Five Children and It (Dover Children's Evergreen Classics)
#1 in Psammead Series
What’s inside...
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!
Character compass
Cyril
Jane
Anthea
The Psammead
The Lamb
Robert
Discussion points
What would you do if you found a Psammead like in the story? Which wish would you make first?
How do the children's wishes change as the story progresses? What does this tell us about their personalities and desires?
The wishes don't always turn out as the children expect. Can you think of a time when something didn't go as you planned? How did you feel?
Why do you think the author chose a sand-fairy to grant wishes? How does the Psammead's personality affect the story?
If you could change one part of the story, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their personal experiences to those of the characters, fostering a deeper connection to the story. Pose questions that invite your child to think critically about the outcomes of the wishes and consider alternate scenarios. Highlight the moral lessons subtly embedded within the story, discussing the consequences of the children’s decisions. Lastly, ensure the discussion is relaxed and enjoyable to cultivate a love for reading and analysis.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of careful wishing
Explanation: In the story, the children are granted wishes by a sand-fairy but often their wishes lead to unintended consequences. This illustrates the need for thoughtful decision-making.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by thinking through their choices and considering potential outcomes before making decisions.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The siblings in the book need to work together to solve the problems created by their wishes. This highlights the benefits of cooperation and collaboration.
Real-World Application: At school or in play, children can remember the importance of working with others to achieve common goals and solve problems.
Example Lesson: Understanding the perspectives of others
Explanation: The children encounter various characters affected differently by their wishes, teaching them empathy and the importance of considering others' viewpoints.
Real-World Application: Children can practice empathy by considering how their actions affect those around them, helping them build stronger, more understanding relationships.
Example Lesson: The value of contentment
Explanation: As the children’s wishes seldom bring them true happiness, the story conveys the idea that true satisfaction doesn’t come from having one’s every wish fulfilled.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to find happiness in their current circumstances and appreciate what they have rather than always wanting more.