To begin with Jalopy is brand new, shiny and red, and won in a competition by Mrs Ethel Thomas – but Mrs Thomas can’t drive, so sadly she puts Jalopy up for sale.

Before she can sell Jalopy, petty crooks Masher and Spud, who need a get-away car for their next bank-job, steal Jalopy. Left outside the bank on double yellow line, Jalopy is towed away to the pound…

This satisfying, original story is skilfully crafted by expert storyteller Geraldine McCaughrean.