When four children are sent to stay with their aunt, they're met by her cantankerous staff, and it isn't long before Ellie meets the Psammead, who grants her wish to have a twin.
The children make a startling discovery when they visit their aunt's home in the future. Later, George tries to protect the Psammead from a hunter by bringing it home.
The Psammead vanishes, the parrot develops the ability to talk, and the milkman travels from London to win Bessie's hand, but he discovers Mr. Dawkins is a rival for her affections.
