Half Magic (Tales of Magic, #1)

by Edward Eager

“We don’t want any old visits with Henry Wadsworth Longfellow,” she said. “Make it something that’s fun for everybody.” “I’m going to,” said Katharine. “But I can’t decide between wishing we could all fly like birds and wishing we had all the money in the world.” “Those aren’t any good,” said Jane. “People always wish those in stories, and it never works out at all! They either fly too near the sun and get burned, or end up crushed under all the money!”

“Who be you?” he said. “Hath some grimly foe murdered me in my sleep? Am I in Heaven? Be ye cherubim or seraphim?” “We be neither,” said Katharine. “And this isn’t Heaven. We are four children.” “Pish,” said the knight. “Ye be like no children these eyes have ever beheld. Your garb is outlandish.” “People who live in tin armor shouldn’t make remarks,” said Katharine.

“You are a wise child,” he said. “Just average,” said Mark, modestly.

What if we messed up the President and Congress next time, the way we did King Arthur? We could cause a national emergency!” “I know!” said Jane. “We must proceed with Utter Caution. I’ve been thinking about it all night, and I’m going to make my next wish really serious. I decided the two things I want most in the world are no more wars and that I knew everything!” Katharine shook her head doubtfully. “That’s too serious,” she said. “That’s kind of like interfering with God. That might be even worse than trying to change history.”

Maybe today’ll be the biggest wish yet.” “When you come to think of it, no great big lasting thing has happened so far,” said Mark. “We’ve had lots of adventures, but we’re still just the same as we were before we found it.” “Our characters are improved,” said Katharine, “and I think we’re sort of happier.”