Atwater, Richard

Richard Tupper Atwater (1892-1948) lived in Chicago and worked as a journalist, often writing humorous pieces for newspapers such as the "Chicago Tribune". He wrote two books for children before beginning "Mr. Popper's Penguins", a 1939 Newbery Honor Book. Before he could finish the story, however, he became ill. His wife, Florence Hasseltine Atwater (1899-1979) finished the book, helping launch a story that has remained popular for generations.