Scan barcode
snowless's review against another edition
2.0
Very charming and sweet read aloud until the outdated and offensive representation of Native Americans near the end.
bookmadbarlow's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
4/5 spoilt kids find a sand fairy and proceed to make questionable choices when asking for wishes to be granted.
cwritesu's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
- Such an entertaining children's classic.
- The author created a "faux Greek myth" about a sand fairy. Priceless.
- Fun, leans into the trope of "wishes going horribly wrong and must be undone".
- Dated and problematic references true, but still a fun read.
- Edith Nesbit was a badass bohemian and I admire her spirit.
- Could use an update just to help it translate better for modern readers.
ashleyselland's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fun book! We loved getting to know the five children and the sand fairy. Definitely reminded us to be careful what we wish for! Looking forward to the next Nesbit book.
craftylou's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
debra's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
eletricjb's review against another edition
3.0
A charming relic, but it can be left in the past, I think.
apochemu's review against another edition
5.0
We rather enjoyed this book. It was fun to see what the children would wish and how it would always turn to trouble. Be careful what you wish for! I liked the characters and the relationships they had seemed genuine and their actions authentic. It was well written and drew us in.
lattelibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
Five Children and It is clearly a staple in the children's literature fantasy genre for clear reasons--first, being that this book offers a chance for children to explore and imagine and brainstorm, which is a staple in more romantic and less industrialistic and educational children's literature, and second, being that this book was published in the 40s and allow children to create a world of their own making.
And working in all those dynamics, that just means that this book is really fun. Each chapter has its own plotline and wish to follow through and deal with for the day, and each time it makes me laugh. What these children come up with as wishes and as workarounds and loopholes! And those illustrations, oh, man. The first time I saw the Psammead, I was like, #mood. Same. Me in the mornings. Me before coffee.
But, really, the amount of imagination that it must have taken Nesbit to write this...I don't know if I could think of half of the workarounds that she does. And somehow, that makes it even more fantastic. If you're looking to read classic children's literature, I definitely recommend this!
Review cross-listed here!
And working in all those dynamics, that just means that this book is really fun. Each chapter has its own plotline and wish to follow through and deal with for the day, and each time it makes me laugh. What these children come up with as wishes and as workarounds and loopholes! And those illustrations, oh, man. The first time I saw the Psammead, I was like, #mood. Same. Me in the mornings. Me before coffee.
But, really, the amount of imagination that it must have taken Nesbit to write this...I don't know if I could think of half of the workarounds that she does. And somehow, that makes it even more fantastic. If you're looking to read classic children's literature, I definitely recommend this!
Review cross-listed here!