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Mary Poppins Box Set
Four classic stories about the most famous nanny in the world, all together in a fabulous new boxed set! Who can slide up banisters, banish naughtiness with a swift "Spit-spot," and turn a make-believe sidewalk drawing into a lovely day in the park? Mary Poppins, of course! From the moment the beloved nanny arrives at Number Seventeen Cherry-Tree Lane, everyday life for the Banks family is full of excitement. This box set features four adventures in Mary Poppins , Mary Poppins Comes Back , Mary Poppins Opens the Door , and Mary Poppins in the Park .
1040 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
1738 people are currently reading
852 people want to read
About the author
P.L. Travers
64 books730 followersPamela Lyndon Travers was an Australian novelist, actress and journalist, popularly remembered for her series of children's novels about mystical nanny Mary Poppins.
She was born to bank manager Travers Robert Goff and Margaret Agnes. Her father died when she was seven, and although "epileptic seizure delirium" was given as the cause of death, Travers herself "always believed the underlying cause was sustained, heavy drinking".
Travers began to publish her poems while still a teenager and wrote for The Bulletin and Triad while also gaining a reputation as an actress. She toured Australia and New Zealand with a Shakespearean touring company before leaving for England in 1924. There she dedicated herself to writing under the pen name P. L. Travers.
In 1925 while in Ireland, Travers met the poet George William Russell who, as editor of The Irish Statesman, accepted some of her poems for publication. Through Russell, Travers met William Butler Yeats and other Irish poets who fostered her interest in and knowledge of world mythology. Later, the mystic Gurdjieff would have a great effect on her, as would also have on several other literary figures.
The 1934 publication of Mary Poppins was Travers' first literary success.Five sequels followed, as well as a collection of other novels, poetry collections and works of non-fiction.
The Disney musical adaptation was released in 1964. Primarily based on the first novel in what was then a sequence of four books, it also lifted elements from the sequel Mary Poppins Comes Back. Although Travers was an adviser to the production she disapproved of the dilution of the harsher aspects of Mary Poppins's character, felt ambivalent about the music and disliked the use of animation to such an extent that she ruled out any further adaptations of the later Mary Poppins novels. At the film's star-studded premiere, she reportedly approached Disney and told him that the animated sequence had to go. Disney responded by saying "Pamela, the ship has sailed." and walked away. Travers would never again agree to another Poppins/Disney adaptation, though Disney made several attempts to persuade her to change her mind.
So fervent was Travers' dislike of the Walt Disney adaptation and the way she felt she had been treated during the production, that well into her 90s, when she was approached by producer Cameron Mackintosh to do the stage musical, she only acquiesced upon the condition that only English born writers (and specifically no Americans) and no one from the film production were to be directly involved with the creative process of the stage musical. This specifically excluded the Sherman Brothers from writing additional songs for the production even though they were still very prolific. Original songs and other aspects from the 1964 film were allowed to be incorporated into the production however. These points were stipulated in her last will and testament.
Travers was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1977. She died in London in 1996.
Although Travers never married, she adopted a boy when she was in her late 30s.
She was born to bank manager Travers Robert Goff and Margaret Agnes. Her father died when she was seven, and although "epileptic seizure delirium" was given as the cause of death, Travers herself "always believed the underlying cause was sustained, heavy drinking".
Travers began to publish her poems while still a teenager and wrote for The Bulletin and Triad while also gaining a reputation as an actress. She toured Australia and New Zealand with a Shakespearean touring company before leaving for England in 1924. There she dedicated herself to writing under the pen name P. L. Travers.
In 1925 while in Ireland, Travers met the poet George William Russell who, as editor of The Irish Statesman, accepted some of her poems for publication. Through Russell, Travers met William Butler Yeats and other Irish poets who fostered her interest in and knowledge of world mythology. Later, the mystic Gurdjieff would have a great effect on her, as would also have on several other literary figures.
The 1934 publication of Mary Poppins was Travers' first literary success.Five sequels followed, as well as a collection of other novels, poetry collections and works of non-fiction.
