Marcie Gill and the Caravan Park Cat is the first novel for children by Australian author, Monica McInerney. It is illustrated by Danny Snell. Marcie Gill, known for her inquisitive nature, is ten years old and lives with her family at the Snorkel Bay Caravan Park. She loves it there, loves helping with new guests, swimming, painting, and visiting Gran in her little red caravan.

Marcie is happy to meet Helen and her son Claude, who have booked their van for the whole summer, enjoys showing them around, and very interested to know that they are both artists. Claude, though, is very shy, blushing such a lot, but Marcie feels sure they could be good friends by the end of summer, and maybe he can give her some painting tips.

But now it’s two weeks until Christmas, and Marcie is troubled. Gran is still in hospital after breaking her hip weeks ago (will she be home in time for Christmas?); dad has moved out into a rental van; mum is terribly worried about their finances; and the new plumber is going to cost them a lot of money. Her older sister Jemima is tennis-mad; her younger brother Fred is fish-mad; is Marcie the only one to see what’s wrong?

While Gran is away, Marcie looks after her little van, and George, Gran’s beautiful, green-eyed ten-year-old black cat. Marcie feels a little silly chatting to him, but tells him what’s going on, just like she would tell Gran. When Marcie gets the chance to share her concerns with Gran, she is given a special gift: the wishing stone that Gran’s grandmother gave her when she turned ten.

Marcie wonders how the wishing stone might help, but is prepared to give it a go. She also wants to help with the family’s money woes, and both Gran and George have suggestions. Yes, that’s right, George. Marcie is most surprised when he begins offering opinions and ideas. Is she imagining things?

Danny Snell’s illustrations are excellent; Monica McInerney’s story is utterly charming, and even readers well above the recommended reading age are guaranteed to enjoy it. Her characters will certainly appeal to young readers who will easily identify with Marcie and her sibling problems. And George? George is simply a delight. Highly recommended!!