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Mary Poppins #3
Mary Poppins Opens The Door
Another timeless story about Mary Poppins, the world s most exciting nanny, and her magical adventures with the Banks family
From the moment Mary Poppins arrives at Number Seventeen Cherry Tree Lane, everyday life at the Banks house is forever changed. Jane, Michael, and the twins have never had such a wonderful nanny, who brings enchantment and excitement everywhere she goes.
In "Mary Poppins Opens the Door," Mary Poppins reappears just in time! According to her tape measure, Jane and Michael have grown Worse and Worse since she went away. But the children won t have time to be naughty with all that Mary has planned for them. A visit to Mr. Twigley s music box filled attic, an encounter with the Marble Boy, and a ride on Miss Calico s enchanted candy canes are all part of an average day out with everyone s favorite nanny.
From the moment Mary Poppins arrives at Number Seventeen Cherry Tree Lane, everyday life at the Banks house is forever changed. Jane, Michael, and the twins have never had such a wonderful nanny, who brings enchantment and excitement everywhere she goes.
In "Mary Poppins Opens the Door," Mary Poppins reappears just in time! According to her tape measure, Jane and Michael have grown Worse and Worse since she went away. But the children won t have time to be naughty with all that Mary has planned for them. A visit to Mr. Twigley s music box filled attic, an encounter with the Marble Boy, and a ride on Miss Calico s enchanted candy canes are all part of an average day out with everyone s favorite nanny.
206 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1943
234 people are currently reading
5836 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 421 reviews
May 25, 2018
This is the third in the series and although Mary Poppins leaves for the last time in this book, the other books in the series contain stories that fit in the time scale of the first 3 books, so in a way this is comforting as Mary's departure needn't feel so final.
We loved this mixture of everyday and magic, we love the family and we so wanted Mary Poppins just for once to admit the magic happened, only if just with a wink. The children's character's are wonderful, ever hopeful and kind. We loved the story of Neleus and his freedom for an hour or two and how the children would consider this statue's feelings and try to read within his sight in the park so he wasn't too bored, this is exactly the sort of thing my children would have wanted to do when they were younger.The cat can look at a king was a lovely story of philosophy, considering happiness and what intelligence really is.
The chapter about the musical boxes is wonderful, the idea everyone has their own piece of music is great, what a nice idea, it has left us trying to work out what ours would be.
A wonderful, magical story. Like Mary Poppins herself, this book gives you no answers, but lots to think about.
We loved this mixture of everyday and magic, we love the family and we so wanted Mary Poppins just for once to admit the magic happened, only if just with a wink. The children's character's are wonderful, ever hopeful and kind. We loved the story of Neleus and his freedom for an hour or two and how the children would consider this statue's feelings and try to read within his sight in the park so he wasn't too bored, this is exactly the sort of thing my children would have wanted to do when they were younger.The cat can look at a king was a lovely story of philosophy, considering happiness and what intelligence really is.
The chapter about the musical boxes is wonderful, the idea everyone has their own piece of music is great, what a nice idea, it has left us trying to work out what ours would be.
A wonderful, magical story. Like Mary Poppins herself, this book gives you no answers, but lots to think about.
January 31, 2021
In this 3rd installment, Mary Poppins comes back like a Shooting Star!
This time, there are 5 Banks children, of course, as Annabel was born in the previous installment.
So this was new territory and yet not quite because to my surprise and delight, I discovered that some elements had made it from this book into the second movie. Moreover, one of the great things about these stories is that some elements feel familiar because Mary Poppins herself does - like a favorite piece of clothing.
My favourite bit in this installment wasn’t one of the adventures the children had but the story Mary Poppins told them of the cat that looked at the king. That was seriously marvellous. Though the encounter with all the fairytale characters was very nice also.
The ending, then, came as a bit of a surprise considering that I have the boxed set that contains the first 4 books ().
The writing was as if P.L. Travers had written all three stories in one go and then simply divided them afterwards. The sheer amount of ideas this woman had flying around in her mind that she then bound onto the pages … stunning!
And very nice life lessons for the children. I have the theory that . Not sure that works for me as well as how the movie handled it, () but still cool.
