Four children eagerly anticipate their seaside holiday, each preparing in their own way. Bernard creates a countdown calendar, while Mavis meticulously cleans dolls' clothes, and Francis dreams of the sea, having never seen it before. They purchase a large aquarium, hoping to fill it with sea creatures, but Aunt Enid, their strict guardian, forbids them from bringing it along. Undeterred, Mavis suggests they fill it with fresh water and goldfish instead. However, Aunt Enid's authority stifles their plans, leaving the aquarium empty and dry. As they play with the aquarium, Francis believes he sees something magical within it, resembling a tiny version of Sabrina, a character from a poem. Mavis and the others indulge his imagination, but Aunt Enid interrupts their fun, enforcing bedtime. The next morning, the aquarium is empty, and the children feel a sense of loss. They contemplate telegraphing their mother to ask if they can bring it, but their limited funds and the fear of being dismissed prevent them from doing so. Despite the disappointment, the children find solace in the thought of returning home to their aquarium, which symbolizes their dreams and the magic of childhood. The story explores themes of imagination, childhood innocence, and the constraints of adult authority.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1903 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure · 12 chapters