Jacqueline Wilson to update E. Nesbit classic
31st January 2012
Jacqueline Wilson has revealed she is writing an updated version of E. Nesbit's classic tale Five Children and It, which will be set in the present day and only feature four children.
The book, aptly titled Four Children and It, will see a quartet of youngsters discover the mythical creature Psammead, who famously granted wishes to the five children in Nesbit's original tale.
This time around, the four protagonists ask for the sand goblin to grant them the ability to fly and make them rich and famous, before requesting they be sent back in time to meet the children from Nesbit's original story - Robert, Anthea, Cyril, Jane and baby Lamb.
Wilson said the trouble starts when one of the new protagonists, Rosalind, is unable to return to the present day and must use 'all her imagination' to figure out how to get back.
'I loved the way Nesbit wrote very "approachably". This is a kind of tribute to her because I so admire her,' the former children's laureate added.
Wilson's updated version of the tale is one of a number of revamped tributes to beloved children's books being published to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Puffin Classics, with actress Emma Thompson also set to release The Further Tale of Peter Rabbit, which sees Beatrix Potter's beloved character going on an adventure to Scotland.