Wet Magic by E. Nesbit

"Wet Magic" by E. Nesbit is a children's fantasy novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows a group of four children — Francis, Mavis, Kathleen, and Bernard — who embark on an adventure when they visit the seaside and encounter magic linked to a mermaid. Their journey is sparked by the children's imagination and longing for adventure, leading to heartwarming and thrilling escapades. At the start of the narrative, the children are eagerly anticipating their trip to the seaside, preparing their belongings and counting the days. They are particularly excited about an aquarium they have purchased, hoping to fill it with sea creatures. The opening chapters introduce their personalities and dynamics, setting the stage for their adventure. Francis longs to see the sea, and once they arrive, he becomes enchanted despite initial disappointment. The children soon discover the tale of a mermaid, rumored to be captured nearby, which ignites their desire to find and rescue her. The chapter concludes with hints of magic as Francis sees something mysterious in their aquarium, leading to a foreshadowing of the enchanting journey that lies ahead. (This is an automatically generated summary.)