Five Children and It by Edith Nesbit

Name: Five Children and It
Author: Edith Nesbit

A group of children, feeling confined in London, embark on a journey to the countryside, where they discover a seemingly ordinary house that captivates their imaginations. As they explore their new surroundings, they stumble upon a sand-fairy, a creature that grants wishes. Initially skeptical, the children quickly engage with the fairy, who reveals its ability to fulfill their desires. They make their first wish, hoping to become beautiful, but the outcome leads to unexpected complications, as they find themselves unrecognizable to each other and their baby brother. Struggling with their new appearances and the challenges of being mistaken for strangers, the children navigate a series of misadventures, including attempts to regain their original forms and reconcile with their baby brother. The narrative unfolds with themes of childhood curiosity, the consequences of wishes, and the importance of family bonds. Ultimately, the children learn valuable lessons about identity, acceptance, and the nature of their desires. The story blends elements of fantasy and reality, illustrating the transformative power of imagination and the complexities of growing up.

By Edith Nesbit · First published 1908 · Genre: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure · 11 chapters · 66,339 words

First lines

The house was three miles from the station, but, before the dusty hired fly had rattled along for five minutes the children began to put their heads out of the carriage window and to say, "Aren't we nearly there? " And every time they passed a house, which was not very often, they all said, "Oh, is this it? " But it never was, till they reached the very top of the hill, just past the chalk-quarry and before you come to the gravel-pit. And then there was a white house with a green garden and an orchard beyond, and mother said, "Here we are!"

"How white the house is," said Robert.

What this Textopian page supports

Five Children and It is listed on Textopian as a novel by Edith Nesbit, dated 1908 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Edith Nesbit
Date: 1908 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure, Fairy Tale
Length: 66,339 words
Structure: 11 chapters, 1,456 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Fantasy — The plot revolves around a magical creature that grants wishes, which sets the stage for various magical scenarios.
Children's Literature — The book is focused on children as main characters who navigate the story's adventures, making it suitable and appealing for a younger audience.
Adventure — The children experience numerous adventures caused by the wishes granted by the magical creature.
Fairy Tale — The book includes elements of mythology and folklore, reminiscent of fairy tales, and focuses on a magical creature which is a common staple in such stories.