Mr. Popper's Penguins

Atwater, Richard; Atwater, Florence; and Lawson, Robert. Mr. Popper's Penguins. Boston : Little, Brown and Co., 1938.


Plot: While Mr. Popper works as a painter, he dreams of being an explorer, particularly in Antarctica. After sending a letter to his hero, Mr. Popper receives an unexpected and wonderful gift - a real, live penguin from the South Pole. The penguin, later named Captain Cook, transforms the Poppers' household. After Greta, a female penguin, arrives, the number of penguins unexpectedly grows to twelve. Yet, the Poppers cannot afford to feed and cool so many Arctic birds. After much consideration, the Poppers wonder if the antics of the penguins themselves may solve the problem. Much to the surprise of many, they do!

Genre: Animals, Penguins

Reading Level: Apparently aimed at ages 9-12, but younger readers may appreciate it as well.

Similar Titles: The Cricket in Times Square, From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, My Father's Dragon

Personal Thoughts: While the novel is slightly dated, it continues to gain fans. Part of this is due to the classic story of a little man pursuing his dreams and succeeding. However, the penguins significantly contribute to the popularity of the story as well. The novel would not enjoy nearly as much success if it focused on dogs, pigs, or parrots. Penguins are foreign. They are also adorable. So the concept of a cute but strange creature in an urban setting continues to enchant and amuse readers.

The book received a Newbury Award.

As of this writing, a movie based on the novel is in the works. However, it seems to vary widely from the original source.

Random note: The penguins in the book are Adélie penguins, one of only two that live directly on Antarctica (the other is the emperor penguin, of March of the Penguins fame).