This third volume might have been my favorite along with the first (there is a special kind of magic in beginnings). Nevertheless, I stand by my assessments in the previous review: 1) the movies are slightly better for me, 2) the books are just what young AND old need, especially nowadays.
This time, there are 5 Banks children, of course, as Annabel was born in the previous installment.
So this was new territory and yet not quite because to my surprise and delight, I discovered that some elements had made it from this book into the second movie. Moreover, one of the great things about these stories is that some elements feel familiar because Mary Poppins herself does - like a favorite piece of clothing.
My favourite bit in this installment wasn’t one of the adventures the children had but the story Mary Poppins told them of the cat that looked at the king. That was seriously marvellous. Though the encounter with all the fairytale characters was very nice also.
The ending, then, came as a bit of a surprise considering that I have the boxed set that contains the first 4 books ().
The writing was as if P.L. Travers had written all three stories in one go and then simply divided them afterwards. The sheer amount of ideas this woman had flying around in her mind that she then bound onto the pages … stunning!
And very nice life lessons for the children. I have the theory that . Not sure that works for me as well as how the movie handled it, () but still cool.
This third volume might have been my favorite along with the first (there is a special kind of magic in beginnings). Nevertheless, I stand by my assessments in the previous review: 1) the movies are slightly better for me, 2) the books are just what young AND old need, especially nowadays.
October 1, 2025
The third of five titles in this reading project, Mary Poppins Opens The Door was another tale of the grumpy nanny and the adventures she has with the Banks family.
Basically the same formula as in the first two books, simply with different types of adventures, such as going into the ocean for a big party with all the fish.
Biggest difference here was that MP almost smiled at the children a couple of times.
I will be reading one more MP book before getting to the biography of the author. I am more eager than ever to learn how and why Travers created her most famous character.
Three stars for the story, the fourth is in honor of the author's imagination.
Basically the same formula as in the first two books, simply with different types of adventures, such as going into the ocean for a big party with all the fish.
Biggest difference here was that MP almost smiled at the children a couple of times.
I will be reading one more MP book before getting to the biography of the author. I am more eager than ever to learn how and why Travers created her most famous character.
Three stars for the story, the fourth is in honor of the author's imagination.
April 17, 2019
The end of the trilogy. Especially poignant, as revealed in the introduction, which explains the historical significance of the 5th of November and alludes to the horrors of WWII which robbed many children of the innocence and happiness that all should experience.
But the story itself is much akin to the first two, and that's a good thing. I really like the original fairy tales inserted into each. In this entry, it's The Cat Who Looked at a King, a parable on the difference between cleverness and wisdom. Lovely and valuable.
Also lovely are the illustrations, now by Mary Shepard and Agnes Sims. I get the impression that Shepard drew MP, and that Sims drew the children, other characters, and settings 'in the style of' Shepard. The drawings are more refined, a finer line of brush or pencil (?) enables more detail.
Note: these are dated, and there are a few problems. For example, I'm not at all comfortable with the depiction of Friday, from Robinson Crusoe. Otoh, the depictions of the servant class and of the poor are sympathetic, and men are gently mocked as much as are women (iow, not sexist).
I recommend these to all adults who have access to their inner child, and to families who can discuss the wonder, the joy, and the small issues.
But the story itself is much akin to the first two, and that's a good thing. I really like the original fairy tales inserted into each. In this entry, it's The Cat Who Looked at a King, a parable on the difference between cleverness and wisdom. Lovely and valuable.
Also lovely are the illustrations, now by Mary Shepard and Agnes Sims. I get the impression that Shepard drew MP, and that Sims drew the children, other characters, and settings 'in the style of' Shepard. The drawings are more refined, a finer line of brush or pencil (?) enables more detail.
Note: these are dated, and there are a few problems. For example, I'm not at all comfortable with the depiction of Friday, from Robinson Crusoe. Otoh, the depictions of the servant class and of the poor are sympathetic, and men are gently mocked as much as are women (iow, not sexist).
I recommend these to all adults who have access to their inner child, and to families who can discuss the wonder, the joy, and the small issues.
