A Kid-Friendly Book Summary Of Mr Popper’s Penguins
By Lily | Published 5 December 2022 | Goodreads Rating 3.97 | This post may contain affiliate links.
Mr. Popper’s Penguins is a classic children’s book that has been enjoyed by generations of readers. The story follows the adventures of Mr. Popper, a house painter who dreams of becoming an explorer. One day, he receives a gift of six penguins from Antarctica.
With the help of his penguins, Mr. Popper turns his house into a winter wonderland. He even takes them on tour across the country, where they perform for thrilled audiences. But as Mr. Popper starts to realize, caring for six penguins is a lot of work.
This charming book is a delightful read for both children and adults. It teaches valuable lessons about responsibility, friendship, and family.
RELATED: Download free printables to build your child’s comprehension of Mr Popper’s Penguins.
The Plot: What is the story about?
Mr. Popper’s Penguins follows the incredibly wild adventure of Mr. Popper, a house painter with a love of exploration. As the story begins, Mr. Popper eagerly awaits the arrival of Admiral Drake, an explorer who Mr. Popper idolizes. Instead of the explorer, Mr. Popper receives a surprise gift of six penguins from the South Pole.
At first, Mr. Popper is shocked by this strange gift. But when he realizes that these penguins can be trained, he starts turning his house into an igloo-like home for his new family. With the help of Mr. Popper and his wife, the penguins learn to slide down the banisters, ride on bicycles, and dance for the amazed neighbours.
When an opportunity arises for the Poppers to take their act on tour, the family embarks on an incredible journey across the country. But with six naughty penguins in tow, it’s no easy task. From escaping zoo cages to trip paddling a boat in a raging river, the Poppers soon learn just how difficult it is to care for a family of unusual pets.
The Characters: Who are they and what are they like?
At the centre of the book is Mr. Popper, a humble house painter with big dreams. Desperate to explore the world, he has filled his tiny home with maps, explorer’s journals, and stories of courage and adventure. He’s kind-hearted, generous and will do anything to make his family happy.
Mrs. Popper is hardworking and responsible. She keeps the household running in times of chaos, and stands by her husband while he embarks on his crazy schemes.
The six penguins (Captain Cook, Greta, Dimitri, Gustavus, Genie, Pluto) are the life of the party. They love to slide, dance and paddle about, turning their home into a winter wonderland. Mischievous and full of energy, these feathered friends bring laughter and adventure to the pages of the book.
The Main Theme: What lessons can be learned from the book?
Mr. Popper’s Penguins is a heart-warming story about family, friendship and responsibility. Through Mr. Popper’s adventures, readers learn the importance of valuing family and living life to the fullest.
Children also learn that while animals are fun and exciting, they must be cared for and respected. And finally, the book teaches us to never give up on our dreams - no matter how wild they may be!
At its heart, Mr. Popper’s Penguins is a story about family, friendship and adventure. With charming characters, delightful lessons and exciting escapades, this book is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Whether you’re eight or eighty, this is one story that’s sure to put a smile on your face.
Fun Facts about the Book and Author
Mr. Popper’s Penguins was originally published in 1938 and has been delighting audiences for generations. The book was written by popular children’s author Richard and Florence Atwater and has sold more than 1 million copies worldwide. The book has been adapted for TV, radio and stage. In 2011, a major motion picture was released starring Jim Carey, Carol Burnett, and Angela Lansbury.
RELATED: If your child loved this book, check out Mr Poppers Penguins-themed activities to continue the reading fun! Includes a FREE art print to download as a memento!
Some of My Favorite Reviews of this Book
"This book is an enchanting tale of adventure and family. The characters are lovable and the storyline is both thrilling and funny. Highly recommended!"
"My eight year old absolutely loved this book. The characters are fun and the story is exciting. A must-read!"
"A classic children’s book with a timeless message. Definitely worth adding to your library!"
