The Phoenix and the Carpet - Edith Nesbit Book Review

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Review Summaries
"In their second adventure, published in 1904, Robert, Anthea, Cyril, and Jane (not to mention Baby Lamb) encounter the legendary magical creature, the Phoenix, as well as a magic carpet that grants three wishes per day. They travel to a French castle, to a tropical island filled with copper-skinned natives, foil a burglar, arrange a marriage, change people's disposition, and have to figure out how to get 199 Persian cats, 398 muskrats, a cow, and a policeman out of their house. Their charming adventures not only entertain but teach them, and the reader, a few gentle lessons." David Loftus, Resident Edith Nesbit Scholar
"Robert, Anthea, Cyril, and Jane are back for a third round with magic. This time, an accidental fire (no one specifically said they should not light fireworks indoors) hatches the Phoenix, the world's most self-centered, egotistical, vain, and silly bird. The Phoenix introduces the children to the magical properties of their nursery carpet - it's a flying carpet, of course - and they have adventures. They find (and lose and find again) treasure, encounter hostile natives on desert isles, and just generally have a good time. Of course, this being a Nesbit book, the magic gets them into trouble, and creates as many problems as it solves. " Ivy, Resident Edith Nesbit Scholar
"First published in 1904, the famous five who had more magical adventures than should be decently allowed with the Psammead in 'Five Children and It', and 'The Story of the Amulet' are back - on a wild ride with the hopelessly vain but good-hearted Phoenix and his flying carpet. This funny and warm-hearted story has withstood a century remarkable well and proves that children and the best sorts of magic never change." Michael JR Jose, Resident Edith Nesbit Scholar

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Overall Review

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Ratings are on a 1-10 scale (Low to High)
Plot

Composition of Book
planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 30%
Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 30%
Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 40%

Tone of book - very upbeat
FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - fantasy story on current Earth
Explore/1st contact/ enviro story Yes
Plotlets: - exploring a CUTESY fantasy world
Is this an adult or child's book? - Kid's book (ages 7-14)

Main Character
Identity: - Female
Profession/status: - student
Age: - a kid
Is this an ordinary person caught up in events? Yes
How sensitive is this character? - sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor - Strong but gentle sense of humor
Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters
Physique - average physique

Main Adversary
Identity: - none

Setting
Terrain - Jungle - Water - Forests
Earth setting: - 20th century
Takes place on Earth? Yes

Style
Person? - mostly 3rd
Accounts of torture and death? - no torture/death
How much dialogue? - significantly more descript than dialog

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Note: the views expressed here are only those of the reviewer(s).

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