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 [Published: DEC 04/ JAN 05]