"This Old Van" by Kim Norman and Carolyn Conahan is the sort of cuddly story that makes me dream about retiring, and becoming a camper-van driving hippy myself (though I suspect my wife is more the 'caribbean cruise' type of gal!)
We love any book that features crazy vehicles, and with the story following the rhythm of the old nursery rhyme "Knick Knack Paddywack", children will love bouncing along as they follow Grandma and Grandad's progress.
On their road trip they meet various other vehicles sharing the road or passing by, and younger children will enjoy counting all the vehicles as they go. One train, two bulldozers, three tractors and so on until they reach their final destination and the purpose of their road trip - to watch their beloved grandson enter a soapbox derby in a familiar looking go-kart!
It's such a lovely little book, chock full of enjoyable moments and a great sing-along read-aloud story teams up with glorious and colourful illustrations throughout.
Charlotte's favourite bit: We loved the soapbox race, where all the kids are driving cute little mini versions of all the vehicles in the story (including that glorious camper van!)
Daddy's favourite bit: So much fun to read aloud, such brilliant illustrations (and special mention to the awesome end-papers) and two of the most loveable grandparents ever to grace a children's story. This old van is set to roll on home!
(Kindly sent to us for review by Sterling Publishing)
"This Old Van"
Written by Kim Norman
Illustrated by Carolyn Conahan
Published by Sterling Publishing
Release Date (Hardback): 7th August 2015