Cyril, Anthea, Robert, Jane, and their little brother go out to play. The last thing they expect to find is a Samiad, an ancient sand genie. A Samiad means granting one wish every day. But the children don't anticipate the trouble the wishes can cause, nor the almost daily adventures that result. This story was first published in 1902 under the general title *The Samiad*, or *The Gifts*, with an installment appearing each month from April to December. The stories were later developed into a novel, published that same year. It is the first volume of a trilogy that also includes *The Phoenix and the Carpet* and *The Tale of the Amulet*. *Five Children and a Goblin* is a timeless classic and has been in print in English ever since its first publication.