The Disney musical adaptation was released in 1964. Primarily based on the first novel in what was then a sequence of four books, it also lifted elements from the sequel Mary Poppins Comes Back. Although Travers was an adviser to the production she disapproved of the dilution of the harsher aspects of Mary Poppins's character, felt ambivalent about the music and disliked the use of animation to such an extent that she ruled out any further adaptations of the later Mary Poppins novels. At the film's star-studded premiere, she reportedly approached Disney and told him that the animated sequence had to go. Disney responded by saying "Pamela, the ship has sailed." and walked away. Travers would never again agree to another Poppins/Disney adaptation, though Disney made several attempts to persuade her to change her mind.
So fervent was Travers' dislike of the Walt Disney adaptation and the way she felt she had been treated during the production, that well into her 90s, when she was approached by producer Cameron Mackintosh to do the stage musical, she only acquiesced upon the condition that only English born writers (and specifically no Americans) and no one from the film production were to be directly involved with the creative process of the stage musical. This specifically excluded the Sherman Brothers from writing additional songs for the production even though they were still very prolific. Original songs and other aspects from the 1964 film were allowed to be incorporated into the production however. These points were stipulated in her last will and testament.
Travers was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1977. She died in London in 1996.
Although Travers never married, she adopted a boy when she was in her late 30s.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
May 13, 2020
After growing up watching Disney’s rendition of this story, I was intrigued to read the original story. It’s amazing how different this story was compared to Disney’s version. I could see why P.L. Travers was not a fan of Disney’s storyline.
However, this version is slightly darker and a little more serious. It’s sad, but yet it still has many of the same quirky things about it that I am used to. It was an easy read and I think I will probably end up reading it again someday.
However, this version is slightly darker and a little more serious. It’s sad, but yet it still has many of the same quirky things about it that I am used to. It was an easy read and I think I will probably end up reading it again someday.
May 6, 2020
I love them!! Here are lovable children's books I'll never ever outgrow!
I simply ADORE Mary Poppins's character, such a unique twist from your usual common-or-garden nice smiley playful nanny!
I simply ADORE Mary Poppins's character, such a unique twist from your usual common-or-garden nice smiley playful nanny!
May 12, 2021
The classic novel I chose to read for the month of May was ‘Mary Poppins’, by P.L. Travers.
As a huge ‘Mary Poppins’ fan, since childhood, I was eager to see how the novel compared to the movie musical I had been watching my whole life.
I was so pleased to discover that (unlike other children’s classics) this written story brought to life many more magical moments beyond the film.
Although, there were clear differences, both omissions and additions, the book held its own.
It’s no wonder the ‘Mary Poppins’ book series has remained a huge part of our culture throughout the ages, with movies still being made and songs being sung, all birthed from this literary treasure.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As a huge ‘Mary Poppins’ fan, since childhood, I was eager to see how the novel compared to the movie musical I had been watching my whole life.
I was so pleased to discover that (unlike other children’s classics) this written story brought to life many more magical moments beyond the film.
Although, there were clear differences, both omissions and additions, the book held its own.
It’s no wonder the ‘Mary Poppins’ book series has remained a huge part of our culture throughout the ages, with movies still being made and songs being sung, all birthed from this literary treasure.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
January 15, 2024
3.5 ⭐️: I am a massive Mary Poppins fan so wanted to explore the novel she originally came from. I did enjoy it but found it hard to see her as the less kindly nanny than the one we are used to. However, I enjoyed the magical scenarios Mary and the children got involved in and it is definitely sprinkled with stardust!
November 26, 2018
Really good surprise
I didn't know how different the Julie Andrews movie was from the books. The movie "Nanny McPhee" is much more the book. It's fun and a child might like it though the humor would also appeal to an adult.
I didn't know how different the Julie Andrews movie was from the books. The movie "Nanny McPhee" is much more the book. It's fun and a child might like it though the humor would also appeal to an adult.
December 13, 2021
Mary Poppins arrives at the Banks household just in time as their old nanny is leaving. As we know Mary has magical powers and the parents slowly start to realize. The kids are the only ones who really know she takes them on tons of magical outings, always entertaining while also doing her job and teaching them lessons making sure they behave. Anything Mary does anything magical she sings it out almost like she is singing a spell to make it work. For example when she sings “A Spoonful of Sugar” the house gets cleaned up quickly. Mary adds towards the end of the book that she will not be with them forever. Now at the end of the novel, Mary Poppins floats away with her umbrella in the wind but leaves the parents with gifts promising that they will soon meet her again.
