During the turbulent years of 1995-2000, the author surfed the great wave of olive oil which nearly swept British metropolitan culture away, and produced a series of restaurant reviews for "The Observer", whose coruscating criticality led to a cabal of restaurateurs plotting his contract killing.

When Cyril, Anthea, Robert, Jane and their baby brother go digging in the gravel pit, the last thing they expect to find is a Psammead - an ancient Sand-fairy! Having a Sand-fairy for a pet means having one wish granted each day. But the children don't realize all the trouble wishes can cause...