Book: The Phoenix and the Carpet (1904)
Author: E. Nesbit
Genre: MG, Magical Realism
Basic Plot: The five children from Five Children and It are back! This time their magical adventures come in the form of a Phoenix and a flying carpet. And there may (or may not) be a special guest appearance by everybody’s favourite Psammead!
WHAT’S COOL…
1) It’s not often that the sequel is as good as the original, but this book is the exception to the rule. We get more great magical adventures featuring Anthea, Cyril, Jane, and Robert. And of course, the Lamb. How can you forget the Lamb!
2) I love the chatty Phoenix, so different from the grumpy Psammead from the first book. Also, the Carpet’s a nice, silent, companionable foil. Love how that works into the plot at the end of the story.
One of my favourite lines in the book:
“Then we’ve lost the treasure,” said Cyril.
And they had.
“But we’ve got the carpet and the Phoenix,” said Anthea.
“Excuse me,” said the bird, with an air of wounded dignity, “I do so hate to seem to interfere, but surely you must mean the Phoenix and the carpet?”
(The Second Chapter)
3) E. Nesbit is the queen of magical realism. The magic always has a bit of a twist or causes some sort problem for the children. I love how that works. (Even though it’s rather frustrating to the children!) It makes for a great story.
4) I love how the kids work together and bicker and tease. I love their adventurous natures.
5) My favourite episode is probably the chapters that involve the Topless Tower. (Treasure. Towers. What more could you ask for?) Although the bit with the Burglar near the end is also hilarious!
FINAL THOUGHTS
This is a wonderful, magical tale. And it still holds magic even though the story was originally published over 100 years ago. This makes a great re-aloud.
Of Maria Antonia 
Enjoyed your review. I enjoyed this series when I read it first some years ago. The treasure seekers series is also great fun.
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I love the Treasure Seekers! I think even a little more than the Five Children and It gang (but only slightly!)
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Great review š Glad you liked the book! And that is a cool quote!
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It is a wonderful story!
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I think I read this years ago, but I don’t remember anything about it. Oops.
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I do like this one a lot. There’s a third book in the series (Story of the Amulet) which I don’t really like. The ending is really weird on that one.
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I love E Nesbits books. Especially since they were written so long ago you get a very authentic look at what life was like for children back then. Have you read any books by Edward Eager?
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I love Edward Eager’s books! My favourites are Half Magic and Knight’s Castle. Although, the other ones are really good, too. I love that he slips in little references to the Nesbit children. (So does C.S. Lewis, btw!)
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Yes! Knights Castle was my favorite I think. I didn’t know that about Lewis! Is there a specific book you remember him referencing her (I’m assuming it’s in one of the Narnia books? )
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Magician’s Nephew, I believe, references Mr. Sherlock Holmes living on Baker Street AND the Bastables on Lewisham Road. (As a kid, I didn’t know who the Bastables were; so when I read that as an adult, I was quite excited to finally get the reference!)
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Haha sorry I just saw you already said you liked Edward Egar on your about page!
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So great that this was as good as the original!! And it’s so cool that this is such brilliant magical realism. Fantastic review!
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It is a re-release, but from what I can tell, it hasn’t really been updated or anything. Which I love! E. Nesbit was a great writer for a reason, and I’m glad they didn’t try to “improve” on her work.
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I really should try Nesbit!
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I liked this sequel better, too! I made a playlist inspired by it on Spotify. You might like to check it out:
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I haven’t read any books by this author. I see I will have to change that. Thanks for a fun review.
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She’s a wonderful author. Which is saying something since her books are over 100 years old. I hope you do get a chance to read them.
The Story of the Treasure Seekers is my favourite. (No magical realism in that one.) Five Children and It is also good. That’s the first in the series with The Phoenix and the Carpet. (This series is all about magical adventures.)
I also really like The Magic City.
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Wow ā it’s high praise for a book if you don’t see anything negative about it. It’s refreshing to read a review like this. š
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Thanks! I really love this book!
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Sequels are usually a letdown. Glad this one worked out for you!
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Yes, this is a wonderful reprise for a great cast of characters š
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