Magical fantasy and misunderstandings combined in this classic time-travel adventure. When Cyril, Robert, Anthea and Jane rescue their old friend the Psammead from a pet shop, the grateful sand fairy leads them to half an amulet which has the power to take them back in time in search of the other half - and the complete amulet can give them their heart's desire! But magic can cause problems in real life, especially when the Queen of Babylon visits the children in London . . .