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Tom and Pippo
Tom and Pippo's Day
Critics cheered when Tom and his toy monkey Pippo made their picture-book debut. Publishers Weekly called the books "right on target for this age and sure to captivate". Now in a sturdy board book format, the gentle adventures of this favorite pair can be enjoyed by even the youngest readers.
- GenresPicture BooksChildrens
16 pages, Board Book
First published January 1, 1988
About the author
Helen Oxenbury
347 books106 followersMarried to John Burningham
Born in 1938 and growing up in Ipswich, England, Helen Oxenbury loved nothing more than drawing. As a teenager, she entered art school and basked in the pleasure of drawing, and nothing but drawing, all day. During vacations she helped out at the Ipswich Repertory Theatre workshop, mixing paints for set designers. It was there that she decided her future lay in theater design.
While studying costume design, however, Helen Oxenbury was told by a teacher, "This is hopeless, you know. You ought to go and do illustrations--you're much more interested in the character, and we don't know who's going to play the part!"
But sets and scenery, not books, remained Helen Oxenbury's preoccupation for several more years as she embarked on careers in theater, film, and TV. After marrying John Burningham, another of the world's most eminent children's book illustrators, and giving birth to their first child, at last she turned to illustrating children's books. "When I had babies," Helen Oxenbury says, "I wanted to be home with them and look for something to do there."
Today, Helen Oxenbury is among the most popular and critically acclaimed illustrators of her time. Her numerous books for children include the Greenaway Medal-winning ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND and its companion, ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS, both by Lewis Carroll; Smarties Book Prize-winning FARMER DUCK by Martin Waddell; SO MUCH by Trish Cooke; as well as her classic board books for babies. More recently, she collaborated with author Phyllis Root on the jubilant, no-nonsense tall tale BIG MOMMA MAKES THE WORLD. "As I read Phyllis's text, I imagined Big Momma as part Buddha, part housewife," she says. "It was intimidating to create a whole world, but very enjoyable."
And what does she love most about her work? Thinking up new ideas? Seeing the finished book? Not at all. For Helen, "The best part is when I think I know what I'm doing and I've completed a few drawings. In fact, when I get about a third of the way through, and I feel I'm on my way, then I'm happy. It's like reading a good book--you don't want it to end."
Helen Oxenbury and her husband make their home in London, where the illustrator works in a nearby studio. She is also an avid tennis player.
Born in 1938 and growing up in Ipswich, England, Helen Oxenbury loved nothing more than drawing. As a teenager, she entered art school and basked in the pleasure of drawing, and nothing but drawing, all day. During vacations she helped out at the Ipswich Repertory Theatre workshop, mixing paints for set designers. It was there that she decided her future lay in theater design.
While studying costume design, however, Helen Oxenbury was told by a teacher, "This is hopeless, you know. You ought to go and do illustrations--you're much more interested in the character, and we don't know who's going to play the part!"
But sets and scenery, not books, remained Helen Oxenbury's preoccupation for several more years as she embarked on careers in theater, film, and TV. After marrying John Burningham, another of the world's most eminent children's book illustrators, and giving birth to their first child, at last she turned to illustrating children's books. "When I had babies," Helen Oxenbury says, "I wanted to be home with them and look for something to do there."
Today, Helen Oxenbury is among the most popular and critically acclaimed illustrators of her time. Her numerous books for children include the Greenaway Medal-winning ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND and its companion, ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS, both by Lewis Carroll; Smarties Book Prize-winning FARMER DUCK by Martin Waddell; SO MUCH by Trish Cooke; as well as her classic board books for babies. More recently, she collaborated with author Phyllis Root on the jubilant, no-nonsense tall tale BIG MOMMA MAKES THE WORLD. "As I read Phyllis's text, I imagined Big Momma as part Buddha, part housewife," she says. "It was intimidating to create a whole world, but very enjoyable."
And what does she love most about her work? Thinking up new ideas? Seeing the finished book? Not at all. For Helen, "The best part is when I think I know what I'm doing and I've completed a few drawings. In fact, when I get about a third of the way through, and I feel I'm on my way, then I'm happy. It's like reading a good book--you don't want it to end."
Helen Oxenbury and her husband make their home in London, where the illustrator works in a nearby studio. She is also an avid tennis player.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 21, 2017
1- Yes, I did liked the book because is about a little boy carrying a stuffed monkey all they with him. The pictures in the book are nice and colorful. Each page shows Pippo the stuffed monkey going everywhere he goes. This book can be a great example of a kid carrying at all times something with him.
2- I believe children would respond to this book with enthusiasm when I show them the book for the first time. While reading this book, I will read the story with a charming voice. Also, I will stop and ask them questions that can relate to their daily life.
2- I believe children would respond to this book with enthusiasm when I show them the book for the first time. While reading this book, I will read the story with a charming voice. Also, I will stop and ask them questions that can relate to their daily life.
March 21, 2017
I like this book because it is a heartwarming book. The book introduces Tom and his toy monkey, Pippo and they do things together throughout the day. In the end of the book, Tom can not find Pippo because he lost him. Tom needs to find Pippo in order to sleep because they sleep together. Children can learn to be compassion and take care of personal belongings. This book does not perpetuate any gender because all children can relate to this book of having a toy that is their favorite. The colors in the book are colorful with some soothing colors as well.
November 29, 2019
Sharing is a good way to make a friend.
July 12, 2016
I like Tom & Pippo, but I think others in the series are better. 8/15/12
I should have read my review before I used it again this year. 7/31/13
Forgot to read my review and this was chosen as the last book for PJ Story Time. However, some are missing from the system now, so I will have to try some new ones. 7/21/14
Went over okay at lap time, though maybe a little outdated/sexist 8/9/15
Forgot to read my notes, though I'm not sure what other ones are left in the system...
I should have read my review before I used it again this year. 7/31/13
Forgot to read my review and this was chosen as the last book for PJ Story Time. However, some are missing from the system now, so I will have to try some new ones. 7/21/14
Went over okay at lap time, though maybe a little outdated/sexist 8/9/15
Forgot to read my notes, though I'm not sure what other ones are left in the system...
October 3, 2008
Young children want stories that reflect their lives and few do it better than Helen Oxenbury with the able help of Tom and his stuffed monkey Pippo.
These periodically disappear from print so grab them when you find them even if it's just to save them for your grandchildren.
Recommended ages: birth through age 3
These periodically disappear from print so grab them when you find them even if it's just to save them for your grandchildren.
Recommended ages: birth through age 3
May 14, 2011
Literally, took me less than one-minute to complete this "sturdy board book format." Oh boy, it teaches your child a lesson, it portrays a gently soft and positive message. You can't go wrong with this fabulous "Simon&Schuster" masterpiece!
March 2, 2012
I spotted this on the shelves and memories flooded back. I remember Pippo! I love him so.
April 22, 2016
I love how much my toddler loves Tom and Pippo. Although the monkey in our house is named "Pito," most of the rest of the story could be happening here on any random day of the week. A sweet book.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews