Book details
Five Children and It (Dover Children's Evergreen Classics)
Description
Filled with wit and humor, Nesbit's 1902 fantasy tells the adventure of 5 siblings sent to spend the summer with their uncle. One day, when the children wander from the strange house by the sea to play in old gravel pits, they uncover 'It', a prehistoric Sand-fairy known as Psammead. Psammead, pronounced Sammyadd, has eyes on long horns, ears like a bat, a tubby body shaped like a spider covered in fur, and monkey-like hands and feet. The unusual Sand-fairy grants the children one wish a day, each lasting until sunset. As the children soon discover, wishes can come true, but they are not always as pleasant as they might seem. Be careful what you wish for. You may get it!
Age
8-14
Text complexity
proficient
Length
160 pages
Book in series
#1
Why to read
- Classic Literature: 'Five Children and It' is a timeless classic that has delighted children and adults alike for over a century. Reading it connects you with a piece of literary history and the rich tradition of English children's literature.
- Imagination and Fantasy: Edith Nesbit's story is filled with magical adventures that spark the imagination. The Psammead, or the 'It', is a fantastical creature that grants wishes, leading to all sorts of unexpected situations that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.
- Life Lessons: Through the wishes that the children make and the consequences they face, the book offers valuable lessons about responsibility, the importance of being careful what you wish for, and the understanding that actions have consequences.
- Engaging Characters: The five siblings in the story are relatable and well-developed characters. Readers can identify with their personalities, their interactions, and the dynamics of their relationships, making the story engaging and the characters memorable.