7 Books in 1: The Railway Children, Five Children and It, The Phoenix and the Carpet, The Story of the Amulet, The Story of the Treasure-Seekers, The Would-Be-Goods, and The Enchanted Castle
Psammead Series
on Goodreads (64)
What’s inside...
This collection brings together seven classic children's novels by E. Nesbit, a pioneering author of children's literature. 'The Railway Children' tells the story of three siblings who move to the countryside after their father is falsely imprisoned, where they have adventures and work to prove his innocence. 'Five Children and It' follows siblings who discover a sand-fairy that can grant wishes, leading to unexpected consequences. 'The Phoenix and the Carpet' is a sequel where the children find a magical carpet and a phoenix that take them on fantastic journeys. 'The Story of the Amulet' continues the siblings' adventures as they use an ancient amulet to travel through time. 'The Story of the Treasure-Seekers' and 'The Would-Be-Goods' revolve around the Bastable children, who embark on various schemes to restore their family's fortune and prove their good intentions, often with humorous results. Lastly, 'The Enchanted Castle' features a group of children who stumble upon a magical castle with a secret and an enchanted ring, leading to a series of magical misadventures. These stories are celebrated for their imagination, wit, and insight into the minds of children.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-6
Length
476 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the characters in each story show bravery or courage? Can you think of a time when you were brave?
What were some of the challenges the children in these stories faced? How did they overcome them?
If you could have an adventure like one in the books, which would it be and why?
What lessons do you think these stories teach about friendship and teamwork?
How do you think the magical elements in the stories helped the characters grow or learn? Which magical event was your favorite?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their own experiences with those of the characters. This can help them relate to the story and understand the characters’ actions and decisions better.
Discuss the setting of each story and how it influences the events and characters. This can help your child understand the importance of context in storytelling.
Highlight the moral or lesson in each story. Ask your child what they think the author wanted the reader to learn and whether they agree with it.
Ask your child to imagine alternate endings for the stories. This can stimulate their creativity and enhance their problem-solving skills.
Create a fun activity where your child can draw their favorite scene or character from the book. This can help them express their understanding and interpretation of the story visually.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the seven stories, characters often overcome obstacles by working together, sharing their unique skills and ideas.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of cooperating with others to achieve common goals, enhancing their social skills and ability to work in group settings.
Example Lesson: Resilience in facing challenges
Explanation: Characters in these stories frequently encounter magical and mundane trials, and their perseverance teaches them to adapt and thrive.
Real-World Application: This reinforces to children that facing problems bravely and not giving up is crucial in overcoming difficulties in real life.
Example Lesson: The consequences of choices
Explanation: In these narratives, the children make various decisions that lead to different outcomes, illustrating the cause and effect relationship.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to think critically about the consequences of their actions and to make thoughtful decisions.
Example Lesson: Imagination and creativity
Explanation: The magical elements of the stories spark imagination, while problem-solving scenarios highlight creativity.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to approach their own real-world problems and play in innovative and creative ways.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As the characters in the stories interact with diverse personalities and creatures, they learn to understand different perspectives and emotions.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children develop empathy and enhance their ability to relate to others' feelings and viewpoints in their daily interactions.