Mary Poppins
#1 of 8 in Mary Poppins Series
on Goodreads (137,667)
What’s inside...
Read by Sophie Thompson, this audiobook spans three cassettes and lasts 3 hours and 49 minutes. It follows the story of Mary Poppins, an extraordinary nanny with magical abilities, who transforms the lives of the four Banks children with her unique brand of magic and fascinating adventures. From sliding up the banister to producing tricks from her empty carpetbag, Mary Poppins ensures that their lives will never be the same. The story is written by P.L. Travers, who was featured in the movie. Mary Poppins, though appearing stern and haughty, is filled with delightful nonsense and magic. She takes the Banks children on incredible adventures, from having tea on the ceiling to pasting gold paper stars to the sky. The children and literary fans alike respect and adore her. This unsentimental fantasy will tickle grownups rediscovering it and enchant younger readers who will find its magical realism perfectly plausible.
Discussion points
How do you think Mary Poppins feels about the children she takes care of? Can you describe her character?
What magical event in the book would you like to experience and why?
How do the children change throughout the story? What do you think caused these changes?
Why do you think rules are important for the children in the story? How do rules affect your life?
If you could ask Mary Poppins one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the various magical scenarios. Ask how they would feel and what they would do differently.
Discuss the importance of rules and structure, both in the world of Mary Poppins and in your child’s life.
Explore themes of responsibility and kindness with your child, relating them to their interactions with friends and family.
Use descriptive language from the book to build vocabulary and encourage your child to describe scenes or characters in their own words.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of imagination
Explanation: Throughout 'Mary Poppins', the magical nanny encourages Jane and Michael to embark on imaginative adventures, helping them see beyond the mundane aspects of the world.
Real-World Application: Cultivating imagination can help children solve problems creatively and develop a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and discipline
Explanation: Mary Poppins teaches the children about personal responsibility and discipline, balancing her magical elements with firm rules and expectations.
Real-World Application: Learning responsibility helps children develop self-control and understand the consequences of their actions in daily life.
Example Lesson: The value of family
Explanation: The story shows the Banks family growing closer and overcoming challenges together, highlighting the importance of familial bonds.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to value and contribute to their family’s well-being, fostering a supportive home environment.
Example Lesson: Respect for differences
Explanation: Mary Poppins introduces the children to a variety of unusual characters, teaching them to be open-minded and appreciate diversity.
Real-World Application: Understanding and respecting differences is crucial as children interact with diverse groups at school and in their community.