Edith Nesbit (aka E. Nesbit), author of ‘The Railway Children’ novel, was born in Kennington, Surrey, on 15 August 1858.

Nesbit created one of the most wonderful characters in children’s literature: the Psammead.

Included below is a brief description of the Psammead., from a newspaper published in 1902.

We believe that the Psammead is a creature that will appeal to kids of all ages.

Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Thursday 06 November 1902

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http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000250/19021106/001/0003