The Phantom Carwash

by Chris Powling, Scoular Anderson

Lenny dreams of getting a carwash for Christmas - a real carwash, full-size and in working order. But he knows this is impossible. However, Lenny's dream comes true when he finds a carwash in the middle of a vacant patch. But this is no ordinary however the car goes in, it comes out transformed and reflecting the nature of the person who drives it. Eventually Father Christmas emerges and takes Lenny on a magical journey. An enchanting morality tale for our times. The story is assisted by atmospheric pictures on every page.

64 pages, Paperback

First published July 7, 1986

About the author

Chris Powling was born in 1943, in south London, where he still lives. He's taught at all levels in the state school system, from infants to postgraduates, and for ten years was headteacher of a London primary school.

Throughout his career, Chris has had a rich and diverse involvement with children's books - as a critic for national journals and newspapers (including THE GUARDIAN, THE OBSERVER, BOOKS FOR KEEPS, CAROUSEL and THE TIMES EDUCATIONAL SUPPLEMENT) and as a broadcaster for the BBC and various independent radio stations. He was the editor of BOOKS FOR KEEPS from 1989 till 1996 when it won the Eleanor Farjeon Award for services to children's literature, is a panel member for a national children's book club and has served on numerous prize committees. Currently, he is adult-books editor for Classic FM where he presents a monthly review on the programme Classic Newsnight.

Reviews

[Mrs G · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sentimentalist inside me enjoyed this old fashioned story of a cynical child at Christmas time. Think my Y3s would like this!