Digging in the gravel pit on a hot summer's day, five children discover 'it': a grumpy furry creature, with eyes like a snail, ears like a bat. It's a Psammead, an ancient sand-fairy who has the power to grant the children one wish a day.

That, you might think, would be a dream come true! But you need to be very careful what you wish for: whether it is for treasure, beauty or wings, you can get yourself into all sorts of trouble...