Five Children and It introduces readers to the five British siblings, Cyril, Anthea, Robert, Jane, and the Lamb and the Psammead, a magic sand fairy.  The children are ecstatic to learn the sand fairy has the power to grant one wish per day and begin requesting their hearts' desires at once!  The brothers and sisters soon realize that the old adage, "be careful what you wish for," is only too true as each wish comes with unforeseen and unwelcome complications.