I give Mary Poppins the book a five out of five stars. I enjoyed the book way more than the movie which I would rate about three out of five stars. When reading the book you would have to read her songs and they really reached a new meaning with the wording rather than just a catchy beat to listen to. Something the author did well in this book was describe Mary Poppins to a tee. If I had never seen a picture of this old fashioned looking young nanny with an umbrella and big purse I would have pictured her almost exactly as the movie pictures her to be. I would definitely recommend this book to others, especially disney or fantasy lovers. What is most appealing to read with it is it is based in our real normal boring world with all of sudden this cookie cutter family getting this magical being sent to them in the form of a nanny. Personally I love when books can relate to me and with it being based in a normal world setting it gives you that extra hope that amazing things like this can happen to anyone like the blessing of Mary Poppins to the Banks family. I don’t think this would be a good book to read in school personally because though it has a good meaning I don’t think it’s really as significant as other informational and good moral books for teens. I think if the book was short like a picture book it would be perfect for younger kids with the theme it has. The theme of Mary Poppins is always to be positive. I say this because throughout the whole book she is constantly looking for the good and making the best out of bad situations.
I give Mary Poppins the book a five out of five stars. I enjoyed the book way more than the movie which I would rate about three out of five stars. When reading the book you would have to read her songs and they really reached a new meaning with the wording rather than just a catchy beat to listen to. Something the author did well in this book was describe Mary Poppins to a tee. If I had never seen a picture of this old fashioned looking young nanny with an umbrella and big purse I would have pictured her almost exactly as the movie pictures her to be. I would definitely recommend this book to others, especially disney or fantasy lovers. What is most appealing to read with it is it is based in our real normal boring world with all of sudden this cookie cutter family getting this magical being sent to them in the form of a nanny. Personally I love when books can relate to me and with it being based in a normal world setting it gives you that extra hope that amazing things like this can happen to anyone like the blessing of Mary Poppins to the Banks family. I don’t think this would be a good book to read in school personally because though it has a good meaning I don’t think it’s really as significant as other informational and good moral books for teens. I think if the book was short like a picture book it would be perfect for younger kids with the theme it has. The theme of Mary Poppins is always to be positive. I say this because throughout the whole book she is constantly looking for the good and making the best out of bad situations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2020
I anticipated a new illustration with each turn of the page!
The ‘Mary Poppins’ Collection must be read! Is it children’s stories? Is there such a thing? P.L. Travers would tell us, no, there is no such thing as children’s literature.
“[Children] put out their hands and abstract a treasure from all sorts of likely and unlikely places...
So, confronted with this hoard of stolen riches, the question of who writes or who does not write for children becomes small and, in fact, irrelevant.”
- P.L. Travers
Her works centre around the Banks family of 17 Cherry Tree Lane, and their adventures with their on-again-off-again nanny.
She is Elegant, Stylish and Proper. Everyone must be delighted with Mary Poppins!
Is Cherry Tree Lane so special as to draw Mary Poppins to it, or is it her very presence which awakens the hearts who call it home?
This is the question I find myself asking, as an adult reading the exploits of Jane and Michael Banks. Mary Poppins leads the children to and from jarringly unreal places to meet odd and fascinating folks within the terribly normal setting of London, England.
It’s that contrast between the average and the uncanny, the tedium of weekly errands and the stimulating supply of new acquaintance, which remind us of a magic long since lost!
Let us read and reread Mary Poppins to remind ourselves that childhood is a state of mind, and adulthood just a trick played on us, over and again, as ordinary life takes over.
We must continue to “see past the ends of our noses”, must continue to follow the essence of Mary Poppins - to the stars and back!
The ‘Mary Poppins’ Collection must be read! Is it children’s stories? Is there such a thing? P.L. Travers would tell us, no, there is no such thing as children’s literature.
“[Children] put out their hands and abstract a treasure from all sorts of likely and unlikely places...
