Kipper's Birthday: questions to ask and activities to try
Kipper plans his party perfectly, except his invitations say 'tomorrow'. Kipper's Birthday is a funny, gentle classic about birthdays, friends and getting your days muddled.
What age is it for? Kipper's Birthday is best for ages 2–6. Good for: Birthdays, friends, and getting days muddled.
Kipper's Birthday (Mick Inkpen)
- Age
- 2-6
- Best for
- Birthdays, friends, and getting days muddled
Read it slowly so your child can work out the muddle themselves. It's a great way to talk about yesterday, today and tomorrow.
What it helps with
- Birthdays and parties
- Understanding yesterday, today and tomorrow
- Disappointment when plans go wrong
- Friends who make it right
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What did Kipper make for his party?”
- “What did the invitations say?”
- “Why didn’t his friends come on the right day?”
- “How did Kipper feel?”
- “What present did his friends bring?”
- “What happened yesterday? What will happen tomorrow?”
5-minute activities to try together
Day chart
Draw yesterday, today and tomorrow in three boxes, with one thing that happens in each.
Invitations
Make party invitations for a toy party. Write the day on them and deliver them around the house.
Free printables: Kipper's Birthday worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
Happy Birthday, Maisy (Lucy Cousins)
- Best for
- Birthdays, parties and celebrating with friends
- Age
- 1-4
Lullabyhullaballoo! (Mick Inkpen)
- Best for
- Bedtime, and a noisy night that won't settle
- Age
- 2-5
Biscuit Bear (Mini Grey)
- Best for
- Making friends, and a sweet ending
- Age
- 3-6
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.