E. Nesbit’s The Story of the Amulet picks up with the Bastable siblings—Cyril, Anthea, Robert, and Jane—back in London, missing their country home and their magical friend, the Psammead. Their luck changes when they find a curious, talkative learned gentleman and, more importantly, a broken half of an ancient Egyptian amulet in a shop. The Psammead confirms its power: it can open gates to any time or place, if you know the right magical word. Their goal is simple: use these time-gates to find the amulet’s missing half and make it complete, which is said to bring immense power and protection.

The Story

The kids, joined by the Psammead and the learned gentleman’s housemaid (who they wonderfully nickname ‘the Lamb’), embark on a series of leaps through history. They don’t just observe; they get tangled in events. They try to help a Babylonian queen, get caught up in the fall of Atlantis, bargain with a Phoenician sailor, and witness the splendour of ancient Egypt. Each adventure is a mix of wonder, chaos, and narrow escapes, driven by the kids’ good intentions and occasional mistakes. The story builds toward a final, powerful reunion that ties their personal quest to a much grander, hopeful vision.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this book special is Nesbit’s voice. She talks to the reader like a clever, slightly mischievous aunt. The kids are gloriously real—they squabble, get hungry, and sometimes forget the magic word at the worst moment. Their love for each other is the true anchor of the story. The time travel isn’t just for spectacle; Nesbit uses it to quietly comment on her own Edwardian world, from social issues to the wonders of future technology (her predictions are charming). The amulet’s quest becomes a beautiful metaphor for healing and wholeness, both for the artifact and for the characters themselves.

Final Verdict

This is a must-read for anyone who loves classic children’s literature with real heart and brain. It’s perfect for family read-alouds (the chapters are episodic adventures), for fans of time-travel stories who want to see where it all began, and for adults who appreciate sharp, witty writing wrapped in a deceptively simple package. More than a fantasy, it’s a story about curiosity, family, and the timeless hope for a better world. Just have a dictionary handy for the Psammead’s more creative insults.