Monica McInerney (text) and Danny Snell (illustrator), Marcie Gill and the Caravan Park Cat, Puffin, November 2021, 256 pp., RRP $19.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781760894139
Marcie Gill and the Caravan Park Cat is a heartwarming family-oriented book that both children and adults will adore! The story is set in the idyllic (fictional) South Australian beach town of Snorkel Bay. Ten-year-old Marcie lives in the local caravan park that her family manages. She has a number of responsibilities in the day-to-day running of the park and is a friendly face for their guests.
Life is busy and complicated! Marcie has a mother, a father (who is currently living in another caravan), a fourteen-year-old sister and seven-year-old brother. Her siblings are very focused on their own interests, but Marcie is keenly aware of her parents’ marriage problems. She knows that they are having financial issues, which is why Marcie’s father is not presently living in the family home. She misses her father deeply and is desperate to have him home again.
Marcie is devoted to her Gran who is her closest confidant. Unfortunately, Gran has recently broken her hip and needs an extended stay in hospital. While Gran recuperates, Marcie looks after her spirited cat George. Gran’s timing is not ideal for Marcie. Marcie feels as though the weight of the world is on her shoulders and that her family needs her to fix their problems. Fortunately, after Gran presents Marcie with a wishing stone, something magical and life changing happens! It would be rude to spoil the magic but know that it involves the wonderful George!
Marcie Gill and the Caravan Park Cat is a gorgeous little summertime read. The magical elements are charming (and not too intrusive, if you are not into magic) and Marcie is a relatable main character. There is also an adorable friendship side-plot that is delightful. Though there are some tricky topics, the overall feeling of the book is of positivity and hope. Marcie Gill and the Caravan Park Cat is highly recommended for children aged 9 – 11 years (and adults who love a sweet children’s/middle-grade read).
Reviewed by Clare Mellor
