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rach 's review for:
Mary Poppins
by P.L. Travers
The Disney musical version of Mary Poppins remains one of my favorite movies - Julie Andrews is delightful and "practically perfect in every way", just as Mary Poppins should be. Thus, when I came across this book at a library sale, I immediately picked it up to read.
There are several differences between this book and the movie, the main one being in plotting. In the movie, Mary Poppins comes for a purpose: to bring the Banks family back together, to reunite a distracted father with his children. This book, however, reads more like a set of connected short stories. Many of the stories ended up in the movie, like the Feed the Birds lady at the Cathedral, the Uncle who floats when he laughs, and Mary jumping into street paintings, but they don't necessarily serve to tell an overarching story. It just so happens that Mary Poppins arrives during the first story and departs during the last. Also, Mary Poppins of the book seems much more self-centered and vain. The only time she seemed truly happy was during her day-off adventure with Bert, on their journey into his street paintings -- the kids aren't invited in the book! Plus, she often seemed crabby with the kids, and quick to find fault in them.
Overall, these stories were cute and whimsical, and generally enjoyable to read. I really liked Mary's trip into the painting, and the one story to feature the baby twins, John and Barbara. For the most part, though, I feel like Disney crafted a better story out of them, so I will continue in my love for their version. :)
There are several differences between this book and the movie, the main one being in plotting. In the movie, Mary Poppins comes for a purpose: to bring the Banks family back together, to reunite a distracted father with his children. This book, however, reads more like a set of connected short stories. Many of the stories ended up in the movie, like the Feed the Birds lady at the Cathedral, the Uncle who floats when he laughs, and Mary jumping into street paintings, but they don't necessarily serve to tell an overarching story. It just so happens that Mary Poppins arrives during the first story and departs during the last. Also, Mary Poppins of the book seems much more self-centered and vain. The only time she seemed truly happy was during her day-off adventure with Bert, on their journey into his street paintings -- the kids aren't invited in the book! Plus, she often seemed crabby with the kids, and quick to find fault in them.
Overall, these stories were cute and whimsical, and generally enjoyable to read. I really liked Mary's trip into the painting, and the one story to feature the baby twins, John and Barbara. For the most part, though, I feel like Disney crafted a better story out of them, so I will continue in my love for their version. :)