July 4, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed Mary Poppins Opens the Door — much more than I thought I would, as it is P.L. Travers’ third book in the Mary Poppins series and because the very first story about Mary Poppins’ beleaguered cousin, Mr. Twigley, was so reminiscent of tales in both the inaugural Mary Poppins (Uncle Albert Wiggs) and Mary Poppins Comes Back (cousin Arthur Turvy and his housekeeper Topsy). However, the ensuing tales proved delightful and inventive, although never up to the standard set in the first book.
In Mary Poppins Opens the Door, Jane and Michael Banks (and, at times, their twin siblings Barbara and John) encounter very unusual horses, an enchanting — and enchanted — statue, a very clever cat, and other adventures. Some of the tales, particularly “The Cat That Looked At a King” and “The Marble Boy,” dispensed some subtle wisdom as to what things are truly important in life, morals that were missing in the two earlier books. These were quite touching. The Banks children also encounter beloved characters from the previous books, returned again for another visit.
I had been planning to abandon the series after three books, quitting, so to speak, before the series invariably deteriorated. But the more I think about it, the more I think that I shall read the fourth and final storybook, Mary Poppins in the Park. As Jane and Michael could testify, Mary Poppins always leaves you begging for more. And, thus far, so it has proved.
In Mary Poppins Opens the Door, Jane and Michael Banks (and, at times, their twin siblings Barbara and John) encounter very unusual horses, an enchanting — and enchanted — statue, a very clever cat, and other adventures. Some of the tales, particularly “The Cat That Looked At a King” and “The Marble Boy,” dispensed some subtle wisdom as to what things are truly important in life, morals that were missing in the two earlier books. These were quite touching. The Banks children also encounter beloved characters from the previous books, returned again for another visit.
I had been planning to abandon the series after three books, quitting, so to speak, before the series invariably deteriorated. But the more I think about it, the more I think that I shall read the fourth and final storybook, Mary Poppins in the Park. As Jane and Michael could testify, Mary Poppins always leaves you begging for more. And, thus far, so it has proved.
May 23, 2018
This is probably my least favorite Mary Poppins book as the story format has fallen into a predictable pattern (Mary Poppins returns in an epic way, we meet family members, fairy tale and animal stories, and kids forget that Mary has to leave and try to get her to stay). Even though the stories followed a pattern they were still unique and kept me interested throughout the book. I’m not sure what it was about the second chapter that made it my least favorite chapter but it almost made me change my rating. The rest of the book made up for it though especially the last few chapters with all the dancing. In the last chapter, all of Mary Poppins family and friends returned and it was wonderful. I’m still upset that Bert and Mary didn’t dance together, but there was a tender moment between them that fits Mary’s characters.
It became very clear how much Ms. Travers cared about Mr. Banks over Mrs. Banks. Reading you can tell how important his feelings were, and Mrs. Banks seemed like a nervous or upset person whenever she appeared. I’m not sure why this is so but it doesn’t seem like it will change in the last Mary Poppins book Ms. Travers wrote.
It became very clear how much Ms. Travers cared about Mr. Banks over Mrs. Banks. Reading you can tell how important his feelings were, and Mrs. Banks seemed like a nervous or upset person whenever she appeared. I’m not sure why this is so but it doesn’t seem like it will change in the last Mary Poppins book Ms. Travers wrote.
January 3, 2014
Despite its claim as the third in the Mary Poppins series, Mary Poppins Opens the Door is the book containing the story of our heroine’s final departure and hence, should probably be read last.
Once again she returns to a state of disarray. One and all are lost without her: children, parents, fellow servants, animals and even the surrounding neighborhood. Why did she leave? What has kept her so long?
Never mind, Mary Poppins is back. You might as well ask why the gift horse is a dapple gray. Because it is—be grateful.
Life at #17 Cherry Tree Lane can return to normal … well sort of. Anyway, it can be happy again. Normal is overrated anyway.
One of P.L. Travers’ trademarks are the little telltale bits of evidence which confirm the most incredible things the children Jane and Michael have seen Mary Poppins do (such as reappearing in a rocket or cavorting under the sea) things which she also vehemently denies. And yet if she really didn’t want the children to know the truth, why not also be tidier about all the scraps of proof which belie the adventures? Rather, like the loving person we know her to be, Mary Poppins lets them have the joy of belief while outwardly scorning their suggestions of impropriety on her part. As readers we smile sympathetically along with Jane and Michael’s secret knowledge but inability to confirm it.
In this third book we are introduced to more things found in the movie, including one of my favorite lines, ‘Close your mouth, Michael! You are not a Codfish!, except I think in the movie, Mary says, ‘we’ are not a codfish, but close enough.
The closing episode and possibly my favorite in the series.
*Interestingly this book ended with these Latin words written in all caps: GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO (or GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST)
Once again she returns to a state of disarray. One and all are lost without her: children, parents, fellow servants, animals and even the surrounding neighborhood. Why did she leave? What has kept her so long?
Never mind, Mary Poppins is back. You might as well ask why the gift horse is a dapple gray. Because it is—be grateful.
Life at #17 Cherry Tree Lane can return to normal … well sort of. Anyway, it can be happy again. Normal is overrated anyway.
One of P.L. Travers’ trademarks are the little telltale bits of evidence which confirm the most incredible things the children Jane and Michael have seen Mary Poppins do (such as reappearing in a rocket or cavorting under the sea) things which she also vehemently denies. And yet if she really didn’t want the children to know the truth, why not also be tidier about all the scraps of proof which belie the adventures? Rather, like the loving person we know her to be, Mary Poppins lets them have the joy of belief while outwardly scorning their suggestions of impropriety on her part. As readers we smile sympathetically along with Jane and Michael’s secret knowledge but inability to confirm it.
In this third book we are introduced to more things found in the movie, including one of my favorite lines, ‘Close your mouth, Michael! You are not a Codfish!, except I think in the movie, Mary says, ‘we’ are not a codfish, but close enough.
The closing episode and possibly my favorite in the series.
*Interestingly this book ended with these Latin words written in all caps: GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO (or GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST)
July 10, 2020
📚 Hello Book Friends! Just finished reading the third book in the whimsical Mary Poppins series entitled Mary Poppins Opens the Door by P.L. Travers. As in all the books, Mary Poppins returns to number 17 Cherry Tree Lane, London in a spectacular way and again the Banks children: Jane, Michael, fraternal twins John and Barbara, and Annabel will have fantastic adventures. This book was fun and enchanting. I was sad at the end as Mary Poppins leaves the children again. The feeling of abandonment felt by the children was much stronger this time around. But do not despair, she will be back since there are more books in this series to read.
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May 9, 2014
This is my favourite of the 6 books so far. Up till now they've been mainly magical, and I had mixed feelings about children being left in the care of a nanny who screwed with their minds and refused to answer their questions. However, in this one, the mystical element hinted at in the previous book becomes a bit more obvious and there are passages of incredible beauty amongst the more commonplace magic (if that's not an oxymoron).
July 6, 2015
These books are weird, and the adventures are random, but I love them anyways. Mary Poppins has currently brainwashed me into thinking that it's refreshing to read about a thoroughly empowered woman. Some might say she's a little too empowered, to the point where she thinks she's the cat's pajamas, but so be it. Favorite stories are when MP makes peppermint sticks turn into horses and when they travel under the sea to visit an ancient turtle.
May 9, 2019
As is typical of her style, P.L. Travers seems to have intended "Mary Poppins Opens the Door" to be a final farewell to the nanny that we are supposed to adore but cannot discern why. The combination of Opening with Closing is the type of synchronization that I find so incredibly disconcerting about Travers' writing for children, as is the Guy Fawkes opening. It is clear that Mary Poppins is "the RIGHT sort of people" and it seems the authoress, through her, aspires to the same. The introduction treats us to a reflective embellishment of England's Guy Fawkes celebration - a confusing and conflated event in itself - that is particularly strange when one is aware of Travers' history; Travers didn't grow up celebrating the holiday in England, because she grew up in Australia! Nonetheless, the introduction seeks to "educate" along the back drop of this false narrative, and then makes pains for the opening chapter to refer us back to the introduction just in case we missed it.
Maybe it is just me, but my intuition is that there is some crazy psychology here between the stories of Mary Poppins and her creator. Perhaps the movie, "Saving Mr. Banks" got it right.
