Five Children and It (Five Children, #1) Summary & Key Insights

E. Nesbit's "Five Children and It" follows the adventures of five siblings – Robert, Anthea, Cyril, Jane, and the baby, known simply as "The Lamb" – during a summer holiday in the English countryside. Their idyllic stay at the old, rambling house is disrupted by the discovery of a Psammead, a sand fairy resembling a dusty, grumpy badger. This creature, awakened from its centuries-long slumber, grants the children one wish per day, but with unpredictable and often humorous consequences.

The Psammead's wishes become the driving force of the plot. The children's initially selfish desires, fueled by childish fantasies, lead to comical and chaotic situations. They wish for a feast, resulting in a mountain of food that quickly becomes a problem. They wish for a fortune, only to receive a vast quantity of worthless brass pennies. A wish for beautiful clothes transforms them into magnificent, but impractical, regal attire. Each wish brings both delight and unintended repercussions, teaching them valuable lessons about responsibility and the true meaning of happiness.

The children gradually learn to use the Psammead's power more thoughtfully. They realize that material possessions and immediate gratification don't bring lasting joy. Their experiences shape their understanding of empathy and consideration for others. A crucial turning point comes when they wish for a baby phoenix to help their father, who is struggling financially. While this wish leads to further complications, it showcases their burgeoning maturity and desire to alleviate their family's burdens. The climax involves a daring attempt to return the phoenix to its rightful place before the Psammead's powers fade.

The central characters are well-defined, reflecting different aspects of childhood. Robert, the eldest, initially takes a leading role, but his authority is gradually challenged by the wit and resourcefulness of Anthea and Cyril. Jane, the quiet observer, provides a counterpoint to her more boisterous siblings, while The Lamb's innocent presence underscores the absurdity of their situations. The Psammead itself is a fascinating character, a grumpy yet ultimately benevolent force that serves as a catalyst for the children's growth.

Overarching themes in the book include the power of imagination, the importance of family, and the consequences of unchecked desires. Nesbit subtly explores class differences, highlighting the children's naivete about adult responsibilities and financial struggles. The narrative gently steers the children, and the reader, towards a more mature understanding of the world and the limitations of wishing for instant solutions to life's problems. The final wish, a remarkably selfless one, underscores the transformation the children have undergone, signifying their emotional and moral development throughout their magical summer.