Mary Poppins: A Classic Fantasy Tale About the Magical Nanny and Everyday Wonder for Children (Ages 10-12)

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.

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

A classic, arrived in good condition. Great for the true Mary Poppins fan.

You can see where they get parts of the movie from but the original story is a little bit different but interesting.

I grew up with this movie but hadn’t read this book until now. Honestly, I was overall pretty disappointed when I finished the book. I legit cried. But then, you ask, why three stars? Because it still had all of the magic and heart of the film. I wholeheartedly believe the film is better than the source material in this case — I don’t want to start a fight with any purists, but like, Michael’s character alone… and like? Bert! they did my boy DIRTY. I loved reading about the additional adventures in the book and getting more depth into the Banks family on Cherry-Tree Lane, but overall, I had 25 years of the movie to compare it to, and that won out. (Which I suppose isn’t quite fair.) Mary is downright mean and not at all caring and loving, except to the twins. Michael is a spoiled brat in much of the book, and while that could be said for both children in the movie, they learn and grow— in the book, the characters are static. All of them. And then poof, Mary leaves. My love for the movie will never fade, but I won’t be reading book 2.

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!

Everyone wants to compare this book to Disney's version, but that's not really fair! Both are wonderful in their own way. P.L. Travers was an imaginative oddball and can't be beat on the cleverness of her tales. She did share that she was NOT writing specifically for children (I'd like to think she wanted the stories to be read to them... some themes may need discussing- true adult input needed and bonding/guiding opportunities abound.) I remember reading this a child but it was after I had seen the movie and so I also remember preferring the Disney version. When I was 7 or so I found the book a little scary- things like humans in the zoo, or a great leader who is a cobra. As an adult I can appreciate the themes as imaginative and thought provoking but I understand way the author pronounced, "...what a picture- the children weeping in the world, and I responsible. Could I ever have intended to write for such a child?" (Source article: "i Never Wrote for Children" by P.L. Travers.)

Perfeito, Edição muito linda e fofa, papel muito bom para se ler, capa detalhada , mlhr versão que encontrei e com preço super acessível

genial para describir a los niños y introducir cultura a los infanntes que apenas se están interesando por la lecctura

Great classic, excellent read for children and adults :) Paperback is reasonably priced though you have to treat it carefully.

I had never read any of the Mary Poppins books as a child, although I grew up with the film, which was made when I was about two, and have always loved it; it is one of my nostalgic treasures! So I thought it was about time I read the book, and it hasn't taken anything away from my affection for the film (thankfully). As others have pointed out, it is not a linear novel; it is a series of short stories featuring Mary, her friends and relatives, the Banks' family, and a number of other characters I won't describe as it might spoil it for you. The book has a different atmosphere to the film; it is all a bit darker, less sentimental; Mary herself is not as endearing a character as Julie Andrews portrays, but is actually more interesting for it. Some of the stories come as something of a surprise until you read that P L Travers had a lifelong interest in myth and legend. I would heartily recommend this to anyone, whether you have seen the film or not. I will definitely be reading the rest (I think there are six in all)

Très beau livre pour un prix très raisonnable. Beau cadeau à offrir!