“No one knew what went on inside of Mr. Popper’s head, and no one guessed that he would one day be the most famous person in Stillwater.”

Despite the fact that Mr. Popper spends most of his time daydreaming about visiting exotic locales such as Antarctica, he is kind and cheerful. He would have liked to have had the opportunity to travel before marrying and having a family; however, he is not bitter or unhappy about his life. He is a cheerful housepainter who is merely considered to be somewhat eccentric because he is frequently distracted by his thoughts of travel.

“‘Shall we have beans every day?’ asked Janie and Bill, coming in from play.”

Mr. Popper is an industrious worker; however, no one in the city of Stillwell has any painting or decorating in their house from the end of September until the arrival of spring. He is very pleased at the prospect of having several months without work, as this will afford him the opportunity to read books about Polar expeditions. Mrs. Popper, who is a more practical personality, is concerned about the financial aspect of her husband’s long respite from work. She has saved a little money, but she tells the family that there will be no beef or ice cream for dinners. When the children ask whether they will eat beans, traditionally considered an economical meal, their mother replies, “I’m afraid so” (5).