Mr. Popper is ready to settle down to a quiet winter when he finishes his last painting job of the season. He loves those cold months when he has plenty of time to read about his favorite subject: the Poles. Mrs. Popper, his fastidious wife, finds this time of year trying. It is hard to keep the house clean with a man underfoot. Little does she know that her husband will be the least of her worries.
Mr. Popper has unwittingly caught the attention of an arctic explorer who sends him a penguin as a pet. Immediately the penguin, whom they name Captain Cook, captures the heart of the entire Popper family. They acquire a second penguin from the zoo and in a few weeks there is an entire rookery in the little Popper home. Keeping these unusual pets cool and well fed becomes a full-time job for Mr. Popper.
After over 75 years, this absurd but entertaining classic continues to delight fans. Robert Lawson's black, white and blue illustrations convey the authors' humor while reminding the reader that these are cold climate birds. This Newbery Honor is a perfect first chapter book for primary grade students or a fun read-aloud for preschoolers. Jennifer Minicus is a full-time wife and mother currently living in Ridgewood, NJ.