Four Children and It
Psammead Series
on Goodreads (2,165)
What’s inside...
The new bestseller from Jacqueline Wilson, creator of Tracy Beaker, Hetty Feather and The Illustrated Mum, is a funny, moving and heartwarming story of four children who discover a way to make wishes come true. Echoing the classic E Nesbit novel, Five Children and It, this new story from this mega-selling author, winner of the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize, is a brilliant read not just for those familiar with the original book but for any of Wilson's millions of fans. Rosalind and Robbie don't want to spend the summer stuck in their dad's new house with irritating Smash and her glamorous mum. Dad's biggest wish is for everyone to get along. So when he suggests a picnic in nearby Oxshott woods, the children grudgingly agree. That afternoon, in a golden sandpit, Rosalind makes a wish of her own and something extraordinary happens. It just might change their summer from weeks of rows and bickering into the best holiday these four children have ever had.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-10
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think about the magical creature, the Psammead? How would you describe its personality and actions?
Each child in the story has a wish they want to come true. If you had one wish like the children, what would it be and why?
How do the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book? Can you relate to any of their experiences or feelings?
The theme of consequences for actions is a big part of this story. Can you think of a time when your actions had unexpected consequences?
What lessons do you think the children learned by the end of the book? Are there any lessons you learned from reading their story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine and describe their own magical creature, like the Psammead, to spark creativity and connect with the story's elements.
Discuss personal experiences relating to the children's wishes in the book to form connections between the story and real life.
Prompt your child to talk about how they would handle similar situations faced by the characters to help develop problem-solving skills.
Create a comfortable and open atmosphere where your child feels free to express their thoughts and opinions on the characters’ decisions and actions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of family and friendship
Explanation: In 'Four Children and It,' the characters develop strong bonds and learn to work together despite their differences, reflecting the value of relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by valuing and nurturing relationships with their siblings and peers, fostering a supportive network.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: Throughout the story, the wishes the children make with the Psammead often have unexpected outcomes, teaching them to think about the consequences of their actions.
Real-World Application: This can help children think critically about the potential outcomes of their decisions in their day-to-day activities.
Example Lesson: Empathy and perspective-taking
Explanation: As the children encounter various situations and characters, they learn to understand and empathize with different perspectives and experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to consider other people's feelings and viewpoints, aiding in social interactions and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: The value of being content with what you have
Explanation: The story reveals that endlessly wishing for more can lead to dissatisfaction, highlighting the importance of appreciating what one already possesses.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to find happiness and gratitude in their current circumstances and belongings.