When the children dug a hole in the gravel - pit, they were very surprised at what they found. 'it' was a Psammead, a sand - fairy, thousands of years old.
It was a strange little think - fat and furry, and with eyes on long stalks. It was often very cross and unfriendly, but it could give wishes - one wish a day. 'How wonderful' the children said.
But wishes are difficult things. They can get you into trouble.