Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this 1939 Newbery honor winner has captivated generations of readers. There's a little Mr. Popper in every reader, particularly those ages 5-8 years, full of questions about the world. He's a responsive father, a loving partner to his wife, a dutiful self-employed painter -- but mostly a quirky individual who dreams of traveling the world. It's this interest and motivation that eventually lands him with twelve Adelie penguins. In the end when facing a moral dilemma, Mr. Popper becomes a true hero. Vivid imagery, clever word plays, and funny characters that border on the absurd have made this book a popular choice in for kids in classrooms and at home.
Families who read this book can talk about how definition of family has changed since the 1930s. Mr. and Mrs. Popper have very clear roles in this family. What are they? Would they have the same roles today or how would they differ? Parents can point out how Mr. Popper received the penguins by taking the initiate -- that is, by writing the letter to Admiral Drake. Parents can also talk about the Adelie penguin and help kids look up up this type and other types of penguins on the Internet or at the library.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Pam Gelman
MR POPPER'S PENGUINS is one of those classic childhood books that kids always remembers and even ranks up there with Charlotte's Web and James and the Giant Peach. The chapterbook's witty dialogue (albeit with dated language), clever characters, and an ethical predicament make this book as enjoyable today as in the 1930s. In fact, many teachers today use it as part of their language arts curriculum. Mr. Poppers Penguins is a good fit for most 1st- and 2nd-grade readers, and can also be read aloud to kindergartners.
Though the book was written in 1938, Mr. Popper was ahead of his time for progressive parenting, letting his kids leave school to help him take the penguin act on the road. He also treats his wife with respect, giving her voice equal status in the household. Mostly though, kids will see through this funny, quirky man that learning never stops, and sometimes, by asking questions, great things happen.
Mirroring the partnership of Mr. and Mrs. Popper, Richard Atwater got sick and was unable to finish the book, so his wife, Florence, picked up where he left off. Also worthy of noting are the delightful ink illustrations of Robert Lawson who also won a Newbery Medal for Rabbit Hill.
From The Book
"P-e-n-g-u-i-n," said Mr. Popper. "Penguin."
"Oh!" said the voice, "You mean that Captain Cook's first name is Benjamin?"
"Not Benjamin. Penguin. It's a bird," said Mr. Popper.
"Do you mean," said the phone in his ear, "that Captain Cook wishes a license to shoot birds? I am sorry. The bird-hunting season does not open until November. And please try to speak a little more distinctly, Mr. – Topper, did you say your name is?"
"My name is Popper, not Topper," shouted Mr. Popper.
"Yes, Mr. Potter. Now I can hear you quite clearly."
"Then listen," roared Mr. Popper, now completely outraged. "If you folks at City Hall don't even know what penguins are, I guess you haven't any rule saying they have to be licensed. I will do without a license for Captain Cook."
"Just a minute, Mr. Popwell. Our own Mr. Treadbottom of the Bureau of Navigation of Lakes, Rivers, Ponds, and Streams, has just come in. I will let you speak to him personally. Perhaps he knows this Benjamin Cook of yours."
In a moment a new voice was speaking to Mr. Popper. "Good morning. This is the Automobile License Bureau. Did you have this same car last year, and if so, what was the license number?"
Plot Summary:
Mr. Popper is a house painter in the 1930s in Stillwater, USA, and only works Spring through Fall. Wintertime is when he drowns himself in National Geographic and radio shows about world explorers. During one such show, he learns of Admiral Drake and his Antarctic adventures. He writes to him who surprisingly responds to Mr. Popper's letter with a live penguin. The adventures start with one and soon enough, the penguin family grows to nine. Mr. Popper, his wife, and their two kids take the penguins on the road as an act to earn money. The act eventually gets old and there's a run-in with the law only to be bailed out by Admiral Drake. Mr. Popper is then faced with a moral dilemma that questions the penguins' future.
Related Books:
My Father's Dragon, Charlotte's Web, James and the Giant Peach are other classics that are about the same reading level or can be enjoyed read aloud.
Rate It!
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ViolenceCaptain Cook (a penguin) is spanked when naughty. He also becomes lethargic and ill (with discussion of his poosible death) until Greta Penguin joins him. |
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Social BehaviorMr. and Mrs. Popper struggle to make enough money, but are true partners and happy parents. Mr. Popper teaches his family about penguins with awe and respect. He also cries when sad. |
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