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A review by katykelly
Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard Atwater
4.0
Charming animal story, much old-fashioned and US-centric language.
We recently watched the film, and my son was keen to read the original book of Mr Popper's Penguins. Told through short chapters, the film differs markedly from the source material, but we both enjoyed it immensely.
Mr Popper is a house painter and wannabee explorer, and inexplicably find himself one day the owner of a male penguin, sent to him at his New York suburban home. With his wife and children, Mr Popper does his best to care for their new family member, though its loneliness eventually means a female is sought - and of course, soon two penguins becomes rather more.
The story takes delight in giving the penguins a chance to exhibit their playful natures, their intelligence. The idea of how a family home could be adapted to an Antarctic guest will make readers consider how difficult it might be, as they laugh along. While the story was written (1938) at a time when animal welfare would not have been held in the same regard as we hold it in today, Mr Popper makes a caring and considerate 'keeper'. It is interesting to see how others view the penguins, many not even recognising the species.
Some aspects of the story confused my son and needed explaining, not just American terms such as 'sidewalk' but also the way Mr and Mrs Popper call each other 'Mother' and 'Father'. It's very much 'of its time' and also its location, a certain era is quite vividly conjured up through the wholesome family, their language and their little city.
Very entertaining, the penguins will please readers as much as the modern equivalents in the Jim Carrey film, the plot is simple but moves quickly and with some good set-pieces. The ending is an appropriate and uplifting one.
The language may put some young readers off, but the story itself is diverting. It took us just over a week to read at bedtimes, and would be suitable for age 6 to 10.
We recently watched the film, and my son was keen to read the original book of Mr Popper's Penguins. Told through short chapters, the film differs markedly from the source material, but we both enjoyed it immensely.
Mr Popper is a house painter and wannabee explorer, and inexplicably find himself one day the owner of a male penguin, sent to him at his New York suburban home. With his wife and children, Mr Popper does his best to care for their new family member, though its loneliness eventually means a female is sought - and of course, soon two penguins becomes rather more.
The story takes delight in giving the penguins a chance to exhibit their playful natures, their intelligence. The idea of how a family home could be adapted to an Antarctic guest will make readers consider how difficult it might be, as they laugh along. While the story was written (1938) at a time when animal welfare would not have been held in the same regard as we hold it in today, Mr Popper makes a caring and considerate 'keeper'. It is interesting to see how others view the penguins, many not even recognising the species.
Some aspects of the story confused my son and needed explaining, not just American terms such as 'sidewalk' but also the way Mr and Mrs Popper call each other 'Mother' and 'Father'. It's very much 'of its time' and also its location, a certain era is quite vividly conjured up through the wholesome family, their language and their little city.
Very entertaining, the penguins will please readers as much as the modern equivalents in the Jim Carrey film, the plot is simple but moves quickly and with some good set-pieces. The ending is an appropriate and uplifting one.
The language may put some young readers off, but the story itself is diverting. It took us just over a week to read at bedtimes, and would be suitable for age 6 to 10.