Five Children and It

A magical creature grants daily wishes, but chaos ensues.

3.9/5 Goodreads · 27,174 ratings

272 pages· 53,978 words· Est. 6 hour read

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Bookroo's summary

Cyril, Anthea, Robert, Jane, and their baby brother uncover a Psammead, a wish-granting Sand-fairy, in a gravel pit. Each day brings a new wish, but the children soon learn that magic comes with unforeseen consequences. As their desires spiral into chaos, they must navigate the challenges and surprises that each wish brings. Can they manage the mayhem and learn the true value of their wishes before it's too late?

From the publisher

When Cyril, Anthea, Robert, Jane and their baby brother go digging in the gravel pit, the last thing they expect to find is a Psammead - an ancient Sand-fairy! Having a Sand-fairy for a pet means having one wish granted each day. But the children don’t realize all the trouble wishes can cause . . . A timeless classic with an introduction by Quentin Blake, award-winning illustrator and first-ever Children’s Laureate (1999-2001).

At a glance

Format
Pages: 272
Words: 53,978
Reading age: 10–13
Audience: Juvenile Reader
Lexile: 980L

Themes & topics

Books about culture Books about history Books about wishes Books about siblings Books about fairies

For the grown-ups

The parent guide

What families may want to know

Every family reads differently. These are the concepts our editors noticed in this book — worth seeking out for some readers, worth knowing about for others. The list isn't exhaustive, but it's a spoiler-light head start.

Language

A maid refers to another maid as a "slut."

Serious Subject Matter

The second-to-last chapter includes stereotypical portrayals of American Indians.

For readers who can't stop at one