Summary: Five Children and It: The five children find a cantankerous sand fairy or 'psammead' in a gravel pit. Every day 'It' will grant each of them a wish that lasts until sunset, often with disastrous consequences. Never out of print since 1902. The Introduction to this edition examines Nesbit's life and her reading, showing the change in children's literature from Victorian times.
The Phoenix and the Carpet: It's startling enough to have a phoenix hatch in your house, but even more startling when it talks and reveals that you have a magic carpet on the floor. The vain and ancient bird accompanies the children on a series of adventures through time and space. This book is a sequel to Five Children and It.
The Story of the Amulet: At the end of Five Children and It the five children promised not to ask the Psammead for another wish as long as they lived, but expressed a half wish to see it again some time. They find 'it' again in a pet shop in Camden Town, and their magic adventures start over again. 'It' leads them to a magic amulet - half of it actually - which they use it to try and find the other half. It takes them back to ancient Egypt and Babylon. The Queen of Babylon visits them in London, bringing all her ancient customs with her - which is awkward. They visit the lost continent of Atlantis. They see Julius Caesar in the flesh, but none of these adventures run smoothly, and if they forget the 'word of power' or lose the amulet, what would happen to them?
Thoughts: I love classic books, E. Nesbit being a favorite author of mine. I know plenty of people know of Five Children and It and probably the rest of the books but I'm not sure how many realized they were a series...well, now you know! Full of fun, magic, childish humor, and thrilling adventures that don't always go according to plan, these books make a great read for anyone!
Content: Clean and great for all ages!
No comments:
Post a Comment