83 pages • 2 hours read
Richard Atwater, Florence AtwaterMr. Popper's Penguins
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1938A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Mr. Popper’s Penguins tells the story of Mr. Popper, a housepainter fascinated by the Arctic and Antarctic, who unexpectedly receives a penguin named Captain Cook. When Captain Cook becomes lonely, another penguin named Greta joins him, and they produce a brood. The Popper family renovates their home to care for the penguins and eventually trains them to perform, touring the country and ultimately sending them to the North Pole to start a colony, fulfilling Mr. Popper's dreams of exploration.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater offers a whimsical, charming tale enjoyed by children for its playful storytelling and imaginative content. Critics commend its humor and heartwarming characters, though some find the plot simplistic and outdated. Overall, it remains a beloved classic, appreciated for its lighthearted, family-friendly appeal.
Who Should Read Mr Popper's Penguins?
Readers who enjoy whimsical, heartwarming tales filled with humor and adventure will relish Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard Atwater and Florence Atwater. Fans of Charlotte's Web by E.B. White and James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl will find similar charm and imagination in this delightful story.
RecommendedReading Age
8-12yearsLexile Level
910L