As a parent of two young Cars fanatics, finding engaging books that match their obsession is a win. This one? Total checkered flag.

The black-and-white illustrations initially threw me off (where’s the neon Radiator Springs vibe?!), but my kids didn’t care—they were too busy tracing Lightning’s tire tracks with their fingers. Doc Hudson’s narration feels like grandpa storytelling, which oddly works when you’re doing different character voices at 8PM.

Pro tip: The lack of color actually helped my overstimulated 5-year-old focus on the story during bedtime. We’ve reenacted the tractor tipping scene with stuffed animals approximately 37 times now.

Warning: If your kid expects a Pixar-level visual feast, this isn’t it. But for mini mechanics who chew through car lore? It’s like finding premium fuel at a bargain price.