Mr. Popper has always been fascinated with the north and south poles. He then receives a penguin as a present, and of course, must then buy another one, because the first one is lonely. Soon, there is an entire penguin family living with the Poppers. Mr. Popper takes them on a performing show tour, but then comes to understand that penguins don’t belong in the city.

I remember reading at least part of this book when I was little, and not liking it for some reason, probably because it is a bit of a nonsense tale, and I don’t like characters (such as Mr. Popper) who act ridiculously. However, my second graders read this book during reading groups and really enjoyed it.