Reviews

Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard Atwater, Robert Lawson, Florence Atwater

karastotle's review against another edition

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4.0

This is fun read that is an excellent way to introduce young readers to chapter books and longer reading projects. The illustrations help bridge the gap between picture book and "grown up" chapter book, which also makes the pages fly by (and makes kids feel accomplished at all the pages they've read). Mr. Popper's antics are amusing and delightful, and who wouldn't love his hilarious penguins? This book has held up surprisingly well for being almost 80 years old, although I do wish Bill and Janie (the children) played more central roles, since this is a kid's story after all. This book was originally published towards the end of the Great Depression, when poverty and money troubles were widespread, but Mr. and Mrs. Popper's financial concerns may not resonate with all 4-8 year-old as much as they would have in 1938. But in the end, this is a classic for a reason, and I'm glad I was able to pick up a copy for myself.

karirancourt's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes

3.5

mobap's review against another edition

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4.0

I read this aloud to my almost 4 year old and he loved it so much we read it twice! He pretends to peck me and toboggan around the house all the time now.

mwiesner's review against another edition

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medium-paced

3.5

lmelden's review against another edition

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3.0

Pretty silly. Loved how my kids were so offended by the end and that Mr Popper would just abandon his family for a year on a whim. Also, “and now Mrs Popper just has to go home and clean up the mess?!”

traci_mm's review against another edition

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3.0

I just had to read the book before I go see the movie. It was really cute.

anothernicole's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I read this aloud to my kids (6yo and 8yo), and we all loved it. Lighthearted and low angst, funny and warm. Good for right-before-bed reading. 

jennylinsky321's review against another edition

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5.0

5 stars come from Lilia. I give it 3 (and that's rounding up).

sunshine915's review against another edition

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4.0

This was a super cute book. My first grader and I enjoyed reading this together. It was a cute, light-hearted story.

justareadingmama_charly's review against another edition

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3.0

I have heard so much about the charm of this book and I can see why. My kids absolutely loved it. The penguins are silly and fun and had my girls (6 and 7) laughing out loud. They both rated it 5 stars.

I was less impressed with it. My logical, adult side just couldn't handle so many things--the way finances were handled, the priorities, that ending?? Mr. Popper leaving his family for two years or whatever at the end almost ruined the book for me.

But, the kids loved it and there were parts that I found fun as well