Five Children and It

In this British story, five siblings discover a sand fairy while playing in an old gravel pit. Not only is the creature unusual looking (its eyes are on long horns like a snail's, and it has bat's ears and a tubby, spider-like body), but the fairy can grant the children one wish each day that will last until sunset. Narrator Anna Bentinck draws out all the imaginative fun in Nesbit's premise, and her smooth, professional voice easily distinguishes among the children's characters. From the toddler to the elder boy and girl, all are equally pleasing and apt. The story is straightforward and unadorned with sound effects, but pleasant musical interludes mark the chapter breaks. J.C.G. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine


First published in 1902, Edith Nesbit's novel tells the story of four children (and their burdensome baby brother), whose boring summer is turned on its ears when they discover an unlikely fairy capable of fulfilling one wish per day. As their friendship with the grumpy, furry, bug-eyed creature grows, the children learn to be careful what they wish for. With musical elasticity, Virginia Leishman speaks to the listener, matching the author's conversational style, guiding this classical flight of fancy. Leishman's magnetic tongue holds the listener's attention as she brings the children, and their wishes, to life. S.E.S. (c) AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine