The title is self-revealing this time, isn't it? After bidding goodbye to the Psammead in the first book, the children are back in their home in London where they soon come across a phoenix and a magic wishing carpet. With the help of these two new magical discoveries, the children go on adventures around the world.

The phoenix is a very interesting character and a fabulous addition to the story. There are plenty of humorous scenes in this book too, though a couple of scenes are really quite illogical even for this genre. But it's still above average and children might enjoy it if they understand the difference in the cultural thinking of that time. Rating: 3/5



********************************************
Join me on the Facebook group, "Readers Forever!", for more reviews and other book-related discussions and fun.

This truly was a delightful experience

Feniks i dywan 1967

Sweet adventure story. The children from Five Children and It have a new nursery carpet, which turns out to contain a phoenix egg.

After reading Five Children and It, I was compelled to find out if more stories about the five children existed and soon enough here I am reading the Phoenix and the Carpet, which stars the same five children, though this one concentrates mainly on the older four, who discover, in the folds of their new nursery carpet a beautiful egg, which ends up in the coals of the fireplace during some small scuffle. Thus is reborn the Phoenix, who informs the children about the magic qualities of their carpet and becomes a travelling companion to them.

Although the psammead is mentioned a few times the sand fairy is not the focus of this work and there are no wings or unnatural beauty attributed to the children this time, but that doesn't stop them from getting into the most hilarious situations.

My favorite chapters began when the carpet brought the children 'delightful things' from it's Persian homeland and ended up with a rather bizarre marriage ceremony. This will certainly not be the last I'll read of E. Nesbit, but sadly it seems there is only one more adventure for Anthea, Cyril, Robert and Jane. I want to save it and read it at the same time!

I'm surprised that I'd never heard of the story throughout school since they are such hilarious stories and really great when read aloud, if you can find someone who does good accents. I really recommend this for anyone, especially to read in funny voices to children (I would have loved that). And no one would say, "This has such good lessons for mannerly children." Or, "How true to life." Or any of that rot.

A fun read which would probably actually be enjoyable for children (take note, Mr Kingsley).