January 2013

BotM-MrPoppers

Mr. Popper's Penguins

By: Richard and Florence Atwater

It was hard enough for Mr. Popper to support himself, Mrs. Popper, Bill and Janie Popper. The addition of twelve penguins to the family made it impossible to make both ends meet. Then Mr. Popper had a splendid idea. The penguins might support the Poppers. And so they did.

Activities

  1. Mr. Popper is fascinated with the North and South Poles and wishes he could be a scientist, so that he could visit them. Discuss with your family a place that you would like to visit or know more about. If you chose a place that is difficult to visit, you could read books about it like Mr. Popper did. Your local library is a great place to find books about things and places that interest you.

  2. Mr. Popper's penguins are very well-behaved, helpful birds. They help the Poppers during the winter time, when Mr. Popper does not have much work, and throughout the rest of the year, too. Discuss with your family the many ways the penguins help the Poppers. You and your family could also visit your local zoo to learn more about birds and those unique to your region.

  3. It is always important to remember key information while reading. In fact, the level of understanding of a story or message is called reading comprehension. See if you and your family can remember how many penguins Mr. Popper has and how he came to acquire each penguin? If you need help recalling the information, you can always refer back to the book!

  4. At the end of the book, Mr. Popper leaves with his penguins and Sir Frances Drake for an adventure in the North Pole. You can use your imagination to think about or write about what happens once they arrive in the North Pole. Share your story with your family, and I encourage you to let me know what you imagine, too! Your family can help you email me or post on my facebook page