Mary Poppins is the first in a celebrated series of eight children's books by P.L. Travers, published over the span of several decades, from 1934 to 1988. It introduces the title character, a most unorthodox nanny who brings a touch of magic and wonder to the Banks household, captivating not only the children under her care—Jane, Michael, and toddler twins John and Barbara (joined by baby Annabel in the second book)—but also readers of all ages.
The plot of the first book sets the tone for the series, where Mary Poppins, arriving at Number 17 Cherry Tree Lane on a gust of the East wind, changes the lives of the Banks family. The children quickly discover that their new nanny is no ordinary caregiver—she possesses magical abilities, from sliding up banisters to pulling delightfully outlandish objects out of her carpetbag. The story follows Mary, Jane, and Michael through whimsical escapades, including a tea party on the ceiling and a visit to a zoo where the animals are in charge. It culminates with Mary Poppins departing as suddenly and mysteriously as she arrived, riding away on the West wind and leaving the door open for her future returns.
Over the decade since its 1934 debut, the Mary Poppins series has inspired numerous adaptations, including the iconic 1964 Disney film starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, a 2004 stage musical, and a 2018 film sequel, Mary Poppins Returns, starring Emily Blunt. These adaptations have contributed to the enduring legacy of Mary Poppins as a beloved figure in both children's literature and popular culture.
Themes
Magic and everyday life juxtaposition
Importance of imagination
Family dynamics and relationships
Navigating childhood and its challenges
Discovery and adventure
Learning through fantastical experiences
The impact of a caretaker's influence
Transience and change
Understanding and empathy
The blending of whimsy with reality
Setting
The Mary Poppins series by P. L. Travers is set primarily in early 20th-century London, England. The stories revolve around the magical nanny who mysteriously arrives at the home of the Banks family, Number 17 Cherry Tree Lane.
The books follow the adventures Mary Poppins takes the Banks children on in the areas surrounding Cherry Tree Lane and the nearby park. Locations like Miss Lark's mansion next door, Admiral Boom's ship-shaped home, and St. Paul's Cathedral where the Bird Woman sells breadcrumbs are all highlighted.
While the exact time period is never explicitly stated, the Edwardian-era setting with its cultural norms and societal roles is evident throughout the series. The stories immerse readers in this early 20th-century London neighborhood and showcase the magic Mary Poppins brings to this otherwise ordinary setting.
Characters
Mary Poppins: A magical nanny who arrives to care for the Banks children.
Parrot Umbrella: Mary Poppins’s magical umbrella with a parrot head handle.
Jane Banks: The eldest Banks child and sister to Michael, John, Barbara, and Annabel.
Michael Banks: The second oldest Banks child and brother to Jane, John, Barbara, and Annabel.
John Banks: One of the toddler twins and brother to Jane, Michael, Barbara, and Annabel.
Barbara Banks: One of the toddler twins and sister to Jane, Michael, John, and Annabel.
Annabel Banks: The youngest of the Banks children, who joins the family in the second book.
Mr. Banks (George): The father of the Banks children and husband to Mrs. Banks.
Mrs. Banks (Wilfred): The mother of the Banks children and wife to Mr. Banks.
Park Keeper (Fred Smith): He oversees the park frequented by Mary Poppins and the Banks children.
Bert the Matchman: Mary Poppins’s friend, also works as a screever and sometimes sells matches.
Ellen: The maid of the Banks household.
Mrs. Brill: The cook for the Banks family.
Robertson Ay: The lazy and forgetful jack-of-all-trades in the Banks household.
Admiral Boom: A retired naval officer living near the Banks family.
Miss Lark: The family's wealthy next-door neighbor, who is obsessed with her dogs, Andrew and Willoughby.
Mrs. Corry: An elderly woman who sells gingerbread and has known many famous historical figures.
Bird Woman: Sells bags of crumbs for tuppence a bag to feed the birds on the steps of St. Paul's Cathedral.
Miss Andrew: Mr. Banks's overbearing former nanny, known as "The Holy Terror."
Albert Wigg: Mary Poppins’s uncle, who floats when he laughs.
Topsy Turvy: Mary Poppins's cousin, who suffers from a condition that causes her to do the opposite of what she wants.
Arthur Turvy: Husband of Topsy Turvy and cousin to Mary Poppins, who fixes broken items.
Balloon Woman: Sells magical balloons that bear the names of those who buy them.
Sweep: A chimney sweep who is friendly with the Banks children; in adaptations, this character is often merged with Bert.
Fannie & Annie: Daughters of Mrs. Corry, known for being extremely large.
Fred Twigley: Mary Poppins's cousin, who can have seven wishes granted on certain conditions.
Nellie-Rubina & Uncle Dodger: Run a conversation shop shaped like Noah’s Ark.
Neleus: A marble statue brought to life by Mary Poppins.
Constable Egbert: The local policeman, in love with Ellen, the Banks' maid.
Professor: An elderly gentleman resident of Cherry Tree Lane.
Mrs. Boom: Admiral Boom’s wife.
Binnacle: Admiral Boom’s assistant, formerly a pirate.
Orion: A friend of Mary, based on the mythological character and constellation.
Ice Cream Man: Sells ice cream from his cart.
Prime Minister: Occasional character in scenes involving the park and local governance.
Lord Mayor: Regular figure in the park, checks on the Park Keeper.