So, confronted with this hoard of stolen riches, the question of who writes or who does not write for children becomes small and, in fact, irrelevant.”
- P.L. Travers
Her works centre around the Banks family of 17 Cherry Tree Lane, and their adventures with their on-again-off-again nanny.
She is Elegant, Stylish and Proper. Everyone must be delighted with Mary Poppins!
Is Cherry Tree Lane so special as to draw Mary Poppins to it, or is it her very presence which awakens the hearts who call it home?
This is the question I find myself asking, as an adult reading the exploits of Jane and Michael Banks. Mary Poppins leads the children to and from jarringly unreal places to meet odd and fascinating folks within the terribly normal setting of London, England.
It’s that contrast between the average and the uncanny, the tedium of weekly errands and the stimulating supply of new acquaintance, which remind us of a magic long since lost!
Let us read and reread Mary Poppins to remind ourselves that childhood is a state of mind, and adulthood just a trick played on us, over and again, as ordinary life takes over.
We must continue to “see past the ends of our noses”, must continue to follow the essence of Mary Poppins - to the stars and back!
July 1, 2021
This was so adorable! It was cute, it was light, it was whimsical, it was filled with magic and I loved it so much! At first, I was struggling with it but as soon as I got the hang of it, I just rushed through.
“What is real and what is not? Can you tell me or I you? Perhaps we shall never know more than this—that to think a thing is to make it true.”
It was very different from the Disney adaptation but I suppose Disney does tend to make stories lighter than the original tones.
Mary Poppins works as a nanny at the Banks' house in 17, Cherry Tree Lane and the book is filled with the adventures she has has with the kids or even on her own. She comes with the flow of the wind, and she is elegant and proper. But, after every adventure she has with the kids, she completely denies that anything out of the ordinary happened, which I feel is sort of... gaslighting? Yet, the children adore her, specially Michael.
The illustrations were really good in this book. I might read it again just to float in the air again in this whimsical world.
“What is real and what is not? Can you tell me or I you? Perhaps we shall never know more than this—that to think a thing is to make it true.”
It was very different from the Disney adaptation but I suppose Disney does tend to make stories lighter than the original tones.
Mary Poppins works as a nanny at the Banks' house in 17, Cherry Tree Lane and the book is filled with the adventures she has has with the kids or even on her own. She comes with the flow of the wind, and she is elegant and proper. But, after every adventure she has with the kids, she completely denies that anything out of the ordinary happened, which I feel is sort of... gaslighting? Yet, the children adore her, specially Michael.
The illustrations were really good in this book. I might read it again just to float in the air again in this whimsical world.
August 21, 2021
The first story has some of the same content as the movie, with some oddly terrifying bits thrown in. I thought Walt Disney did a fair amount of magic to it. Thanks to him, the movie was full of joy and imagination. He made Mary Poppins a lot kinder and more three-dimensional. The original Mary Poppins is harsh and vain. She continually denies the outlandish adventures the children claim to have been on with her, but not with a wink like in the movie. It seems a very wrong thing to do and almost abusive.
The second book was strangely boring for some reason so I didnt even finish it or bother reading the third. It got repetitive and pointless. The adventures were not so much magical as just plain weird.
The second book was strangely boring for some reason so I didnt even finish it or bother reading the third. It got repetitive and pointless. The adventures were not so much magical as just plain weird.
September 21, 2025
good book
January 16, 2021
read for the theme - a childhood classic you have never read (book 1)
I should have known it would be nothing like the Disney movie I grew up with. Very few scenes in the Disney movie were taken from the book. I understand why she hated the movie so much. The book is also a little darker than I expected. Not bad but when you grow up with an image in your mind and its very different you do get a little disappointed.
read for the theme - Has pop, sugar, or challenge in the title (book 2)
Mary Poppins Comes Back was delightful. Book two has the spoonful of sugar the first book needed. Now I see how this was a beloved series. Mary is is a no nonsense nanny with magical adventures around every corner.
