The Phoenix and the Carpet is E.Nesbit"s second fantasy novel and is the sequel to Five Children and It. From Robert, Anthea, Jane and Cyril"s new nursery carpet there falls a mysterious egg which is hatched in the fire to reveal a benevolent, resourceful and ingenious Phoenix who explains that the carpet is possessed of magic qualities. And so begins a series of fantastic and bizarre adventures as the carpet transports the children and the Phoenix to places as diverse as a chilling French castle, a desert island and even the Phoenix Fire Insurance Company"s offices, which the Phoenix believes to be a shrine for his followers.