Five Children and It

Reach for this book when your children are struggling with the concept of consequences or if they frequently believe that having everything they want would solve all their problems. It is a perfect choice for siblings who are bickering or who need to see the value of working together toward a common goal when things go wrong. The story follows five siblings who discover a prehistoric sand-fairy called a Psammead that grants one wish per day. However, every wish, from becoming beautiful to being wealthy, results in unforeseen and often humorous disasters that only expire at sunset. While the setting is Edwardian England, the emotional core focuses on the kids learning to manage their own impulses, take accountability for their mistakes, and rely on one another to navigate difficult situations. It is a brilliant tool for teaching that wisdom often comes from trial and error.