We are excited to present a new exhibit featuring Robert Lawson’s original illustrations for Mr. Popper’s Penguins, on display on the ground floor of the Parkway Central Library, outside the Montgomery Auditorium.  The upcoming Mr. Popper’s Penguins movie starring Jim Carrey is loosely based on the beloved 1938 children’s book by Richard and Florence Atwater, although Jim Carrey’s Mr. Popper is quite different from the house painter, family man, and would-be explorer of the book.  We at the Free Library of Philadelphia are lucky to own the original art for the book, part of the Rare Book Department’s Frederick R. Gardner collection of Robert Lawson.  There is plenty of art on display, as well as photographs, fan mail, and plenty of other penguin-related materials.  Before you check out the big movie, stop by the library and find out about the art and the story that inspired it!