Mary Poppins Paperback – Illustrated, May 5, 2015

This is the original Mary Poppins, written by P.L. Travers and, not surprisingly, it differs significantly from the Disney version. It is not so much the storyline that differs, as many of the scenes from the movie come directly from the book. There is Bert, who journeys with Mary into a magical afternoon inside one of his paintings (although here he is a poor struggling match seller rather than a chimney sweep); there is the visit to Mary's uncle who can't stop laughing and who soon has everyone else laughing and floating around the ceiling, also. There are also several scenes that I don't remember from the movie, although granted I only saw it once when I was 7 or 8 years old, so there is a good chance I've forgotten much: the magical visit to the zoo in the middle of the night, when the animals are roaming around and the humans are in the cages; the scene involving the baby Banks twins and their ability to communicate with animals (and Mary's, as well); the Christmas shopping scene with Maia, one of the plaeides (sp?).But the major difference is in the personality of Mary herself. The Disney version was a kinder and gentler Mary; indeed, according to the Wiki article P.L. Travers had a major falling-out with Disney over, among other things, the way they softened Mary. In this original she is ascerbic and cranky (the only time she is friendly and gentle is in the scene with Bert), and extremely vain. Not the mild vanity of Julie Andrews who declared herself "practically perfect in every way"; this original Mary is absurdly vain, constantly admiring herself in mirrors, windows, any surface that offers a reflection, and carrying her umbrella everywhere in order to proudly show off its parrot head handle.There is also a slight difference in the Banks family, also. I remember the movie giving the impression that Jane and Michael were somewhat neglected by their too-busy parents, and that Mary Poppins magically came along to give them the love, attention and training they lacked. However, the book doesn't give this impression; Mr. Banks is indeed busy with his job but Mrs. Banks, far from the campaigning sufragette of the movie, is simply a somewhat harried mother of four whose personality is fairly bland. It is not clear why Mary Poppins suddenly appears, other than the fact that the Banks are in need of a nanny after theirs leaves without notice. And it is not clear why she suddenly leaves, since she didn't seem to accomplish any sort of "mission" with the Banks children.Nevertheless, this is a delighful story that is well suited for family listening. Sophie Thompson's narration is superb; she is a master at voices and adds color and personality to every character.

Like most people, I have seen the Disney version of "Mary Poppins (40th Anniversary Edition)." A highly enjoyable film, it was also wonderful to note that although Disney inserted its own elements, it did an excellent job of adapting the writings of P.L. Travers. On its own, the first book in the series, simply titled "Mary Poppins" is a fun collection of chapters that are perfect for bedtime stories for children. Each chapter is basically a self-contained tale. Fans of the Disney movie will recognize some of these (Uncle Albert's house, the Bird Woman, and Jolly Holiday), and others are new tales. Sure, on the surface, Mary Poppins does seem a bit rude, conceited, and vain, but she obviously cares deeply for the children and obviously has many friends in the world--including the animal kingdom. This story focuses mainly on the children and Mary Poppins; Mr. & Mrs. Banks are not really fleshed out in the book as much as they are in the movie, and this is just fine. The journeys that Mary Poppins takes the children on are full of imagination, and will definitely stir up the creative thinking of children. The Harcourt edition is nicely done; hardcover with dust jacket, includes original black and white illustrations; definitely has a nice vintage look to it. Highly recommended!

Those familiar with only the movie will be surprised at some things they find in the book, Mary Poppins. The Banks Family of 17 Cherry Tree Lane are in a bit of bind. Their nanny, Katie Nanna, has quit without warning, leaving the four (not two) Banks children, Jane, Michael, John, and Barbara, without a...well, nanny! However, an east wind is blowing and, before Mrs. Banks can even put out an advertisement, it brings a new nanny. Mary Poppins is like no one the Banks family has ever met before. She seems to be able to do anything she wants, no matter what. Magic seems to follow wherever she goes and, despite her stern demeanor, the children find that they can not imagine life without their new nanny. The elder two children, Jane and Michael, have quite a few adventures. She takes them to see her Uncle Albert, who floats whenever he's cheery and his birthday falls on a Friday. Mary Poppins uses a magic compass to take the children around the world to meet different animals. The children meet Mrs. Corry and her two daughters, Fannie and Annie. The old woman is old enough to remember William the Conqueror, has edible fingers, and hangs gingerbread stars in the sky. Jane and Michael go to a birthday party at the zoo, where animals can talk and humans are locked in cages for the night. The two babies, John and Barbara, are often just brought along for the ride, and don't have too many adventures themselves. However, one must not imagine their lives are boring. Being babies, they speak the language of birds, which, among humans, only babies and Mary Poppins can understand. Eventually, though, the wind changes, and Mary Poppins leaves the Banks household. However, she does so with a promise to return.This book is...different. There isn't exactly a plot to the book. Rather, it's a series of adventures that Mary Poppins and the children have. It can be a bit disconcerting but, after a bit, one gets used to it and I rather like it.Mary Poppins is a fascinating character. She seems to know people (and creatures) from all eras and all worlds. She seems immortal and, yet, there is reference to her birth. The reader never quite finds out who (or what) Mary Poppins is. In addition, there is something a bit sinister about her. There seems to be no limit to her powers and one can imagine that she could seriously hurt someone, if she wanted to. Animals and humans alike seem to honor and be awed by her. Mary Poppins intimidates people and is extremely vain. She's very strict and, while one might suppose she has a softer side, she very seldom shows it. However, I don't see why the children like her. I can understand that they like the fun she brings, but they seem genuinely fond of her and there aren't many instances where she shows her fondness of them. Children tend not to love people who never or almost never show them love, so I don't feel it's plausible for the children to be so completely devoted to Mary Poppins. Perhaps if there had been one or two instances where Mary Poppins had hugged them, told them she cared for them, etc., that aspect would have been more believable.

It was definitely interesting reading this book after being so familiar with the movie. There were even more imaginative adventures in the book.