Kipper's Book of Opposites: Kipper Concept Books

Kipper's Book of Opposites features illustrations of Kipper, a puppy who has been featured in other books by Mick Inkpen. Each spread shows Kipper with a different object on each page that is opposite to the object on the other side of the spread. For example, in one spread Kipper is shown on the left page peeking around a clothes hamper with the text, "Out." On the right page he is shown inside the hamper with the text, "In." The simple drawings and minimal text make this book appropriate for toddlers. The focus on opposites is ideal for teaching toddlers the concept of what opposites are. I would recommend using this book in the library for a lapsit. The children could participate by identifying what the objects pictured are and what "opposite" they represent. The watercolor drawings represent the text in a simple way with a plain white background. The images of the cute puppy would be appealing to toddlers.

I teach English as a foreign language in Korea. I checked out a Korean translation of this book and read it in English to my students. I noticed that each word in the book had a sign language equivalent, so I taught them to say all the words in sign language. Then we made up a song from the book. Then we made up an action song using antonyms such as strong/weak and mean/nice.

I was recently introduced to Kipper by my three year nephew who loves Kipper. I was so impressed with the videos that I immediately went to look for the books for a new baby in my family. I love the way the author puts a new spin on an old concept. I've also purchased Kipper's Book of Color, Numbers and Weather and can't wait to read them all to my new niece or nephew!