I should have known it would be nothing like the Disney movie I grew up with. Very few scenes in the Disney movie were taken from the book. I understand why she hated the movie so much. The book is also a little darker than I expected. Not bad but when you grow up with an image in your mind and its very different you do get a little disappointed.
read for the theme - Has pop, sugar, or challenge in the title (book 2)
Mary Poppins Comes Back was delightful. Book two has the spoonful of sugar the first book needed. Now I see how this was a beloved series. Mary is is a no nonsense nanny with magical adventures around every corner.
September 5, 2019
I am glad I now understand where the characters came from. I give this 3 stars. Definitely prefer movie characters over book characters, especially Mary Poppins herself. Had a hard time reconciling the lovable character of the movies with the conceited, short-tempered and frankly irritating personality of the books. Guess to each their own if you loved these books.
February 2, 2024
Magical, wonderful, make believe stories for everyone!
January 24, 2020
Not Your Childhood, "Julie Andrews" Mary Poppins
When this book came up as a free read on my Kindle, I jumped at the chance to see what really happened, and how much Walt Disney changed the character. As it turns out...Travers' Mary Poppins is hardly recognizable in the Disney version.
It's not really that one is bad and the other good, just very different. When you're raised on Julie Andrews singing about spoonfuls of sugar, the harshness of the original Mary Poppins is a bit of a shock. However, after having read this collection of books in the series, I'm firmly in the court that there is room for BOTH. But don't watch the film, assuming it's the same as the books, and don't dive into the books looking for the jolly Mary Poppins of Walt's imagination. They each stand on their own.
As for the stories themselves... interesting. I'm not sure if I would have enjoyed these books as a child or not. I might have, but then again, they might have gone right over my head. The one thing that I love about Mary Poppins is that even though Jane and Michael (and the twins and Annabelle...yes, there are FIVE Banks children!) have adventures with her, she never lets on that they are real after they are over, bit something always happens or is seen to let Jane and Michael know that it DID happen. And despite Mary's hardline stance on obedience and her firm denials that anything out of the ordinary ever happens, the children, especially Michael, adore her.
Is it worth reading? Yes.
Would I consider it a must read? No.
Childhood classic literature? Maybe.
Try it for yourself and see what YOU think!
When this book came up as a free read on my Kindle, I jumped at the chance to see what really happened, and how much Walt Disney changed the character. As it turns out...Travers' Mary Poppins is hardly recognizable in the Disney version.
It's not really that one is bad and the other good, just very different. When you're raised on Julie Andrews singing about spoonfuls of sugar, the harshness of the original Mary Poppins is a bit of a shock. However, after having read this collection of books in the series, I'm firmly in the court that there is room for BOTH. But don't watch the film, assuming it's the same as the books, and don't dive into the books looking for the jolly Mary Poppins of Walt's imagination. They each stand on their own.
As for the stories themselves... interesting. I'm not sure if I would have enjoyed these books as a child or not. I might have, but then again, they might have gone right over my head. The one thing that I love about Mary Poppins is that even though Jane and Michael (and the twins and Annabelle...yes, there are FIVE Banks children!) have adventures with her, she never lets on that they are real after they are over, bit something always happens or is seen to let Jane and Michael know that it DID happen. And despite Mary's hardline stance on obedience and her firm denials that anything out of the ordinary ever happens, the children, especially Michael, adore her.
Is it worth reading? Yes.
Would I consider it a must read? No.
Childhood classic literature? Maybe.
Try it for yourself and see what YOU think!
December 7, 2020
The author of the Mary Poppins novels, P. L. Travers, is abundantly imaginative in creating ways that an ordinary day for children can be utterly magical. I saw the Julie Andrews movie before reading the books, which makes the books initially jarring. The author was reluctant to give Disney the film rights because she feared that Disney would make Mary Poppins too sweet, compared to the novels. (I prefer the sweet version, myself.). But once past the shock of discovering a more sarcastic, conceited, priggish version of Mary Poppins, the novels are wonderful. Yes, stepping into chalk sidewalk sketches and laughing on the ceiling are here. (Sadly, chimney sweeps dancing on the roofs is not.). But the novels also have helping one of the Pleiades go Christmas shopping for her sister stars, meeting statues and china ornaments come to life, going to a party under the sea, and flying through the air on enchanted candy canes. I particularly liked it when three princes in a storybook come through a drawing, excited to meet in person the Jane and Michael they have read about for years. Both sets of fictional characters insist that they are real. While the written Mary Poppins is not as lovable as the Disney version, both leave an indelible impression of magic being everywhere around us, if only we have the eyes to see.
