Mr. Popper's Penguins

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

What comparisons can be made between the North and South Poles? What is unique about these areas compared to other regions in the world?

Teaching Suggestion: Mr. Popper is fascinated by the North and South Poles and the creatures who live in those regions. Students might begin this novel study by investigating and discussing comparisons between the two regions and speculating as to why an individual might be interested in learning about them. These resources may be useful in exploring facts about the North and South Poles. Students may find it beneficial to create a comparison chart between the two locations to reference as they analyze the novel.

• This 5-minute video explains differences between the North and South Poles.
• This article discusses additional differences between the Arctic and Antarctic regions by exploring topography, climate, and living things.

Short Activity

Conduct research about penguins to determine their habitats, eating habits, and reproduction. Use these questions to guide your research and select appropriate resources for your investigation.

• Where do penguins live?
• How big can penguins get?
• What are some of the different species of penguins?
• Is socialization important for penguins?
• What kinds of foods do penguins eat?
• What is tobogganing?
• What is a rookery?
• What would a penguin need if you were to keep one as a pet?

Teaching Suggestion: Mr. Popper’s life changes dramatically when he receives a penguin in the mail from Admiral Drake, an Antarctic explorer. The penguin, named Captain Cook, falls ill sometime later because of his loneliness, prompting Mr. Popper to acquire a mate for the penguin. Soon Mr. Popper has a brood of penguins and must adjust his lifestyle to accommodate them. Initial research on the topic of penguins—including what they eat, where they live, and socialization—will benefit students as they read the novel; this knowledge base will help to provide opportunities in critical thinking, especially about the parts of the book that are realistic versus those that are not (connecting to the theme of Practical Concerns Versus Otherworldly Concepts). Students might also compile shared facts in a chart to display and reference throughout the novel.

• This article describes penguins including their habitats, eating habits, and reproduction.
• This 6-minute video provides various facts about penguins.

Differentiation Suggestion: Students who would benefit from an additional challenge might create an infographic about penguins. Consider allowing students to conduct research independently on the species and post their helpful infographics in the classroom as the novel progresses.

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the novel.

Have you ever thought about owning an unusual pet? What kinds of special considerations might need to be made to keep such a pet?

Teaching Suggestion: The penguin, Captain Cook, presents certain challenges in Mr. Popper’s home and community as the Poppers adjust to having an unusual pet. For example, many in the community do not realize Mr. Popper’s pet is a penguin. Mr. Popper must allow his pet to live in the icebox, and when Captain Cook becomes lonely, Mr. Popper is forced to acquire another penguin. Once students have a chance to compose a response independently, they might gather in small groups to discuss unusual pets, the special accommodations needed for them, and potential challenges with unusual pets. The board or display can be used to compile each group’s ideas on pets and their needs.