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I borrowed the paperback from the kid I babysit. The decision to review and all opinions are my own.
I remember reading this book in elementary school. I didn’t remember much of it, but I do remember enjoying it. When the kid I babysit was in third grade, who is now 11-years-old, he read this book in school and I didn’t read it along with him because they read it in school, it was never for homework. Now his sister is in third grade and they read the book. They still read it in school but she decided to give me “homework” and had me read it.
I forgot how pleasant this book is. Mr. Popper is a house painter who’s married with two children and they’re living paycheck to paycheck. However, Mr. Popper has dreams of traveling and going on expeditions. He writes to one of his idols, Admiral Drake, who gives him a penguin.
One thing leads to another and he ends up with 12 penguins. Chaos ensures as they try to keep the penguins cold (don’t worry – no penguins were harmed in the making of this book) and they also turn them into show penguins.
This book is pretty crazy with a lot of ridiculous things happening. For a children’s story, though, it’s a solid tale. The writing style is fun and the plot, as crazy as it is, is well-rounded and comes full-circle by the end.
If you haven’t read Mr. Popper’s Penguins, or you have a kid who hasn’t read it, pick it up together. It’s a quick read and it’s a delight.
Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Florence and Richard Atwater
Conclusion