Five Children and It

Be careful what you wish for—especially if your wishes are granted by a grumpy, furry, prehistoric sand-fairy! When Cyril, Anthea, Robert, Jane, and their baby brother move to a quiet house in the English countryside, they expect a perfectly ordinary summer. But while digging in a local gravel-pit, they unearth something utterly extraordinary: a Psammead. This ancient, spider-shaped, bat-eared creature has the power to grant exactly one magical wish a day. The catch? The magic turns to stone or vanishes at sunset, and the consequences of their wishes are wildly unpredictable. From wishing to be 'as beautiful as the day' only to be unrecognized and shut out of their own home, to drowning in literal mounds of useless pirate gold, to growing actual rainbow wings and flying over the countryside, the children's grandest desires quickly spiral into hilarious and stressful catastrophes! With each sunrise bringing a new temptation, they must learn to outsmart their own impulsive imaginations before a wish goes horribly wrong. Why you will love this audiobook: This quintessential piece of Children's Fantasy is the gold standard for magical realism and everyday magic. Filled with timeless tropes of hidden worlds, magical creatures, and sibling hijinks, it perfectly captures the relatable chaos of family life mixed with extraordinary supernatural adventure. It's a whimsical, funny, and deeply charming romp that keeps you on the edge of your seat. About the Author: Edith Nesbit was a groundbreaking English author and poet whose innovative storytelling forever changed children's literature. By blending real-world settings with magical elements, she pioneered the modern fantasy genre, inspiring legends like C.S. Lewis and J.K. Rowling.