Up in the sky a tiny spark hovered and swayed in the darkness. What could it be¿? Still they waited. And still the spark grew even larger and brighter. Then suddenly Jane caught her breath. And Michael gave a gasp. Down came the spark, growing longer and wider. And as it came, it took on a shape that was strange and also familiar. Out of the glowing core of light emerged a curious figure ¿ a figure in a black straw hat and a blue coat trimmed with silver buttons.

'This is the third 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 1899 in Maryborough in Queensland, Australia and was one of three sisters. 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.