Biff, Chip and Kipper – Complete Guide to the Reading Series

For millions of children learning to read, the names Biff, Chip and Kipper are as familiar as the alphabet itself. These three characters, along with their dog Floppy, have been the face of the Oxford Reading Tree for more than three decades. First published in 1986, the series was created by author Roderick Hunt and illustrator Alex Brychta, and has since grown into one of the most widely used reading programmes in the English-speaking world. Oxford University Press reports that the stories have reached an estimated 30 million children globally and are used in approximately 80% of UK primary schools.

The appeal of the series lies in its careful blend of phonics-based learning and genuine storytelling. Each book is designed to build reading confidence incrementally, moving from simple word recognition to more complex narratives. The characters — a family known as the Robinsons — face everyday adventures and, through a magic key, fantastical ones. The books are structured into levels, allowing parents and teachers to match each child’s ability to the appropriate stage of reading development.

Despite their widespread use, many parents and educators encounter gaps in readily available information. Questions frequently arise about the characters’ real names, the exact reading levels available, and how the series fits into the broader Read with Oxford programme. This guide consolidates the key facts, drawing primarily on official Oxford University Press materials, to provide a clear, evidence-based reference for anyone navigating the Biff, Chip and Kipper books.

What are Biff, Chip and Kipper books?

The Biff, Chip and Kipper books are a series of early reading stories that form a core part of the Oxford Reading Tree programme. They are designed to support children from their first steps in phonics through to fluent, confident reading. The stories centre on the Robinson family and their friends, with adventures that range from mundane family life to imaginative journeys triggered by a magic key. For a broader overview of how the series fits into the wider curriculum, see the Oxford Reading Tree series overview.

Key insights about the series

• Biff, Chip and Kipper stories are used in an estimated 80% of UK primary schools to teach reading.
• The series spans multiple levels from Level 1 (pre-reading) to Level 9 (fluent reading).
• The characters have real names but are known by their nicknames: Biff (Elizabeth), Chip (David), Kipper (Christopher).
• The family dog is named Floppy.
• The series was adapted into a CBBC television programme that aired from 2007 to 2008.

Main characters and their roles

Who are the Biff, Chip and Kipper characters?

The core characters form the Robinson family: Biff, Chip, Kipper, their parents, and their dog Floppy. According to Oxford character guides, Biff and Chip are twins. Biff, whose real name is Elizabeth, enjoys football, swimming, and making things. Chip, whose real name is David, prefers cycling, sports, and drawing. Kipper, the youngest, is known for his curiosity and his nickname, which arose from his early difficulty pronouncing the names of his siblings.

Main characters

Oxford’s official materials describe Floppy as a big, playful dog who often gets muddy. He loves sticks, balls, running around, digging, and swimming in the pond. Gran, Mum’s mother, frequently visits and accompanies the children on adventures, where she often finds herself in amusing predicaments. Mum enjoys sports and walking Floppy, while Dad likes games and occasionally plays tricks on Biff, Chip and Kipper.

Real names of Biff, Chip and Kipper

A common point of confusion is whether Biff, Chip and Kipper are the characters’ actual names. Oxford University Press materials confirm that these are nicknames. The characters’ real names are Elizabeth (Biff), David (Chip), and Christopher (Kipper). The origin story, provided in Oxford’s character PDFs, explains that when Kipper was learning to talk, he could not say “Elizabeth” or “Beth,” so he said “Biff.” Similarly, he could not say “David,” so he said “Chip.” The nicknames stuck and became the names used throughout the series. Some secondary sources have suggested that Biff may once have been named Barbara in early drafts, but the official Oxford character pages consistently identify Biff as Elizabeth and Chip as David.

The Biff, Chip and Kipper dog – Floppy

Floppy is the Robinson family dog and a beloved character in his own right. He appears in many stories, often getting muddy or causing minor chaos. According to Oxford character descriptions, Floppy loves sticks, balls, digging, and swimming in the pond. His name is simply Floppy — there is no alternate or longer version of his name.

What are the reading levels of Biff, Chip and Kipper books?

The Biff, Chip and Kipper books are organised into levels that correspond to a child’s developing reading ability. These levels are part of the broader Oxford Reading Tree structure and, more recently, the Read with Oxford programme. The explains that the books are designed to build phonics and decoding skills, increase reading confidence, and support progression from very simple texts to longer stories. Examples on the Oxford Owl site show books available at Stage 4 and Stage 5, though the series extends from Level 1 through to Level 9.

