On sailed the curious figure, its feet neatly clearing the tops of the trees. Jane and Michael could see the face now, and the well-known features ¿ coal-black hair, bright blue eyes and nose turned upwards like the nose of a Dutch doll. The figure drifted down between the lime trees and alighted primly upon the grass. "Mary Poppins, Mary Poppins!" they cried, and flung themselves upon her.

'This is the second book about Mary Poppins.'

"Absolutely alive, and aglint with magic."
Walter de la Mare

"Like all great children's classics, 'Mary Poppins' is frightening and sad as well as magic and very funny."
Observer

P.L. Travers was born in Queensland, Australia. She was brought up in the deep country, simply, but traditionally. 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'. A friend saw the first few chapters and took it to a publisher who at once offered a contract for the whole book. The first Mary Poppins book was published in 1934 and was an immediate success. It was followed by another five books.