Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gorgeous art, spare text in picture book version of classic.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
A magical nanny flies in on the wind and delights the Banks children who become her charges in MARY POPPINS, the picture book. This adaptation covers a few of the novel's characters and magical scenes -- a giggling tea party on the ceiling at Uncle Albert's; seeing bakers Annie, Fannie, and their mom, Mrs. Corry, glue gold paper stars in the sky that then begin to twinkle; and finding zoo animals running free with Mary Poppins at night. And it avoids some of the dated aspects of the original novel.
Is It Any Good?
Kids who aren't ready to read the classic novel or lack the patience to have it read to them will enjoy this spare, easy-to-grasp picture book that captures the essence of the magical nanny. This accessible Mary Poppins offers a taste of the original's language and attitude, which could create interest in the novel and its sequels, and is perfectly timed in advance of the live-action film sequel, Mary Poppins Returns.
Genevieve Gobout's beautiful illustrations are loaded with charm and have a welcome retro/classic feel, making this book seem like a keepsake as well as an enchanting nighttime read.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the main character in Mary Poppins. How is she different from other characters who use magic? Is she like any or caregivers you've known?
Have you seen the animated Disney film version of Mary Poppins? How does this picture book compare? Will you see Marry Poppins Returns? Why do you think Disney decided to made another live action Mary Poppins movie?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Book Characters , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publication date : October 18, 2018
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 7
- Number of pages : 32
- Available on : Hardback
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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