the second time I've read the kipper collections by Mick Inkpen and I have enjoyed it both times.the books is full of illustration and fantastic pictures. This book is appropriate for ages 4-5. I used this book as part of maths focus -counting and ordering height and sizes.this is a brilliant way to get children to recognise objects and count on a one to one basis.follow on activities can be easily designed from this book.An ideal way to encourage the children to join in and count along.
This the second time I've read the kipper collections by Mick Inkpen and I have enjoyed it both times.the books is full of illustration and fantastic pictures. This book is appropriate for ages 4-5. I used this book as part of maths focus -counting and ordering height and sizes.this is a brilliant way to get children to recognise objects and count on a one to one basis.follow on activities can be easily designed from this book.An ideal way to encourage the children to join in and count along.
July 17, 2012
This book is about an adorable little dog called Kipper. Kipper finds a hole in his toybox, how did this happen? He sets out to discover the truth of this mystery. Kipper’s toybox is very special as all his toys live in it. He is worried about his toys and starts to count them to make sure they are all there. After some unsuccessful attempts, the mischievous culprits reveal themselves: it was the mice! Kipper invites the mice to share his basket not knowing his troubles have just begun…
The Kipper collections by Mick Inkpen are one of my favourite illustration books as they are such fun reads and the pictures are fantastic. This book is appropriate for ages 4-5. It is an ideal read to a class as it has repetitive counting, which would be a great way to encourage the children to join in and count along.
The Kipper collections by Mick Inkpen are one of my favourite illustration books as they are such fun reads and the pictures are fantastic. This book is appropriate for ages 4-5. It is an ideal read to a class as it has repetitive counting, which would be a great way to encourage the children to join in and count along.
August 30, 2011
Kipper’s Toy Box by Mick Inkpen
Kipper’s Toy Box is just one of the many fantastic Kipper collections by Mick Inkpen. Kipper is curious as to why a hole has been made in his toy box and begins to investigate. With many attempts at counting his toys Kippers is surprised that the extra nose he counts is in fact a mouse! Kipper kindly asks the mouse to stop nibbling at his box and invites the mouse and his family to stay in his basket.
This is a wonderful book for children to read, or to be read too. The detailed illustration is engaging and humorous. I enjoyed Mick Inkpen’s repetitive counting, as this encourages children to count along with Kipper, involving them in the story. This was a very enjoyable book, which would be fantastic to read to a reception class.
Kipper’s Toy Box is just one of the many fantastic Kipper collections by Mick Inkpen. Kipper is curious as to why a hole has been made in his toy box and begins to investigate. With many attempts at counting his toys Kippers is surprised that the extra nose he counts is in fact a mouse! Kipper kindly asks the mouse to stop nibbling at his box and invites the mouse and his family to stay in his basket.
This is a wonderful book for children to read, or to be read too. The detailed illustration is engaging and humorous. I enjoyed Mick Inkpen’s repetitive counting, as this encourages children to count along with Kipper, involving them in the story. This was a very enjoyable book, which would be fantastic to read to a reception class.
May 5, 2014
This is a great children’s story book with the well-known character, Kipper. The story is about Kipper discovering that his toy box has a hole in it and how he attempts to find the cause for it.
The book has large pictures against white pages which allow children to see Kipper and his friends clearly. This story encourages children to count as they become involved in helping Kipper find the cause for the hole in his toy box. Eventually, Kipper finds a solution to his problem but it seems that all is not over. The ending allows children to guess and ponder about the possibilities of what might happen next, thus encouraging children to read and discuss more.
The book has large pictures against white pages which allow children to see Kipper and his friends clearly. This story encourages children to count as they become involved in helping Kipper find the cause for the hole in his toy box. Eventually, Kipper finds a solution to his problem but it seems that all is not over. The ending allows children to guess and ponder about the possibilities of what might happen next, thus encouraging children to read and discuss more.
January 13, 2015
Kipper discovers a hole in his toybox. He counts them to make sure they are all there. What?! There's too many. The group had a lot of fun counting a long and pointing out sock thing. 1/25/12
Well this did not work for the wide age range today. I had a couple older and some really young and the older boy was bored and disrupted the group. 12/13/14
A little long for the young boy, but he loved counting
Well this did not work for the wide age range today. I had a couple older and some really young and the older boy was bored and disrupted the group. 12/13/14
A little long for the young boy, but he loved counting
October 5, 2012
Kipper stories are just too cute! This time Kipper's left wondering why there is a hole in his toybox. After wondering for quite a while, he's woken in the middle of the night to see his sock moving! Finally its revealed that its been mice that have been chewing his toybox. And although they promise to stop chewing the toybox, the baby mice don't!
Its a delightful read for both parents and children; a book that you can read over and over again.
Its a delightful read for both parents and children; a book that you can read over and over again.
April 18, 2014
This was a nice Kipper the dog book. It's a bit longer than some of the others I've read which I do like since we're reading for 'stories' for my 2 year old granddaughter. Kipper is kind of scared because one of his toys 'seem' to become alive but in reality it was really only mice inside moving it around. So if you have a child read this and then get scared and stop encourage them to read to the end then they won't be scared anymore. A really cute, simple book.
October 29, 2015
This story, and all of these stories in the series, is about a lazy dog that doesn't really leave his bead. In this story he gets a toy box and goes through all his toys. This is a super cute, fast short stories. I would have this on the shelf in a young classroom for the dig lovers. It is very cute. I would recommend this for kindergarten.
January 12, 2013
In this story, Kipper has a hole in his toy box, and his toy Sock Thing is missing. Kids will enjoy the mystery of what happened to Kipper's toy. I read this for a teddy bear and toy-themed program for bilingual story time.
March 17, 2011
22 months - you loved this one! Cute story too.
September 21, 2011
I mean, the illustrations are cool, and it's quirky in a way that's friendly to 2.5-year-olds, but even I find it a little creepy? Or something?
November 30, 2011
Kipper the dog's life changes when he discovers why there is a hole in his toybox.
May 31, 2013
Oh Kipper. An simple, appealing read for the toddler set. Ask kids to solve Kipper's small mystery!
January 24, 2015
Kipper's Toybox
by Mick Inkpen
a cute emergent reader book series related to the pbs show that helps kids recognize words and topics related to school, home and outside.
by Mick Inkpen
a cute emergent reader book series related to the pbs show that helps kids recognize words and topics related to school, home and outside.
November 8, 2013
Kipper's having trouble counting his toys. Then his favourite toy vanishes!
When it finally turns up again, Kipper is pleased to make a pair of new friends.
When it finally turns up again, Kipper is pleased to make a pair of new friends.
January 4, 2014
thank you
very much
very much
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews