Status Updates From Mary Poppins

“Don’t you know,” she said pityingly, “everyone has their own fairyland?”

Two things become clear in the second chapter that are not so clear from the film. One Mary Poppins and Bourke really are in a romantic relationship which in someways makes her far more vulnerable. Two, Mary Poppins is not completely in control of the magic of what she participates.. In other words, she is as surprised about being able to jump into a sidewalk chalk painting as Bert is.

Of course I saw the film as a child so comparisons must come. Sadly no hord of nannies to be blow away and Mary Poppins is blown in abruptly. Mary’s personality is a bit more fierce in the book. I love that Mrs. Banks is susceptible to cultural snobbery. Just tell her something is out of date (like references) and she abandons the concept,