Five Children and It

Miniseries

1991 · 6 episodes · 2h 30m in all

The Psammead is an 'it', an ancient, ill-tempered sand-fairy with a spider-shaped body, bat-like ears, and snail-like eyes. It is grumpy but has the power to grant one wish a day, which must be made before sunset. Five siblings—Cyril, Anthea, Robert, Jane, and infant Hilary—encounter It and experience the highs and lows of frivolous wish-making.

Episodes

1. 1

   1. Episode 1

   9 Jan 1991 · 25 min

   A group of youngsters encounter a mysterious bad-tempered creature with the power to grant wishes.

2. 2

   2. Episode 2

   16 Jan 1991 · 25 min

   Anthea thinks of a wish: but doesn't consider what effect it might have on the baby.

3. 3

   3. Episode 3

   23 Jan 1991 · 25 min

   The youngsters' latest wish transforms the house into a castle : but fortunately Martha fails to notice.

4. 4

   4. Episode 4

   30 Jan 1991 · 25 min

   The children learn an uncomfortable lesson about the implications of making rash wishes.

5. 5

   5. Episode 5

   6 Feb 1991 · 25 min

   The relieved children think they've finally got the better of the mischievous sand fairy; but have they?

6. 6

   6. Episode 6

   13 Feb 1991 · 25 min

   The sand fairy disappears, leaving the children to clear up an appalling mess before their mother gets home.