Mary Poppins in the Park

Description

Things happen to the Banks children when they go to the park with Mary Poppins. Strange things, funny things, unexpected things: nothing is ever straightforward with Mary Poppins about -- and it's never boring either! Mary Poppins, neat and prim in her blue skirt and a new hat trimmed with a crimson tulip, looked at them over her knitting. She was sitting bolt upright against the tree, with a plaid rug spread on the lawn around her. Her handbag sat tidily by her side. And above her, from a flowering branch, the parrot umbrella dangled. She gave a little sniff. The stories in this collection happened during all three of the visits Mary Poppins made to the Banks family. Jane and Michael are never quite sure whether what happens to them in the Park is just a dream -- or not; things are never straightforward with Mary Poppins!

P.L. Travers was born in Queensland, Australia. She was brought up simply, but traditionally, with a cook upon whom much of the character of Mary Poppins is based. She began her writing career in Australia, publishing many poems, then came to England and wrote for newspapers in Ireland and England. She began Mary Poppins 'out of the blue', while lying ill in bed. It was published in 1934, was an immediate success and was followed by another five books.

"Like all great children's classics Mary Poppins is frightening and sad as well as magic and very funny." The Observer "Absolutely alive, and aglint with magic." Walter de la Mare