Review: The Christmas Caravan

When Simon puts his whole heart into decorating his caravan for the local Christmas competition, the world around him begins to change. Without the money to buy decorations, he collects rubbish from around the caravan park. A Christmas wonderland with a difference is born and the caravan park is cleaned up in the process. Simon waits in proud excitement for the judges to see his handywork, but they don’t come.

Simon’s mother phones the council to find out what happened and learns that the town’s big houses with their elaborate lighting displays took up all the judges’ time. The mayor has the cheek to admit he thought a caravan wasn’t really a home.

This heartfelt tale about how little actions can lead to long reaching changes which in turn, open doors to unspoken dreams is definitely a keeper. (There are plenty of subliminal messages about what really matters in life too.)

Title: The Christmas Caravan
Author: Jennifer Beck
Illustrator: Robyn Belton
Publisher: Scholastic New Zealand, $19.95 RRP
Publication Date: 2002, 2004
Format: Soft cover
ISBN: 9781869435893
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book