The Five Children and It | Stories for Teenagers | @EnglishFairyTales

Summary

In this whimsical story, five children leave London for the countryside, where they encounter a magical sand fairy who grants them wishes. The children’s desires for beauty and riches lead them into trouble, teaching them valuable lessons about superficial desires and the true nature of happiness. Despite their new appearances and wealth, the children find that happiness cannot be bought or wished for. They learn that genuine joy comes from within and from the people around them, not from external appearances or material possessions.

Takeaways

• 😀 The children embark on an adventure, leaving the dusty streets of London for the first time to explore the countryside.
• 😀 The children’s initial excitement about the cottage and the fresh air is short-lived as they start exploring their surroundings.
• 😀 The children’s first wish granted by the sand fairy is for beauty, transforming them into more attractive versions of themselves.
• 😀 The children are mistreated and mistaken for intruders when they return home, learning that beauty isn't always helpful in difficult situations.
• 😀 The children regret their wish for beauty when they realize it can't solve their hunger, exhaustion, or homelessness.
• 😀 The children make a second wish for wealth, hoping that gold would bring them happiness and solve their problems.
• 😀 Despite acquiring vast amounts of gold, the children face rejection and disbelief when trying to spend it, as others believe it is fake.
• 😀 The children learn that money, like beauty, does not guarantee happiness or success and is not a solution to all problems.
• 😀 The sand fairy’s warnings about the temporary nature of their wishes are proven true, and the children face the consequences of their careless requests.
• 😀 In the end, the children learn the value of real relationships and hard work, rather than relying on superficial things like beauty or gold.

Q & A

What lesson do the children learn about beauty after making their wish?

The children learn that external beauty is not as valuable as they thought. Their wish to become 'beautiful as day' leads to negative consequences, including being driven away from their own home. They realize that beauty doesn't solve their real problems.

How do the children react when they realize the limitations of their wishes?

The children feel disappointed and regretful once they understand the limitations of their wishes. They realize that material wealth and superficial beauty don't bring them happiness or solve their struggles.

What is the significance of the sand fairy in the story?

The sand fairy represents the concept of magical wish fulfillment, but with strict limitations. It highlights how easily desires can be granted but also how fleeting and unpredictable the results can be, teaching the children a lesson about the consequences of their wishes.

Why did the children decide to ask for more wishes from the sand fairy?

The children, still unsatisfied with their previous wish, decided to ask for more wishes, this time for wealth and to ensure their servants couldn't see the effects of their magic. They sought more material gain, believing it would solve their problems.

How does the interaction with the carriage driver and the shopkeeper highlight the children's misunderstanding of wealth?

The children's attempt to use the magical gold to purchase goods reveals their misunderstanding of what wealth truly is. Despite having gold, they are unable to buy anything, showing that material riches can't always buy what they want or need.

What is the moral of the children's adventure with the sand fairy?

The moral of the story is that external beauty and material wealth are not the ultimate solutions to life's problems. The children learn that personal growth, humility, and appreciation for what they have are far more valuable.

Why do the children go back to the gravel pit after their failed wish for wealth?

The children go back to the gravel pit because they believe they still need to fix the consequences of their previous wishes. They want to ensure that their servants can't see the magic and that they can acquire even more wealth.

How does Martha react to the children's behavior and wishes?

Martha is initially angry and scolding when the children return home late and disheveled. However, she later defends them when the gold they had was questioned, showing her protective side despite her earlier frustration.

How does the fairy's rule of wishes only lasting until sunset affect the children's experience?

The fairy's rule teaches the children that magical solutions are temporary. The beauty and wealth they wished for disappeared by sunset, forcing them to face the reality that superficial changes can't bring lasting happiness.

What does the final interaction with the carriage driver reveal about the children's growth?

The final interaction with the carriage driver shows that the children have learned a lesson in humility. They realize that their magical wealth was meaningless, and the experiences and lessons from their adventure have taught them that material wealth and superficial beauty aren't the keys to a fulfilling life.