Guide Note

Mr. Popper's Penguins is a children's novel by Richard Atwater and Florence Atwater. Richard got ill writing the book and his wife Florence completed the work. The story is about a poor house painter named Mr. Popper who receives a large crate that changes his life and fortune.

Fast Facts

1. Authors: Richard Atwater and Florence Atwater
2. Illustrator: Robert Lawson
3. Genre: Childrens Books children's book
4. Publication Date: 1938
5. Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers
6. Pages: 139
7. Recommended Ages: 9-12
8. ISBN 978-0316058438
9. Awards/Distinctions: Newbery Honor Book in 1939, Lewis Carroll Shelf Award in 1958, Pacific Northwest Young Reader's Choice Award in 1941
10. Adaptations: Movie, 1987

The poor Mr. Popper is an out of work house painter. He and his family unexpectedly receive a box of 12 penguins who are trying to eat everything in site, including the family goldfish. Chaos ensues as the Mr. Popper tries to figure out a way to provide for the penguins and his family.

• "Their adventures while on tour are hilarious, with numerous slapstick moments as the penguins disrupt other acts and invade hotels. Classic chapter-a-night fun." - Amazon.com Editorial Review
• "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." - Common Sense Review