Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater

Can you imagine if your dad brought home a penguin for a pet? How about twelve of them?

This is what Mr. Popper does, to the amazement of Mrs. Popper and his two children, Bill and Janie. This lucky family has a full dozen penguins living with them - sliding down the stairs, stealing the checkers, and startling the visitors.

But you know, penguins are very expensive to keep, especially when you live in nice warm Stillwater. You need snow for them, and ice, and fresh fish if you can get it - or canned shrimp, otherwise. And when you are only a house painter, as Mr. Popper is, well... the bills can add up quick!

How will Mr. Popper save the day? Why, by taking the penguins on the road in a variety act! But their troubles aren't over yet - how much mischief do you think twelve penguins can get into touring the major cities of the United States?