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Mary Poppins Book Summary and Study Guide

Detailed plot synopsis reviews of Mary Poppins


Mary Poppins is a magical nanny who brings a family together through whimsical imagination. Mary Poppins is a nanny with magical powers who comes to the Banks England household to help the children, and the parents, learn more about the power of imagination. Mary Poppins comes to the Banks' household just as Michael and Jane, the eldest of the Banks' children, has ran off, causing a flustered Katie Nana to quit! Much to the delight of their mother, Mrs. Winifred Banks, Mr. George Banks takes up the search for a nanny himself. However, on the day he is supposed to interview scores of nannies, a powerful wind swoops them all away as Mary Poppins flies in from the clouds.
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Mary Poppins is hired to take care of Michael and Jane along with their infant siblings, the twins John and Barbara. She leads the children through a series of adventures with her friend Bert the Chimney Sweep. The children learn laughing can make you fly when Uncle Albert can't stop laughing and Mary Poppins has to comfort him. Then Mary Poppins helps the neighborhood dog get a friend, helps a Dancing Cow reach the moon, and she even lets Michael get the taste of being bad for the day.

In one of the most touching chapters of the book, the children are taught the importance of keeping their eyes and hearts open to others when Mary shows them the Bird Woman, who sits at the steps of St. Paul's feeding the birds. Afterward, Mary gives Jane and Michael a special treat with Mrs. Corry who breaks off her own fingers for the twins to eat. Later, she helps John and Barbara talk to the animals, a rare gift that only last until their first birthday.

To wrap up the book, Mary Poppins takes the children Christmas shopping. The children watch Mary Poppins eyes as she glazes over the shop windows. She has become a staple in their lives and they don't want to lose her. By this time, George Banks has learned to be more accepting of his children's childishness and to even get involved in their games. Unfortunately for the children, and the parents, Mary Poppins leaves in the next chapter when the winds change from the East to the West. But Jane, Michael, John and Barbara will always remember their favorite nanny.
Best part of story, including ending: Mary Poppins is a story that focuses on the importance of being a child while you have a chance. It also helps adults understand their role in shaping the life of a child.

Best scene in story: The animals at the Zoo come to life and act person-like for Mary Poppins birthday. The king of the animal kingdom is the snake, not the lion ,and the snake gives Mary his old skin as a birthday present. It is interesting to have the animals behave as humans and to question the role of the lion as ruler of all.

Opinion about the main character: Mary Poppins is a strong feminist character who doesn't put up with any nonsense from any character, no matter their age.

The review of this Book prepared by Sarah Morgan a Level 1 Blue Jay scholar

Chapter Analysis of Mary Poppins

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Plot & Themes

Tone of book?    -   upbeat Time/era of story    -   1900-1920's Life of a profession:    -   nanny/babysitter Is this an adult or child's book?    -   Age 7-10 Job/Profession/Status story    -   Yes

Main Character

Gender    -   Female Profession/status:    -   blue collar Age:    -   20's-30's Has magical powers?    -   Yes Ethnicity/Nationality    -   British Unusual characteristics:    -   Genius

Setting

How much descriptions of surroundings?    -   5 () City?    -   Yes City:    -   London

Writing Style

Amount of dialog    -   little dialog

Books with storylines, themes & endings like Mary Poppins

P.L. Travers Books Note: the views expressed here are only those of the reviewer(s).
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