10 Fun Reading Activities for Mr Popper’s Penguins
By Lily | Published 5 December 2022 | Goodreads Rating 3.97 | This post may contain affiliate links.
We’ve curated a list of educational games and activities inspired by Mr Popper’s Penguins. Be sure to try some (or all!) of these ideas to make reading fun for your child, while creating special memories for your family along the way!
Mr. Popper’s Penguins is a classic childhood story that children love! Mr. Popper, who dreams of exploring the polar regions, receives a penguin as a gift — and soon he trains an entire penguin family to be part of Popper's Performing Penguins. The storyline is witty and entertaining and an ethical predicament makes this book as enjoyable today as in the 1930s.
Visit the book summary of Mr Popper’s Penguins to learn more or to refresh your memory of this book from your childhood!
10 Book-Themed Activities for Mr Popper’s Penguins
Activity 1: Watch Penguin Live TV and see penguins in their natural habitat
The world's largest colony of Little Penguins live on Phillip Island in Australia. I was fortunate to visit Philip Island when my kids were young. It was quite an experience to watch in person this natural phenomenon of the colonies returning to their homes after a day out searching for food. The other thing I vividly remember was how cold I was and unprepared for the frigid temperature. However, you and your kids can watch the Penguin Live TV in the comfort of your warm home which streams every night at sunset (Australian time).
Activity 2: Family movie night of Mr Popper’s Penguins
Schedule a family night to watch Mr Popper’s Penguins starring Jim Carrey! There are many children’s books with movie adaptations and that closely follow the storyline. This movie, however, was loosely-based on the original book. After watching the movie with your family, discuss what you liked and did NOT like of the book, as well as the movie!
Activity 3: Have a penguin-themed movie night!
After reading Mr Popper’s Penguins as a family, end with a movie weekend reward by watching a penguin-themed movies. Here are two fun recommendations:
Happy Feet is an animated musical film about a young emperor penguin named Mumble who is born without the ability to sing, but instead can tap dance. Because he is different from the other penguins in his community, Mumble struggles to fit in, but eventually discovers that his unique talents can help save his colony from a food shortage caused by overfishing. The movie features a star-studded cast and is known for its catchy music and stunning animation.
March of the Penguins is a documentary film that follows the incredible journey of emperor penguins in Antarctica as they mate, lay eggs, and raise their offspring in the harshest environment on Earth. The film documents the penguins' epic trek across the frozen tundra, as they battle against brutal winds, freezing temperatures, and predators in order to ensure the survival of their species. The movie is known for its breathtaking visuals and fascinating insights into the lives of these remarkable creatures.
Activity 4: Learn more about the world of penguins
The Global Penguin Society is a great place to start. They are an internationally recognized organization dedicated to the conservation of the world´s penguin species, the coasts and the oceans they inhabit. The Global Penguin Society fosters the conservation of all penguin species and their associated ecosystems, generating science, management guidelines and education.
Activity 5: Read more fun books about penguins!
Here are a few children's books that would be great for learning more about penguins. All of these books are kid-friendly and offer different perspectives on penguins, from factual information to heartwarming stories about friendship and acceptance.
Activity 6: Adopt a Penguin
The Deep is an international player in marine conservation, working on pioneering research schemes to protect the future of our oceans. One of the ways you can support their work is to adopt a penguin! With each sponsorship, the Deep Adoption pack (for penguins) contains a mini cuddly toy, a fact booklet, photo, certificate (blank so you can write the recipient’s name on), letter, notepad, pen, magnet and specially designed eco bag. If you leave near Hull in the United Kingdom, it includes an admission ticket valid for 12 months entry!
Activity 7: Make a No-Sew Sock Penguin
Making a DIY no-sew penguin is a fun and easy craft project that children can do with minimal adult supervision. Here is a simple method from @Crafty not Shifty on how to make a no-sew penguin!
Activity 8: Painting fun for the family!
Mr. Popper was a house painter although he was really an explorer at heart. As a fun family activity, create a fort out of cardboard boxes or buy a ready-made cardboard house.
After assembling the house, get some paint & brushes and together as a family, paint and decorate your new family home! Afterwards, turn this into a reading nook for your kids. Look around the house (the real house!) for some extra throw pillows and a lighting source to make the reading nook cozy!
Activity 9: Get free resources to build reading comprehension of this book!
Download this free book study of Mr Popper’s Penguins from Reading Quests to help with your child’s comprehension of this book and to make reading fun. Great for struggling readers!
Vocabulary.com is a great resource to test your child's knowledge, as well as spelling acumen with a list of words from Mr. Popper’s Penguins.
Activity 10: Read more stories of animal friendships & colorful characters!
If your child enjoyed reading "Mr. Popper's Penguins," there are many other animal-themed books that they might enjoy. Here are some recommendations:
Charlotte's Web by E.B. White - This classic book tells the story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a spider named Charlotte. It's a timeless tale of friendship and loyalty that has been beloved by generations of readers.
The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary - This book tells the story of a mouse named Ralph who befriends a boy named Keithand learns to ride a toy motorcycle. It's a fun and adventurous book that will capture children's imaginations.
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate - This book tells the story of a gorilla who lives in a shopping mall and dreams of living in the wild. It's a heartwarming and thought-provoking story that children and adults alike will enjoy.
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell - This classic book tells the story of a horse named Black Beauty and his experiences with different owners throughout his life. It's a poignant and heartwarming story that teaches children about kindness and compassion towards animals.
REWARD: Celebrate reading Mr Popper’s Penguins!
When your child has finished the book and completed any of the above activities, download this FREE book-themed artwork to hang or frame in your child’s room as a reminder of this special book!
More book-themed activities and rewards for Mr Popper’s Penguins:
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