Five Children and It

"Five Children and It" by E. Nesbit is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around five siblings—Cyril, Anthea, Robert, Jane, and the Baby—as they spend their summer holiday in the countryside, where they encounter a magical creature known as a Psammead, or Sand-fairy. The children's adventures focus on their wishes, which lead to both fantastical and humorous situations, highlighting the dynamics of childhood imagination and family relationships. The opening of the book introduces the children as they arrive at their new home, a modest country house. Initial excitement fills the air as they explore their surroundings, contrasting the freedom of the countryside with their previous life in London. Shortly after their arrival, they decide to dig in the nearby gravel pits, where they unexpectedly discover a Sand-fairy. This fascinating creature reluctantly reveals its ability to grant wishes, setting the stage for the children's magical escapades. However, their first wish for beauty leads to unexpected complications, especially when their baby brother fails to recognize them due to his newfound looks, establishing a lighthearted yet poignant theme of identity and familial bonds throughout their whimsical adventures. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Edith Nesbit was an English writer and poet, who published her books for children as E. Nesbit. She wrote or collaborated on more than 60 such books. She was also a political activist and co-founder of the Fabian Society, a socialist organisation later affiliated to the Labour Party.