As always, Andrews channels her inner Mary Poppins

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Julie Andrews took to the Target Children’s stage on Sunday and fielded the inevitable umbrella question from the underage crowd.

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Andrews appeared to promote her latest children’s book, ‘Simeon’s Gift’ (written with her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton with illustrations by Gennady Spirin), and took written questions from the audience ... some of whom perhaps couldn’t write yet, some of whom let their parents do the honors.

After an energetic performance by the children’s music group Doodlebops, whispers of excitement rippled through the crowd, with the names ‘Julie Andrews’ and ‘Mary Poppins’ used interchangeably.

With the sun beating down, sunscreen applications were of utmost importance. Andrews, herself the mother of five, spoke on endearing subjects perfect for her kiddle audience: how to walk like a princess, a nod to the famous scene in ‘The Princess Diaries,’ in which she attempts to teach a gawky Anne Hathaway how to walk. She gave a demonstration, waving included, and a humorous ‘how not to,’ slumping across the stage.

During the noonish event, Andrews impressed all by saying supercalafragalisticexplialadocious backwards. She went on to answer that yes, she does keep in touch with the ‘Sound of Music’ children. She answered everything positively and got cheers of approval, especially from a crowd of little boys who squealed with the mention of her possible involvement in a rumored ‘Shrek 4’ film.

Then when Deedee Doodlebop thanked Andrews for coming out, rather than quickly rushing backstage, Andrews took about 10 more questions from a row of adorable children in the very front of the stage, repeatedly saying ‘two more,’ but unable to resist responding to the polite raised hands and young inquiring minds.

Andrews was asked the definition of supercalafragalisticexplialadocious. She thought a moment, then said: ‘Superb, smashing, terrific …’ Today’s classy performance confirmed that Andrews is in fact all of that too.

Leslie Wiggins

(Photo: Children pepper Julie Andrews with questions at the Festival of Books, by Tom Politeo)