Five Children and It (TV series)
Edwardian children meet a literal-minded wish-granting sand fairy.
Five Children and It is a 1991 television series directed by Marilyn Fox, based on the novel by E. Nesbit. It aired on BBC1 from 9 January to 13 February 1991, consisting of six parts. The series follows a family of Edwardian children who encounter a wish-granting fairy called a Psammead.
- type
- TV series
- director
- Marilyn Fox
- first_aired
- 9 January 1991
- last_aired
- 13 February 1991
- network
- BBC1
- based_on
- Five Children and It by E. Nesbit
- number_of_episodes
- 6
Lore & Background
The series follows five siblings—Robert, Anthea, Cyril, Jane, and little brother 'the Lamb'—staying at their uncle's countryside house for the summer. While exploring a gravel pit, they discover a Psammead (Sand Fairy) who grants one wish per day, with each wish fading by sunset and often backfiring due to literal interpretation. Their wishes lead to misadventures, such as gold coins no shop will accept or unwanted attention after wishing to be beautiful.
As the series progresses, the children learn lessons about fantasy, responsibility, and forethought. The Psammead's quirks become clearer, and the siblings muddle through funny scrapes and close calls, growing closer as a family. By the end, they tire of the chaos and realize true joy does not require magic, bidding farewell to the grumpy Sand Fairy.
Reader's Guide
The 1991 TV series Five Children and It is a direct adaptation of E. Nesbit's classic children's novel, bringing the Edwardian-era story to a BBC audience in six weekly episodes. Its significance lies in its faithful rendering of the book's themes—the limits of fantasy, the importance of responsibility, and the value of family—through a serialized format that allowed for detailed character development. The series starred Simon Godwin, Charles Richards, Nicole Mowat, Tamzen Audas, and Francis Wright as the Psammead. It remains one of several adaptations of Nesbit's work, including a 2004 feature film directed by John Stephenson with Kenneth Branagh, Zoë Wanamaker, and Eddie Izzard. The series is noted for its period setting and its exploration of how wishes, taken literally, lead to humorous and instructive consequences.
Did You Know?
- The series was directed by Marilyn Fox.
- It aired on BBC1 from 9 January to 13 February 1991.
- The Psammead was played by Francis Wright.
- The novel was also adapted as a 2004 feature film directed by John Stephenson.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Five Children and It (1991)?
It is a six-part British television adaptation of E. Nesbit's classic novel, directed by Marilyn Fox and broadcast on BBC1 in early 1991. The series follows a group of Edwardian siblings who stumble upon a wish-granting sand fairy.
Who directed Five Children and It (1991)?
Marilyn Fox directed the series, which aired on BBC1 from 9 January through 13 February 1991.
What is the Psammead in Five Children and It (1991)?
The Psammead is a sand fairy who grants the children's wishes, but it interprets every request with rigid, literal precision. This turns each magical boon into a tangled problem the siblings must untangle themselves.
How many parts does Five Children and It (1991) have?
The series runs to six parts, each one centered on a separate wish the children make and the complications that follow.
Why is Five Children and It (1991) remembered by fans?
It remains a treasured screen version of E. Nesbit's Edwardian fairy tale, praised for keeping the book's warm sibling dynamics and gentle moral lessons intact for a young television audience.
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