Summary for Chapter 2

In Chapter Two, having just ended his last job, Mr. Popper curls up at home with a book, called Antarctic Adventures. Mrs. Popper gently ribs him for spending so much time reading about the South Pole. Mr. Popper tells her about a movie he saw, featuring real-life Admiral Drake and his expedition to the South Pole. Mr. Popper further tells Mrs. Popper about the wondrous creatures living there, the penguins. Mr. Popper marvels at their ability to walk upright like little men. He also states they are very intelligent creatures. Mrs. Popper cringes at the thought of a dirty big bird in the house, preferring their nice and tidy goldfish for a pet.

Hearing that it's the twenty-ninth, Mr. Popper rushes to the radio and tunes to a broadcast from Admiral Drake himself. Drake addresses Mr. Popper by name and promises a surprise. Mr. Popper confesses that he had previously written Drake a letter, expressing admiration for the penguins. Husband and wife wonder what the surprise is, though practical Mrs. Popper is more interested in her meeting the next day for the Ladies' Aid and Missionary Society.