Edith Nesbit

Five Children and It Edith Nesbit

Five Children and It joins Cyril, Anthea, Robert, Jane, and their baby brother, which they nickname the Lamb, as they transition from life in the city to a country upbringing in Kent.

Their adventures in the countryside take an unusual turn when they uncover a Psammead - or sand-fairy. The fairy, a grumpy and ugly beast, is happy to grant the youngsters wishes on the condition that at sunset the wishes will turn to stone. Excited, the children take to wishing for things. The consequences are amusing and surprising, with unforeseen consequences for the whole group.

Over the course of the story the children, despite their mishaps, grow fonder of the Psammead and resolve to stay in contact once their time spending wishes is done. All depart company with the Psammead wiser.

Since its original publication in 1902, Five Children and It has received modern adaptations from children's authors. These variously revisit and update the setting for the modern audience, thereby reintroducing the magic of E. Nesbit's storytelling. It has also received a cartoon adaptation in Japan, and a live-action TV show by the BBC.