Johnny and The Beast – Walter Hill

Walter J. Hill

Genre: Children’s Book/Growing Up

Johnny and The Beast tells the story of a forgotten car, left to gather dust behind Mr. Pete’s Garage after its owner went off to war and never returned. For decades, it sat neglected, covered in grime, until a curious young boy from the neighborhood discovered it. With patience, care, and determination, he restored the car—bringing it back to its former glory. But this is more than a story about a car; it’s a heartfelt tale of dreams, perseverance, and the bonds that shape us. Through family, friends, and the echoes of someone he’ll never meet, Johnny learns that chasing your passions can turn even the most unlikely discoveries into lasting inspiration.

What Readers Say

This is beyond a book for children, it is a book for all ages. It tells of a young boy's hopes and dreams and his great joy in achieving success. The book has a moral that if you work hard at something there's a good chance you'll achieve your goal. It tells the importance and value of knowing the provenance of something, the back story and who owned the object over the years. But CAUTION! If reading to a youngster, know that the tears will come. Maybe that alone is a lesson for children, about sweet memories and to know of feelings and love in our hearts.

An inspiring book for people of ALL ages to read. The story is warm, real and draws you into a moving conclusion. I was reading it with a 13 year old must say I had tears in my eyes while doing so. Johnny is an everyday young person with joyful aspirations. As he teaches his goal he also reaches rewarding awareness of how his own inspiration touches others!! A great read!!

I enjoyed the book and it brought a tear to my eye at the end. The story is relatable to all generations.