The five children are Cyril, Anthea, Robert, Jane and their bahy brother. But what is "It"? It is the Sand-fairy known as the Psammead (pronounced Samm-ee-ad) and it lives in the gravel pits where purple and yellow wildflowers grow. It is furry and fat with hands like a monkey"s - and the power to grant wishes. The children discover that wish-making is fun at first, but sometimes, when wishes come true, fun can soon turn into trouble ...