Book Review of Mary Poppins
The Children’s Book Review
Mary Poppins
Written by P. L. Travers
Illustrated by Mary Shepard
Ages 7+ | 1040 Pages
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers | ISBN-13: 9780544456839
What to Expect: Fantasy and Classic Literature
P.L. Travers is the pen name for Helen Lyndon Goff. She has written many books but is best known for Mary Poppins—the magical tale of the Banks family and their mysterious nanny, Mary Poppins. This heartwarming story has enchanted readers across generations and has been translated into seventeen languages, proving its universal appeal.
Transported to Number Seventeen Cherry-Tree Lane, readers discover a world of wonder and adventure alongside Jane, Michael, and their siblings, John and Barbara. Blown in by the blustery east wind, Mary Poppins arrives, and “spit-spot” the Banks family is changed forever. Mary Poppins may seem a bit stiff and bossy at first, but with her magical umbrella and carpetbag, she brings nothing but joy and excitement to their lives. By way of a magic compass, experience the tea party on the ceiling, the exhilarating ride on peppermint horses, and the unforgettable visit to polar bears.
With its vivid imagery and imaginative storyline, reading Mary Poppins is an emotionally charged journey that will leave readers feeling both nostalgic and happy. This timeless classic is your guide to discovering the magic of life. There is no need for a spoonful of sugar to help this story go down!
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About the Author
Pamela Lyndon Travers, OBE (/ˈtrævərs/; born Helen Lyndon Goff; 9 August 1899 – 23 April 1996), was an Australian-born British novelist, actress, and journalist who migrated to England and lived most of her adult life there. She is known best for the Mary Poppins series of children’s books featuring the magical English nanny Mary Poppins.
Upon immigrating to England in 1924, Goff began to write under the pen name P. L. Travers. In 1933 she began writing the novel Mary Poppins, first of the Poppins books. During World War II, while working for the British Ministry of Information, Travers traveled to New York City. At that time Walt Disney contacted her about selling to Disney Studios the rights for a film adaptation of Mary Poppins, whose sequel Mary Poppins Comes Back was also in print. After years of contact, Walt Disney did obtain the rights and the Disney film Mary Poppins premiered in 1964. In 2004, a new, British musical theatre adaptation of the books and the film opened in the West End; it premiered on Broadway in 2006.
For services to literature, Travers was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 1977.
What to Read Next if You Love Mary Poppins
- Mary Poppins Comes Back, by P.L. Travers
- Peter Pan, by J.M. Barrie
- Bed Knobs and Broomsticks, by Mary Norton
- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, by Ian Fleming
Bianca Schulze reviewed Mary Poppins. Discover more books like Mary Poppins by reading our reviews and articles tagged with fantasy and classic literature.