Biff, Chip and Kipper Level 1 books

Level 1 books are intended for children who are just beginning their reading journey. They typically contain no words or very few words, focusing instead on building pre-reading skills such as handling a book, following a story through pictures, and developing listening comprehension. These books introduce the characters and their world without requiring decoding ability.

Biff, Chip and Kipper Level 7 books

By Level 7, children are expected to be building reading stamina and tackling longer, more complex stories. The vocabulary expands, sentences become more varied, and the narratives include more detailed plots. The magic key adventures feature prominently at this stage, taking the children to historical settings and fantastical worlds. The books are designed to support children who are becoming confident readers but still benefit from structured progression.

Biff, Chip and Kipper Level 1-3 collection

Many retailers offer the Biff, Chip and Kipper books as bundled collections. The Level 1-3 collection covers the earliest stages of reading, from wordless picture books to simple phonics-based stories. The Books2Door collection page and the The Book Bundle page provide examples of how these levels are grouped for convenient purchasing. Parents should note that within each level there may be multiple sub-stages (e.g., Level 1, Level 1+, Level 2, Level 3) that offer fine-grained progression.

How long has the Biff, Chip and Kipper series been around?

The series has a well-documented history spanning nearly four decades. The timeline below outlines the key milestones in its development, based on information from Oxford University Press and the Wikipedia entry for Oxford Reading Tree.

1. 1986 – The first Biff, Chip and Kipper stories are published as part of the Oxford Reading Tree programme.
2. 1990s – The series expands significantly, adding multiple levels and many new titles to cater to a growing readership.
3. 2007–2008 – CBBC produces a television series based on the characters, bringing them to a wider audience beyond the books.
4. 2014 – The Read with Oxford programme is launched, regrouping the books into more intuitive steps for parents and aligning them with the UK national curriculum.
5. Present – The books remain in print and are widely used in schools and homes. Digital activities and e-books are available through the Oxford Owl platform.

Are Biff, Chip and Kipper their real names?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions about the series. The table below separates what is clearly established from what remains unclear or less well-documented.

What is the educational context of the Biff, Chip and Kipper books?

The Biff, Chip and Kipper stories are part of the Oxford Reading Tree, a balanced reading programme that has been helping children learn to read for over 30 years. The books are structured in levels that progress from phonics readiness to fluent reading. They are widely praised for their engaging storylines, relatable characters, and gentle repetition of key vocabulary. The series is used as a basis for classroom activities and home reading programmes like Read with Oxford. The programme aligns with the UK national curriculum and is designed to support both systematic synthetic phonics teaching and broader literacy development.

In addition to the storybooks, the series includes flashcards, activity books, and early readers. These supplementary materials allow parents and teachers to reinforce the skills introduced in the main stories. The Oxford Owl website provides free e-books, activity sheets, and guidance for parents on how to support their child’s reading at each level. While the books are primarily used in the UK, they are available internationally through online retailers and the Oxford Owl digital platform.

Where can I find reliable information about Biff, Chip and Kipper?

The most authoritative source for information about Biff, Chip and Kipper is Oxford University Press, the publisher of the series. The provides official guidance on levels, characters, and activities. The Wikipedia entry for Oxford Reading Tree offers an encyclopedic overview of the series’ history and creators. For purchasing, reputable retailers include Oxford University Press’s own store, Books2Door, and The Book Bundle. The following quotes from key sources reinforce the series’ standing.

“Biff, Chip and Kipper have been helping children learn to read for more than 30 years.”

— Oxford Owl for Home

“The ‘Biff, Chip and Kipper’ stories, written by Roderick Hunt and illustrated by Alex Brychta, were used as the basis for the CBBC television programme.”

— Wikipedia – Oxford Reading Tree

What is the essential guide to Biff, Chip and Kipper?

The Biff, Chip and Kipper series remains a cornerstone of early reading education in the UK and beyond. The key facts to remember are that the characters’ real names are Elizabeth, David, and Christopher; that Biff and Chip are twins; that Kipper’s nickname came from a childhood speech difficulty; and that the books span Levels 1 through 9 within the Oxford Reading Tree structure. For parents and educators looking to support a child’s reading journey, the Read with Oxford programme offers the most up-to-date level matching, while the Oxford Owl website provides free resources and guidance. For practical advice on matching books to ability, see the How to choose the right reading level for your child guide.

Frequently asked questions about Biff, Chip and Kipper