What metaphors are used in Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard Atwater?

In the novel, the penguins are given human abilities, as they are able to analyze certain situations before taking action. An example of this can be found in the penguins' assessment of catching shrimp, as Mr. Popper says to Mrs. Popper, "Listen to this Mamma. It says here that when they want to catch some shrimps, they all crowd over to the edge of an ice bank. Only they do not just jump in because a seal leopard might be waiting to eat the penguins. So, they crowd and push until they manage to shove one penguin off, to see if it is safe.”