As for the rest of this title, I found it to be rather stale. We've seen so many of these characters or types of characters before. The stories all center around the same concepts:
1) Mary Poppins is vain, impatient, cross and generally horrible to the children. Additionally, she often leaves the baby or the twins behind without explanation.
2) A relative of Mary Poppins is encountered.
3) The relative is strange, supernaturally gifted or plagued, but LOVES seeing Mary Poppins and seeks to comply with her demands while emphasizing Mary Poppins demigod qualities.
4) After they leave, Mary Poppins returns to her usually overpowering rude self and denies the event ever happened, claiming that "people of the right sort" don't do such crazy things.
5) The children knowingly exchange pleasantries about the adventure and comply with Mary's stern exhortations, while the narrator reminds us that Mary Poppins never explains anything.
6) The children observe something that confirms their adventure is real, often a momento of their time that remains hanging around to be added to various lists throughout the rest of the story.
Sigh.
I rather prefer a true English adventure to Ms. Travers attempts to prove how very English her persona truly is, though she is not. Roald Dahl, C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, A. A. Milne, Beatrix Potter, Robert Lewis Stevenson or even, though I do not like him as well, Lewis Carroll are, in my humble opinion, a far better use of reading time.
I have one more in this series before I can sell out the books I unwisely purchased! "Mary Poppins Come Back" (too bad!) review will be forthcoming, but unless there is some huge change in Book 4, it will be the end of the line for me.
There's more....
Mary Poppins in the Park (Mary Poppins #4), Travers, 1952
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Maybe it is just me, but my intuition is that there is some crazy psychology here between the stories of Mary Poppins and her creator. Perhaps the movie, "Saving Mr. Banks" got it right.
As for the rest of this title, I found it to be rather stale. We've seen so many of these characters or types of characters before. The stories all center around the same concepts:
1) Mary Poppins is vain, impatient, cross and generally horrible to the children. Additionally, she often leaves the baby or the twins behind without explanation.
2) A relative of Mary Poppins is encountered.
3) The relative is strange, supernaturally gifted or plagued, but LOVES seeing Mary Poppins and seeks to comply with her demands while emphasizing Mary Poppins demigod qualities.
4) After they leave, Mary Poppins returns to her usually overpowering rude self and denies the event ever happened, claiming that "people of the right sort" don't do such crazy things.
5) The children knowingly exchange pleasantries about the adventure and comply with Mary's stern exhortations, while the narrator reminds us that Mary Poppins never explains anything.
6) The children observe something that confirms their adventure is real, often a momento of their time that remains hanging around to be added to various lists throughout the rest of the story.
Sigh.
I rather prefer a true English adventure to Ms. Travers attempts to prove how very English her persona truly is, though she is not. Roald Dahl, C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, A. A. Milne, Beatrix Potter, Robert Lewis Stevenson or even, though I do not like him as well, Lewis Carroll are, in my humble opinion, a far better use of reading time.
I have one more in this series before I can sell out the books I unwisely purchased! "Mary Poppins Come Back" (too bad!) review will be forthcoming, but unless there is some huge change in Book 4, it will be the end of the line for me.
There's more....
Mary Poppins in the Park (Mary Poppins #4), Travers, 1952
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
July 2, 2015
These are such fun books! I really enjoyed this particular collection of adventures, with the fairytales coming to life in the "crack" of the new year, the peppermint horses, the marble boy, the cat who looked at a king, and the undersea adventure. I have to say, as stingy as she can be, I am growing more and more fond of Mary Poppins... I can understand that to admit that the adventures she organizes for the children are real would be to get too "chummy" with them. There is a comfort in consistency, even when it's not all roses and sunshine. I even think the name "Mary Poppins" is indicative of her personality: Mary is sensible and no-nonsense, but "Poppins" promises something a little bit more on the wild side.
I also love the narration in these books: I think the joy in simple pleasures and innocent adventures is wonderful; I love all the "cozy passages" as I think of them, about how Mary Poppins smells like toast, and how warm and lovely the fire is- I am also interested in random historical tidbits, like the fact that crumpets were apparently delivered by a "crumpet man" at one time.
