Evacuated from London to Wales during the Second World War, Carrie and her brother are sent to live with the very strict Mr Evans. But in trying to heal the breach between Mr Evans and his sister, Carrie does the worst thing she ever did in her life.

'I really am quite useless as a wizard', says Mr Majeika. But Class Three thinks Mr Majeika is an excellent wizard, particularly when his spells go wrong.

When Cyril, Robert, Anthea, and Jane rescue the magic sand-fairy from a pet shop, they have no idea of the astonishing adventures that lay in store for them. The creature leads them to an amulet that has the power to take them back in time.