Five Children and It

Describes the story of children who unexpectedly turn up a thousands-of-years old sand-fairy, while digging a hole in a gravel pit. Psammead, a sand fairy, is often cross and unfriendly, but it can grant wishes - one a day. However, the children discover that wishes are difficult things that can get them into trouble.

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When the children dug a hole in the gravel-pit, they were very surprised at what they found. 'It' was a Psammead, a sand-fairy, thousands of years old. It was a strange little thing - fat and furry, and with eyes on long stalks. It was often very cross and unfriendly, but it could give wishes - one wish a day. 'How wonderful!' the children said. But wishes are difficult things. They can get you into trouble ...