I also love the narration in these books: I think the joy in simple pleasures and innocent adventures is wonderful; I love all the "cozy passages" as I think of them, about how Mary Poppins smells like toast, and how warm and lovely the fire is- I am also interested in random historical tidbits, like the fact that crumpets were apparently delivered by a "crumpet man" at one time.
November 16, 2019
This was another good edition of this series - a little darker than the previous ones, but still very good. The only negative with this one was the narrator - the previous two were narrated by Sophie Thompson and it was absolutely delightful. Then the narrator changed [which is totally annoying] and this one was nowhere near as good and as delightful as Sophie Thompson. I wasn't even sure I would be able to listen to her, but as it went on, it was less grating and I was able to finish it.
June 16, 2015
This is more of the same. It's a series of random, unconnected adventures concerning the toxic, rude, abusive Mary Poppins and her charming, thankfully resilient young charges. I kind of thought (hoped?) that this book would be comprised of, basically, Mary Poppins literally opening a door, and that would be it, but there was a little more to it than that.
This one starts with a random historical discussion on Guy Fawkes Day, leading to the return of Mary Poppins via firework in the Park. From there you read about stories involving peppermint stick horses, an undersea party honoring Mary Poppins (of course) and a celebration of the New Year with a multitude of rival fairy tale characters joining forces in The Crack between the old year and the new. This book also includes the story that was adapted to an animated short and included in a recent DVD release of Disney's Mary Poppins, "The Cat That Looked At a King." So for some reason every creature in the world adores Mary Poppins (at least in the non-human world), and I still don't really get it. The parents are more oblivious than ever, the kids are still pretty fun, but Mary Poppins is more toxic than ever. She's always looking at the children with disgust and treating them like they're absolute morons for mentioning the adventures that she led them on! The strangest part is that these adventures sometimes include the entire cast or other visitors of the park, but she still is furious and mortally offended at any implication that she would do anything reproachful. How can someone claim to be "practically perfect" when she's so horribly cross all the time? The writing is still all right, and the illustrations are still charming, but it's so hard to get on board when the main character is such an unpleasant prig. Why does she keep leaving and coming anyway. Perhaps to inflict further psychological damage to poor Jane and Michael?
I don't think the series needed to continue this long, but, well, it did. There's a little of the charming, and a lot of the maddening, but the balance is obviously off. I think Mary Poppins reaches her height of unpleasantness in this third book in the series.
This one starts with a random historical discussion on Guy Fawkes Day, leading to the return of Mary Poppins via firework in the Park. From there you read about stories involving peppermint stick horses, an undersea party honoring Mary Poppins (of course) and a celebration of the New Year with a multitude of rival fairy tale characters joining forces in The Crack between the old year and the new. This book also includes the story that was adapted to an animated short and included in a recent DVD release of Disney's Mary Poppins, "The Cat That Looked At a King." So for some reason every creature in the world adores Mary Poppins (at least in the non-human world), and I still don't really get it. The parents are more oblivious than ever, the kids are still pretty fun, but Mary Poppins is more toxic than ever. She's always looking at the children with disgust and treating them like they're absolute morons for mentioning the adventures that she led them on! The strangest part is that these adventures sometimes include the entire cast or other visitors of the park, but she still is furious and mortally offended at any implication that she would do anything reproachful. How can someone claim to be "practically perfect" when she's so horribly cross all the time? The writing is still all right, and the illustrations are still charming, but it's so hard to get on board when the main character is such an unpleasant prig. Why does she keep leaving and coming anyway. Perhaps to inflict further psychological damage to poor Jane and Michael?
I don't think the series needed to continue this long, but, well, it did. There's a little of the charming, and a lot of the maddening, but the balance is obviously off. I think Mary Poppins reaches her height of unpleasantness in this third book in the series.
February 3, 2014
This may be stunning, but I was just not thrilled with the story at all. The story seems so disjointed, no growth or development of characters. In fact, I am stunned by the abusive Mary Poppins! I cannot see the Disney Mary Poppins in this, at all, and that is actually quite sad. I think that it is the Mary Poppins found here that caused my actual biggest disappointment with the book. I think that there is some fun in the fantasy side for the children in the story, but it would take some tremendously resilient children to survive the treatment they receive from Mary! I can see a lot of Ms. Travers in Mary Poppins!
