The Story of the Amulet

The Story of the Amulet by E. Nesbit is a fantastical adventure that picks up where her previous book, Five Children and It, left off. Here's a glimpse into the story:

Main Characters:

• The Five Bastable Children: Cyril, Anthea, Robert, Jane, and the Lamb (Hilary). These curious siblings are back for more magical escapades.
• The Psammead: A grumpy sand-fairy who grants wishes, though often with disastrous consequences. (They've learned their lesson from the previous book!)
• The Amulet: A powerful Egyptian artifact found by the children, possessing the ability to travel through time when its two halves are joined.

Plot:

• The children encounter the Psammead again, but this time, its wish-granting abilities are gone. However, the Psammead leads them to a mysterious shop where they discover a broken Egyptian amulet.
• They learn that the amulet, when complete, can transport them through time. A frantic search ensues for the missing half.
• Using the remaining half of the amulet, the children embark on a series of adventures through different historical periods:
  • Ancient Egypt: They encounter a young Egyptian priest who possesses the other half of the amulet.
  • Babylon: They witness the wonders of this ancient civilization and meet its queen.
  • Roman Britain: They experience the Roman invasion firsthand.
  • A Lost City: They narrowly escape the destruction of a mythical lost city (possibly Atlantis).
  • A Futuristic London: They get a glimpse of a future London, shaped by Nesbit's socialist ideals.
• Their time travel escapades often lead to humorous situations and unexpected consequences.
• Through the help of the young Egyptian priest who appears magically in present-day London, the children finally reunite the two halves of the amulet.

Themes:

• The Allure of Time Travel: The story explores the excitement and dangers of traveling through time and encountering different historical periods.
• The Importance of Teamwork: The siblings rely on each other's strengths and cooperate to overcome challenges during their adventures.
• Learning from History: Their experiences in different eras provide a glimpse into the past and the consequences of human actions.
• Friendship and Loyalty: The bond between the children and the unexpected friendships they form throughout their journey are highlighted.

Additional points to consider:

• The novel is known for its blend of humor, adventure, and historical fiction.
• Nesbit's socialist beliefs are subtly woven into the story, particularly in the depiction of a future London.
• The portrayal of some historical periods might be simplified or romanticized for a younger audience.