I listened to this on audio, my first E. Nesbit book, and I was pleasantly surprised. Let's face it, children's fiction from more than a century ago often has aged badly, but this was not the case here at all! Nesbit writes in a timeless manner, full of wit and understanding of children's nature. His children are not too prim and proper. She captures their good heart, their childish way of reasoning and enjoying the world, their innocence and their mischievousness, making them very likable.

The story is episodic, with each chapter being about one of the wishes granted by the creature they find, and the plots are clever and amusing. Just an excellent children's book, perfectly readable today. ( )

I do enjoy almost anything written by E. Nesbit, and 90% of this book is amusing and interesting. Except for the racist chapter that is all bout the same kind of stereotypical racism that Peter Pan has. Plenty of funny moments and clever turns of phrase. ( )

Escritora predileta da criadora de Harry Potter J. K. Rowling, Edith Nesbith narra aqui as aventuras de cinco irmãos que, durante as férias, encontram um duende da areia. Essa criatura estranha e peluda passa a realizar um desejo das crianças a cada dia. Mas, uma vez realizados, os desejos colocam os meninos em grandes e divertidos apuros.

When Cyril, Anthea, Robert, Jane and their baby brother go digging in the gravel pit, the last thing they expect to find is a Psammead - an ancient Sand-fairy! Having a Sand-fairy for a pet means having one wish granted each day. But the children don't realize all the trouble wishes can cause . . .

When Cyril, Anthea, Robert, Jane and their baby brother go digging in the gravel pit, the last thing they expect to find is a Psammead - an ancient Sand-fairy! Having a Sand-fairy for a pet means having one wish granted each day. But the children don't realize all the trouble wishes can cause . . .