Mary Poppins and the House Next Door

The world-famous nanny is back, still living with the admirable Banks family, and still messing with the lives of the other folks on Cherry Tree Lane. This time, Mr. Banks's former governess, Miss Andrew, takes up residence in a previously empty home on the street. Living with her is Luti, a ``brown-skinned'' child, as a kind of a slave to her every need; he escapes from the house only once a day when the old bag naps. And so Mary Poppins rescues Luti from the tyranny of service so that he may return to his family, whom he believes is calling him home. There are funny elements here, and occasional glimpses of the spit-spot Poppins that so many have loved. But this work is not half as charming as its predecessors, and the episode with Luti seems contrived. Ages 8-12. (July)