This is one of the few times where I actually prefer the movie (and a Disney movie no less) over the book. I found Mary Poppins to be a bit of a self-absorbed jerk. And perhaps I missed it somewhere, but how did the children really benefit from her appearance? Poppins takes them on a few adventures, but in the end, nothing has improved for the Banks family. In fact, they’re right back where they started when she abruptly departs.