Five Children and It

Whilst out playing in the countryside, five children come across a Psammead called 'It' – a cantankerous little sand fairy who agrees to grant them one wish every day, though its effects will only last until sunset. The possibilities seem endless to the adventurous siblings but whatever their wishes, whether its having piles of money, growing wings, or disposing of their annoying infant brother, their days never seem to go as planned. Indeed, the consequences of all their wishes leadthe children into many thrilling and often hilarious escapades.

Edith Nesbit was inspired by her own five children to write this enchanting novel, and its warm and funny portrayal of a magical childhood has ensured its presence in print ever since.

This beautifully illustrated Macmillan Collector's Library edition of Five Children and It features the drawings of H. R. Millar, and an afterword by writer, critic and broadcaster Nicolette Jones.

Designed to appeal to the booklover, the Macmillan Collector's Library is a series of beautiful gift editions of much loved classic titles. Macmillan Collector's Library are books to love and treasure.

Edith Nesbit was born in 1858 into a middle-class family of declining fortunes. After surviving a tough and nomadic childhood she met her husband, Hubert Bland, in 1877 and married him three years later whilst pregnant with their first child. Nesbit began writing in the 1880s when Bland's business failed, forcing her to support their growing family. Considered one of the first modern writers for children, Nesbit’s novels included The Story of The Treasure Seekers (1899), Five Children and It (1902) and The Railway Children (1906). An ardent socialist, Nesbit was one of the founding members of the Fabian Society. She died in Kent in 1924.