Four children discover a strange egg in their new nursery carpet, and when the egg is accidentally dropped in the fire, it hatches a beautiful Phoenix. The Phoenix reveals that the new carpet is actually a magic carpet that can take them anywhere in the world. Although they have some fun adventures, more often than not, their adventures go awry and their wishes get them into trouble.

I always enjoy rereading this favorite children's classic! I've been rereading it since I was a little girl, and every time I am enchanted with the magic and the adorable children. They are so mischievous and they get into all sorts of ridiculous situations. They try to do the right thing, but they get mixed up sometimes and make very foolish decisions. But the Phoenix can usually get them out of trouble, when he isn't getting them into trouble with his self-aggrandizing ways. He believes that London is full of temples to worship his greatness, and his propensity to light things on fire is extremely inconvenient at times.

Anthea is my favorite character because she is the motherly one of the group, always taking care of the others.