April 25, 2022
The original Mary Poppins story in a four book compilation for 80th Anniversary
The movie “Mary Poppins” is just a glimmer of the classic children fantasy originally created in 1934 by P. L. Travers. This 80th Anniversary Collection (released as an Amazon Prime Reading Kindle e-book) of Mary Poppins tales included a compilation of Travers’ first four books: MARY POPPINS (1934); MARY POPPINS COMES BACK (1935); MARY POPPINS OPENS the DOOR (1943); MARY POPPINS aim the PARK (1952).
I enjoyed the journey back to the childhood tales which Travers magically weaves with her sometimes poetic prose using similes, metaphors and personification incorporating nursery rhyme and fairy tale characters with which you can identify. Imaginative tales that sweep you away to a magical, carefree time employing story lines involving common, everyday values and virtues. Refreshing, captivating, delightful, pretend . . . but thought provoking. “Every silver lining has a cloud. I made a bad choice.”
The movie “Mary Poppins” is just a glimmer of the classic children fantasy originally created in 1934 by P. L. Travers. This 80th Anniversary Collection (released as an Amazon Prime Reading Kindle e-book) of Mary Poppins tales included a compilation of Travers’ first four books: MARY POPPINS (1934); MARY POPPINS COMES BACK (1935); MARY POPPINS OPENS the DOOR (1943); MARY POPPINS aim the PARK (1952).
I enjoyed the journey back to the childhood tales which Travers magically weaves with her sometimes poetic prose using similes, metaphors and personification incorporating nursery rhyme and fairy tale characters with which you can identify. Imaginative tales that sweep you away to a magical, carefree time employing story lines involving common, everyday values and virtues. Refreshing, captivating, delightful, pretend . . . but thought provoking. “Every silver lining has a cloud. I made a bad choice.”
February 29, 2020
I picked up this book since I had never read the story but did see the Disney movie. Mary Poppins in the book is nowhere near what she was in the movie.
Mary Poppins is perfect in every way. She is a bit vain (always checking the mirror for her looks) and can be rather nasty to Jane and Michael, and the twins (who weren't in the movie). But they do go on all kinds of adventure and in the beginning, the two kids wanted to share what they did but were promptly shut down by Poppins. Jane found out it was better to keep her mouth closed but Michael had yet to learn it.
It took me a while to read this book. I read some then put it down. The pick it up again. At the end of the books (this is on the e-reader), there is a section where Travers talks about writing the book. Apparently she didn't write it for children but for adults which I find strange because kids do read this story as well.
Mary Poppins is perfect in every way. She is a bit vain (always checking the mirror for her looks) and can be rather nasty to Jane and Michael, and the twins (who weren't in the movie). But they do go on all kinds of adventure and in the beginning, the two kids wanted to share what they did but were promptly shut down by Poppins. Jane found out it was better to keep her mouth closed but Michael had yet to learn it.
It took me a while to read this book. I read some then put it down. The pick it up again. At the end of the books (this is on the e-reader), there is a section where Travers talks about writing the book. Apparently she didn't write it for children but for adults which I find strange because kids do read this story as well.
April 15, 2023
Averaging all four books together, I arrived at about four stars- but I definitely have a favorite (it's the second one)! Honestly, I don't know that I'd really PLAN to read these to children, but as an adult, reading the origin of Mary Poppins (who I'd only ever encountered in Disney movies) was so fascinating. These books did bring me some childish joy, and I think I probably would have liked them as a kid, but I think I like them more as an adult. Are these unsuitable for children? No, they're a bit old in many ways and certainly in some areas show what time period they're from (mostly looking at the final book, there) but they are very different in tone from many children’s books that we encounter in today's world. The books on the whole are whimsical, easy to read, and Mary Poppins is iconic- I don't think I've ever met anyone quite like her, and I think she'd agree with me on that.
