Chapter 1: Stillwater

Mr. Popper, an absent-minded house painter who dreams of arctic adventures, finishes his work for the season. He lives with his wife, Mrs. Popper, and their children, Janie and Bill, in a small town, preferring to spend his time reading about the North and South Poles rather than seeking work.      ​

 

Chapter 2: The Penguin`s Letter

After writing to Admiral Drake, a polar explorer, Mr. Popper receives a radio reply promising a surprise. Later, a large box arrives, and to the family's shock, a penguin emerges. They decide to name him Captain Cook. 

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Chapter 3: Captain Cook

The penguin, Captain Cook, explores the house, causing chaos. He takes a liking to the refrigerator, which Mr. Popper decides to fix up for him, while Mrs. Popper remains worried about the expense of feeding a penguin. 

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Chapter 4: The Intelligent Penguin

Captain Cook proves to be highly intelligent and curious, but he is not doing well in the warm house. He is lonely and unhappy, which worries Mr. Popper and makes the family concerned for their new pet's health. 

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Chapter 5: The Trouble with the Penguin

Mr. Popper attempts to take Captain Cook for a walk, causing a spectacle in town. Following a frustrating attempt to get a license for the penguin, Mr. Popper realizes that despite the fun, the penguin is struggling and lonely, signaling the need for a change. 

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Chapter 6: More Troubles:

A policeman visits to inspect the penguin after reports, leading Mr. Popper to try and license the bird. He struggles with city bureaucracy, resulting in a humorous, failed attempt to get a, license.

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Chapter 7: The Bridge Game:

Captain Cook creates havoc during a card party at the house, causing a scene and displaying his destructive, yet amusing, nature.

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Chapter 8:

The Dream House:

The Poppers realize the house is too small. They create a "rookery" in the basement, complete with ice, and train the penguins. The costs of fish mount up, worrying Mrs. Popper.

 

Chapter 9: The Penguin Step:

Captain Cook becomes ill and mopes, leading Mr. Popper to call an aquarium. They realize he is lonely, and a second penguin, Greta, arrives to join him.

 

Chapter 10: The Twelve Little Penguins

Captain Cook and Greta bond, soon producing eggs. The family prepares for more, and the financial strain increases significantly.

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Chapter 11: The Cellar

Mr. Popper has a freezing plant installed in the cellar, transforming it into an ice-cold habitat for the penguins. He creates an ice rink and a pool, which the penguins love.

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Chapter 12: Greta 

Greta, the second penguin,  joins Captain Cook. She lays 10 eggs in the cellar, which Mr. Popper keeps warm using hot-water bottles and electric heating pads.

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Chapter 13 The Pop's Performing Penguins

To handle the massive expense of feeding twelve penguins, Mr. Popper trains them to perform musical, theatrical routines, such as marching and fighting, with music provided by Mrs. Popper.

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Chapter 14: The First Performance

The penguins have their successful debut in Seattle, becoming a popular act, though their curiosity during a tightrope act causes chaos and amusement.

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Chapter 15: The Farewell 

The family begins their 10-week tour. On a train, the penguins cause a scene by climbing into upper berths, and Mr. Popper has to manage the surprised passengers.

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Chapter 16: The Performing Penguins

The Journey Begins: To fix their finances, the Poppers, along with their twelve penguins, take a train to Seattle to start their performance tour. Chaos on the Train: The penguins cause disruption by escaping into the sleeping cars, climbing up to the upper berths, and causing passengers to panic. Success: Despite the chaotic journey, the penguins' performance act is a huge success, and the show is sold out in multiple cities. 

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Chapter 17: The Travelin' Troupe

Touring the Cities: The Poppers, including Mrs. Popper and the kids, travel from city to city, performing in locations such as Chicago, Detroit, and Boston. Managing the Penguins: Mr. Popper faces challenges keeping the penguins cool during a heat wave in New York and manages their high expenses, such as buying, ice, food, and paying for repairs. 

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Chapter 18: The Mistake

A Costly Error: Mr. Popper, being absent-minded, directs a taxi driver to the wrong theater (the Royal instead of the Regal), leading them into a, dangerous encounter with performing seals. Arrest: Due to the chaos in the city, Mr. Popper is arrested along with his penguins. 

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Chapter 19: The Admiral

Help Arrives: Admiral Drake, an explorer who heard of the trouble through the news, steps in to help Mr. Popper. A New Proposal: The Admiral suggests that the penguins be brought to the North Pole to establish a breeding colony. An Offer from Hollywood: A film producer, Mr. Klein, offers to put the penguins in movies, which would make the family wealthy. 

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Chapter 20: Farewell, Mr. Popper

A Decision: Mr. Popper decides the penguins will be happier at the North Pole than in Hollywood. The End of an Era: The Popper family bids a tearful farewell to their beloved penguins. New Adventure: Admiral Drake invites Mr. Popper to join him on the journey to the North Pole, giving him the chance to live his dream of exploration.