August 6, 2016
Loved this series as a child and re-reading during a period of illness - still find the books marvellous. I must admit as a child I didn't notice how badly Mr and Mrs Banks parent nor did I pick up on the mind games Mary Poppins seems to play with the children after their adventures. However, I think, although some readers have been negative about her, what comes through is the sense of order and routine MP creates and how the children feel secure with her and she always keeps them safe. Although they enter amazing adventures together MP's personality is always predictable - very appealing to a young child.
April 10, 2017
Well, This one was a slight improvement over the last two books, I can see that this one was meant to be the last book but for some reason it will continue which will make the ending of this book kind of silly .. after all this drama she will return in the end LOL,my favourite story was happy ever after and I found it refreshing after the boring repeated stories I've read through out the three books, I still can't enjoy this series but let's see what the rest will bring
December 26, 2015
Charming, delightful, and funny as ever but not quite at the same level as the first two. Perhaps the formula is getting a little rote (strange uncle, someone selling something in the park, etc).
I'm still amused how transcendental these books are. Who'd a thunk?
Still worth every word.
I'm still amused how transcendental these books are. Who'd a thunk?
Still worth every word.
September 24, 2020
Another trip back to Cherry Tree Lane and its inhabitants...and Mary Poppins, who'll remain my favorite nanny, delightfully mystical, stern and firm, but also allowing "her" children to enter a world of magic and adventure.
March 20, 2022
I honestly feel sad that I never discovered these books as a kid, I almost can connect to my 10 year old self when reading these magical stories, I’ve always loved the Disney version of Mary Poppins, but these books have me falling in love with the story every book!
October 28, 2015
I hated this one! the stories were very dull, and bleak. And somewhat repeated, I honestly hope the fourth book will be better.
June 15, 2017
Magical book for children...
February 2, 2020
Mary Poppins pops back during a fireworks event and once again Jane and Michael Banks are in for some fantastic magical adventures. She does speak more sharply and primly than my favourite screen rendition of her (as played by Julie Andrews--my kids are too old for the remake), but I can see I'd have loved this if I'd had it as a child. I'm only sorry we didn't own this book series along with our other books when I was growing up. Also, I really wouldn't mind travelling on a candy cane, preferably one that didn't get called back that night. It would be a great way to beat rush hour traffic.
September 21, 2015
Book was published in 1943, a dark time in history. It warms my heart to think of the number of people this book helped escape to the magical world of Mary Poppins. I picked up this book on a bad day as well (though not comparable to a World War bad day) and it also provided me with a sheltering refuge. Read these books to your kids at bedtime and they will have magical dreams! Thank you Mary Poppins and Ms. Travers for being the perfect example on the power and boundlessness of books.
May 15, 2016
Mary Poppins returns in gregarious style and sets all to rights again, tells a new, moral tale, sweeps the children off on fantastical adventures (which she always denies afterwards, of course), new friends are made and strange events happen, and then she whooshes off again when her work is done. All in a day's work in the life of the most famous nanny.
3/5
3/5
June 25, 2016
I loved these books as a kid, and I love them still. Mary Poppins is a total asshole, but the adventures have are still so magical and impactful.
May 5, 2021
Well there's still some magic here but its pretty thin. This is a bit repetitive and shows too much about how special Mary is. Some sort of advancment or change with the house or children would be nice.
It does have a good ending but it feels like an ending for the series at its height but doesn't feel quite earned based on this entry.
Given that there are, i think, still 4 more books, it will be interesting to see how it continues.
There was one thing i didn't notice before which is that the girl seems older and more mature than the boy it would be nice to see if that division gets any wider.
It does have a good ending but it feels like an ending for the series at its height but doesn't feel quite earned based on this entry.
Given that there are, i think, still 4 more books, it will be interesting to see how it continues.
There was one thing i didn't notice before which is that the girl seems older and more mature than the boy it would be nice to see if that division gets any wider.
January 16, 2025
Third book of the series and the author still manages to make me cry and feel a longing for its characters and their story.
December 26, 2025
It was good but is super repetitive and I lost focus easily :/
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2021
I have read the book a million times but we listened to the audiobook today on a car trip and it was delightful. Read by Rosalyn Landor. The voices were especially fun.
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