For his entire life, Mr. Popper has dreamt of traveling and exploring new places. In particular, everything about the Antarctic fascinates him, especially those funny, curious, and highly intelligent penguins. When he isn’t working as a house painter and decorator, Mr. Popper spends his time reading or watching movies about the Polar Regions.

Mr. Popper’s ordinary life suddenly turns upside down when, in response to a letter that he sends to famous explorer Admiral Drake, he receives a large package in the mail. Out of Mr. Popper’s package pops…a penguin. Delighted with their new pet, the Popper family goes all out to make the penguin, named Captain Cook, happy and comfortable. This also includes finding Captain Cook a wife. Soon, the Poppers are the proud owners of, not one, not two, but 12 penguins! Unfortunately, keeping a large family of penguins is proving to be very expensive. With the family falling deep into debt, Mr. Popper comes up with a crazy money-making plan that just might work. However, when dealing with a group of energetic Antarctic birds, one never knows what to expect.

Mr. Popper’s Penguins, by Richard and Florence Atwater, is a funny, charming modern classic and winner of the Newbery Honor Book Award.