Aldermen: Accompany the Lord Mayor in visits.
Andrew: Miss Lark’s pure-bred dog.
Willoughby: A mongrel that joined Miss Lark’s family at Andrew’s request.
FAQs
What is the Mary Poppins book series about?
Starting with Mary Poppins, this series of eight children's books by P. L. Travers follows the magical adventures of the titular character, a nanny who mysteriously appears to the Banks family at their home in London, Number 17 Cherry Tree Lane.
Who are the main characters?
The main characters include Mary Poppins, the magical nanny; the Banks children (Jane, Michael, John, Barbara, and Annabel); Mr. and Mrs. Banks, the parents; and other recurring characters like the Park Keeper, Bert the Matchman, Miss Lark, and Admiral Boom.
How does Mary Poppins arrive and depart?
In the books, Mary Poppins arrives at the Banks home on Cherry Tree Lane by being blown in by the East wind with her magical parrot-headed umbrella and carpetbag. At the end of her stay, she opens her umbrella and lets the West wind carry her away.
What kinds of adventures do the characters go on?
Mary Poppins takes the Banks children on all sorts of magical adventures, such as having a tea party on the ceiling, visiting exotic locations via a compass, meeting characters like the Bird Woman and Mrs. Corry, attending a birthday party at the zoo, and more.
How many books are in the series?
There are eight books in the Mary Poppins series by P. L. Travers, published between 1934 and 1988.
How were the books adapted?
The Mary Poppins books were adapted into a popular 1964 Disney film starring Julie Andrews; a stage musical, which premiered in London's West End in 2004 and ran on Broadway from 2006 to 2013; and a 2018 sequel film, Mary Poppins Returns, starring Emily Blunt.
What are some of the iconic elements of the Mary Poppins series?
Iconic elements include Mary's parrot-headed umbrella, her magic carpetbag, her stern yet magical personality, her friendship with Bert the Matchman, and recurring locations like Cherry Tree Lane and the park.
How does the series end?
While Mary Poppins departs at the end of the first three books, the later five books recount previously unrecorded adventures from her original three visits to the Banks family.
What themes are present in the books?
The Mary Poppins books explore themes of family, childhood, imagination, and the importance of a work-life balance through the experiences of the Banks family and Mary Poppins's magical influence.
How were the books received and regarded?
The Mary Poppins books were highly popular and influential children's books, praised for their imaginative storytelling, magical adventures, and approach to important themes.
Quotes
"The same substance composes us—the tree overhead, the stone beneath us, the bird, the beast, the star—we are all one, all moving to the same end."
"Mary Poppins was very vain and liked to look her best. Indeed, she was quite sure that she never looked anything else."
"He could smell her crackling white apron and the faint flavour of toast that always hung about her so deliciously."
"I hate being good."
"Don't you know that everybody's got a Fairyland of their own?"
Quick facts
Mary Shepard was the illustrator for all the books in the Mary Poppins series, helping bring the magical world of Mary Poppins to life with her drawings.
The image of Mary Poppins floating on her magical parrot-headed umbrella has transcended this series, becoming an instantly recognizable profile for the character.
Only the first three books in the series feature Mary Poppins arriving and leaving. The later five books reveal previously unrecorded adventures from her original visits.
The books were adapted into a highly popular film by Walt Disney in 1964, which starred Julie Andrews as Mary Poppins. This adaptation is noted for its memorable musical numbers and for significantly boosting the character's popularity worldwide.
The book Mary Poppins and its sequels were adapted into a stage musical by Disney Theatrical in collaboration with Cameron Mackintosh, premiering in London's West End in 2004 before moving to Broadway in 2006.
The chapter "Bad Tuesday" in the original Mary Poppins book underwent revisions due to criticism of its portrayal of ethnic stereotypes, leading to changes in both text and illustrations in subsequent editions.
The film Saving Mr. Banks (2013) portrays the story of how Walt Disney obtained the rights to the Mary Poppins books from P. L. Travers and the challenging process of adapting the story into the iconic 1964 film.
About the author
Pamela Lyndon Travers, OBE, known by her pen name P. L. Travers, was a British writer who gained lasting fame for her Mary Poppins series of children's books. Born in Maryborough, Queensland, Australia, in 1899, she embarked on a writing and acting career before moving to England at the age of 24, where she would spend the majority of her life. In 1934, Travers wrote Mary Poppins, the novel that introduced the world to a magical nanny who continues to captivate fans of all ages.
Travers's early life in Queensland and her experiences upon moving to England significantly influenced her writing. She started by publishing poems and acting in Shakespearean plays in Australia. Her journey led her to England, where she adopted her pen name and became devoted to writing full-time. The success of Mary Poppins brought her international acclaim, leading to several sequels. Her interactions with Walt Disney, who adapted Mary Poppins into a highly successful film in 1964, were famously contentious. Travers disapproved of the film's treatment of her characters and story, a disagreement that persisted even as the film became a classic of American cinema.
Apart from her literary success, Travers's life was marked by her keen interest in mythology and her encounters with notable figures in the literary and spiritual circles of her time. Despite her achievements, she maintained a private personal life, adopting a boy in her late 30s and living with him in London. Her services to literature were recognized in 1977 when she was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II. Travers passed away in London in 1996 at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy that continues to enchant and inspire readers and audiences around the world.