February 12, 2024
I grew up on and loving Mary Poppins so when this collection came up on my Kobo, I had to dive in and read it. I was not prepared. On one hand, I loved the stories and the adventures Jane and Michael found themselves in. The tales and allegories are beautifully crafted and leave the reader feeling fully immersed in the story, as if they're right there with Jane and Michael. On the other hand, I hated that my cherished and beloved memories of Disney Mary Poppins were ripped apart with book Mary Poppins. The child inside me who grew up loving Mary Poppins is heartbroken and disappointed at the rudeness and the gaslighting of Jane and Michael. She is not the Mary Poppins I expected. Overall though, I cannot let that disappointment cloud my opinion because these stories, this collection, was a whole lot of fun and entertaining.
June 17, 2021
I had never read this book as a child, only seen the film with Julie Andrews. I've read this to my daughter who has also seen the film, and I think we were both disappointed that she is portrayed as a much more harsh and miserable women in the book! We didn't enjoy the books standoffish character and I also found some bits necessary to skip as my daughter wouldn't have liked them.
It has not left us wanting to read the rest of the books in the series, I think we will stick with Julie! This is a rare case for us that we prefer the movie to its original source.
It has not left us wanting to read the rest of the books in the series, I think we will stick with Julie! This is a rare case for us that we prefer the movie to its original source.
November 26, 2019
I finished the first book and got 3/4 of the way through the second when I couldn't take it anymore. Mary Poppins's habit of flatly contradicting the evidence of the children's senses is gaslighting and emotional abuse. Maybe it's a cultural thing, and as a contemporary American adult I can't understand what's so beloved about these books from a 1930s English childhood. I wanted to read the books after watching "Saving Mr. Banks"
February 5, 2021
The nanny who stole our hearts.
If you have only seen the Mary Poppins movies, you are missing the true magic. To own these books means being able to know the secret world of the Banks children and their nanny in detail. Plus enjoying all the adventures without a two hour constraint. I have been reading and rereading them for over seventy years and still find little nuggets of joy l missed the many times before. Do, please, enjoy every word.
If you have only seen the Mary Poppins movies, you are missing the true magic. To own these books means being able to know the secret world of the Banks children and their nanny in detail. Plus enjoying all the adventures without a two hour constraint. I have been reading and rereading them for over seventy years and still find little nuggets of joy l missed the many times before. Do, please, enjoy every word.
July 11, 2022
This 4 volume set shows as unfinished because I have only finished the first book but I am happy to review it. I believe MARY POPPINS was the book that really ignited my love of reading. Revisiting my old friend here was a pleasure. I had forgotten how much the lovely line illustrations add to the story. An incredible feat of the imagination. With my heart-felt thanks to both the author and the illustrator!
February 12, 2020
Cannot explain the magic
I have read these books many times from age 8 to age 59. And I can usually explain what I like in a book, whether it’s science fiction, English literature, or one of Diana Wynn Jones’. But these have magic and are a comfort read, no matter how many times I’ve read them.
I have read these books many times from age 8 to age 59. And I can usually explain what I like in a book, whether it’s science fiction, English literature, or one of Diana Wynn Jones’. But these have magic and are a comfort read, no matter how many times I’ve read them.
August 19, 2025
Delightful prose but fantastical occurrences aren’t always my cup of tea— as an adult I’m left with so many questions about who she is and how she does it 🤣 The children loved it, of course; after some time I began to find everything repetitive. Maybe I should’ve tapped more into my inner child and just tried to enjoy instead of overthinking things.
May 17, 2020
Really just a collection of short stories surrounding Mary Poppins and the children she takes care of. I was surprised that she really didn't come off as a particularly likeable character as I remember her being in the movie.
August 15, 2022
Revisit to see if I remembered anything different. Ended up deciding that Mary’s near-sociopathic outward manner toward the children cones nowhere near balancing out the wondrous adventures she makes possible.
October 29, 2019
Fascinating and very enjoyable. I had no idea there was more to Mary Poppins than what we see at the movies.
April 8, 2020
The magic continues after reading the first 4 tales: more fun than a flying hummingbird!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2020
Better than the movies!!!
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