Title: Johnny and The Beast
Author: Walter J. Hill
Publisher: Page Publishing
ISBN: 979-8-89315-625-6
Pages: 39
Genre: Young Adult
Reviewer: Beth Adams
Pacific Book Review
Johnny and The Beast is a powerful story about a car owned by a young man who went to war and never returned. So, the car was left to age behind Mr. Pete’s Garage. Being neglected in a local car repair shop for decades, The Beast became covered with layers of dirt and grime. There it sat awaiting its fate to be once again found, restored, and brought back to its former glory.
This is the beginning of a story about a young boy named Johnny, who passed the auto repair shop every day on his way to school. As he became a bit older, he was given tasks at the shop – such as sweeping, cleaning the office window, dumping the trash, and sprucing up the place. Customers noticed the change to the business which made Mr. Pete’s business grow, and he appreciated Johnny’s work ethic. Johnny would gain more experience and become familiar with doing minor repairs, learning much about automobiles.
Mr. Pete noticed Johnny would often go to the back and uncover this old car, imagining what the car would look like if it was restored. When Johnny was old enough to finally get his driver’s license, Mr. Pete gave Johnny the key and pink slip to the old Beast as a present. Johnny and his friends pushed The Beast down the block into his own garage and began ardently cleaning and restoring the car. He noticed a metal plaque on the car of a wolf-like creature, hence the name The Beast. The culmination of this first part of the story is when Johnny takes The Beast to a car show and receives many accolades from those who remember the car.
Author Walter J. Hill then uses his characters in this story to begin what seems to be a story about the owner of The Beast, Benny, who died in war in a tank which was hit by enemy fire and killed. Readers are brought into the remembrance of Benny, and one can tell this is based upon true events. Much detailed and emotional storytelling is given to this, the second half of the book which can be called a tribute to Benny, which is quite a bit different from the first half showing Johnny growing up and talking about cleaning and repairing The Beast.
Johnny and The Beast is a book dichotomized into two stories. The illustrations tend to make this book seem like a children’s book, however I do believe the theme of the tragedy of war brings a sobering and mature element, quite different from the beginning of the book. It is, however, a very impactful read and truly something older children and young adults need to be introduced as being a fact of life. May the memory of Benny live long with the restoration of The Beast, and may Johnny cherish it with heartfelt appreciation of all that give their lives and service to our country. This uplifting story teaches children about empathy, understanding, and the power of friendship in a way they’ll never forget.
