Mary Poppins Comes Back

Our rating: ****

Jane and Michael are flying a kite in the park, when it goes too high. When they pull it down, Mary Poppins is on the string! She’s back to be the Banks’ nanny for a second time. And so begins several adventures, including meeting Miss Andrew, Mr. Banks’ stern childhood governess; a visit to the odd Mr. Turvy; and many other delightful stories.

We all knew she’d be back, and so she is. Mary Poppins Comes Back is as good as the first book. A wonderful book for all ages.

James and the Giant Peach

Our rating: ***

When James Henry Trotter’s mother and father die, he is sent to live with his two aunts, Aunt Spiker and Aunt Sponge. His life with them is very unpleasant, until one day a queer old man gives him something that will change his entire life.

The cast of insects in this book is hilarious! Miss Ladybug is so very kind, the Centipede is a scamp, and the Earthworm is such a pessimist! This is one of my favorite Roald Dahl books. It ranks with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in my opinion. This is one of those books that is so different in parts, that the whole book is one big unbelievable (is it?), thoroughly-enjoyable, humorous, ride-of-your-life, one-of-a-kind story. (Whew, try saying that one fast!)

Mary Poppins and the House Next Door

Our rating: ***

Miss Andrew, who used to be Mr. Banks’s governess, is coming to live in Number Eighteen, the house next door. The unpleasant Miss Andrew arrives, bringing with her Luti. (You’ll find out who or what Luti is if you read Mary Poppins and the House Next Door.) Luti is from the South Seas and soon feels he is being called home, so Mary Poppins, accompanied by the children, sends him home.

A pretty good book. Luti’s grandmother supposedly calms thunderstorms etc., but it’s still a pretty good book. The illustrator, Mary Shepard, is the daughter of Earnest Shepard, illustrator of the Winnie the Pooh books. Enjoy!

The Emerald City of Oz

Our rating: ***½

When Dorothy brings Uncle Henry and Aunt Em to the Emerald City of Oz, they begin a tour of the surrounding cities and people, encountering the Cuttenclips, the Fuddles, the inhabitants of Utensia, the Flutterbudgets, and many more. Meanwhile, the Nome King is furious over the loss of his magic belt, and begins gathering an army to dig an underground tunnel to the Emerald City and capture the entire population.

This isn’t my favorite Oz book, but the hilarious wordplays and puns are thicker than ever. Especially in Utensia. I think this one was intended to be the last Oz book, but L. Frank Baum was forced to write more by popular demand.

Winnie-the-Pooh

Our rating: *****

Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends have many adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood. They catch a Heffalump (a honey consuming creature), Pooh goes visiting (it’s nothing like the kid’s movie), rescue Piglet from a flood (nowhere near the video), and many other fun adventures.

First, although kids love Winnie-the-Pooh, everybody can enjoy it. A. A. Milne is funny, in a subtle sort of way. If you’ve seen the movies and videos, I recommend that you read at least the first one to get the true story.

Please note that this is a review of the first book only. However, the link is to the complete collection of both books.