Mr. Popper's Penguins

John Newbery Medal Honor Book 1939

Citation:

Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard & Florence Atwater.  Illustrations by Robert Lawson.  (Little, Brown and Company, 1939).  139p. Fantasy Junior Book.

Summary:

Mr. Popper receives a large crate from Antarctica that alters his life forever. 

Critique:

a.         The story unfolds as Mr. Popper’s desire is granted when he receives a penguin from Antarctica.

b.         The lively and entertaining story engages the reader in the dreams of Mr. Popper and the antics of his penguin, Capt. Cook and how it affects the Popper house hold.  The story evolves with the addition of Greta and eventually the chicks, and the actions and tricks continue to evolve and grow.  

c.         Capt. Cook needed a place to nest so he was given the refrigerator and the food was removed (p. 29) and the cellar was turned into a frozen haven for the Popper Penguins (p. 75) were only a few of the changes that the Popper’s endured for their pets. The way of life the Popper’s were used to was just beginning to change.

Curriculum Connection:  

Mr. Popper’s Penguins is a timeless classic that will entertain and intrigue young readers to see what the Penguins will do next.  The book could be used to introduce seasonal changes or the different climates required for arctic animals, while engaging the student.