Graded reader level 2: Five children and It - Edith Nesbit

When the children dug a hole in the gravel-pit, they were very surprised at what they found. It was a Psammead, a sand-fairy, thousands of years old. It was a strange little thing - fat and furry, and with eyes on long stalks. It was often very cross and unfriendly, but it could give wishes - one wish a day. How wonderful! the children said. But wishes are difficult things. They can get you into trouble.