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Cars

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Lightning McQueen is a hot-shot young race car competing for the coveted Piston Cup. But when he gets lost on the way to a big race, he realizes that he still has a lot to learn about what it takes to be a true friend. This exciting retelling of the newest Disney/Pixar film is sure to be a hit with young speedsters!

24 pages, Hardcover

First published April 25, 2006

3 people are currently reading
134 people want to read

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Ben Smiley

20 books3 followers

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5 stars
111 (36%)
4 stars
91 (29%)
3 stars
82 (26%)
2 stars
15 (4%)
1 star
7 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Sonja Rosa Lisa ♡  .
5,165 reviews640 followers
December 7, 2025
Lightning McQueen ist ein junger Rennwagen, der um den begehrten Piston Cup kämpft. Als er sich jedoch auf dem Weg zu einem großen Rennen verfährt, wird ihm klar, dass er noch viel darüber lernen muss, was es bedeutet, ein echter Freund zu sein.
** Ich habe es auf Englisch gehört, um wieder etwas vertrauter mit der Sprache zu werden. Dafür hat sich dieses kurze Hörbuch gut geeignet :)
Profile Image for Samantha.
789 reviews9 followers
August 9, 2022
This is a super simple retelling of Cars, written for a very young child. As such, the writing isn't super engaging as an adult, but I can see young kids enjoying it.

I really like the art style, this being the main reason I'm keeping it as a collector. I don't necessarily love the first few pages (especially the two-page spread that doesn't match up well because of the spine blocking some of the image), but the layout of the art becomes more interesting as the story goes on. In part, there's just more going on, so there's more to be shown. I especially love the page where McQueen is learning things, with the three narrow and long spreads of art.

Overall, the writing is extremely simple, but it's done in a way that I think a young kid will still find it fun. The biggest thing the book has going for it is its art style, as I really enjoy it.
93 reviews2 followers
November 21, 2022
Beautifully illustrated with a retro style to it and very engaging to look through. The story has been simplified for younger readers and this definitely kept 20m/o Bud’s interest. He loved spotting all of the different vehicles and found the cactus patch very funny and kept saying ‘hot!’ So we learned a new word - sharp. He brings this over daily at the moment and would read it over and over. Part of a bigger collection given as a gift- we look forward to exploring the others too.
Profile Image for Cilla Terrien.
116 reviews5 followers
August 15, 2025
this story is the exact story from the movie just more like the cliff notes. I have always liked the movie personally. All the important pieces are there. they took out all the little bits that kind of made the story into the tail that we all fell in love with. so for me I gave it four stars because I relevantly really like the original story and this was that exactly but missing all the important bits to me.
670 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2020
Even though this book is made to attract and sell to little ones that love Cars, it is well done. A Little Golden Book always does superb work! This is a good rendition of the Cars move with fun and catchy illustrations and a thorough enough telling of the story. Kids who love Cars enjoy this book!
Profile Image for Engie.
327 reviews2 followers
September 16, 2020
Super cute. Finally got to finish it for my lil one. Loved that this version had the option for me to record myself reading it and and option to hear it (audio book w/narrator). The pages were even animated. Love it!!
Profile Image for Laura Turowski.
125 reviews4 followers
June 27, 2018
As a librarian I cannot believe I actually allowed my child to read a book adapted from a movie, but he loves Cars. As long as he is reading, right?
5 reviews
June 4, 2020
Really fun to read and entertaining. This book really filled my childhood with joy. It has a great story and I am a fan of cars very much!
Profile Image for Paul G.
5 reviews
Want to read
November 3, 2022
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
89 reviews2 followers
August 5, 2024
Cute version of the story with the added fun of being perfectly set up to use fun character voices for the kiddo!
Profile Image for Alayna Eve.
227 reviews2 followers
August 5, 2024
Cute summary of the original story but missing some parts
Profile Image for Michelle Ma Belle.
30 reviews3 followers
April 10, 2025
Nothing compares to the film of course, but it was still adorable! :)


Listened via Audible free trial
Profile Image for Scott Emigh.
30 reviews15 followers
October 3, 2025
Somehow managed to remove 100% of the heart of the story. No moral to the story at all.
Profile Image for Amy.
543 reviews23 followers
June 12, 2008
This is a darling Little Golden Book, starring Lightning McQueen, of course, from the Disney PIXAR animated movie, Cars, cute, and summarized here in this children's book. If you or your child enjoyed the movie, you will surely enjoy this book!
26 reviews
March 10, 2012
I found this book along with "Mater And The Ghost Light" for my son at the local Goodwill store. other then writing on the last page it was in great shape and will make for a great read when it comes to story time.
Profile Image for Heather.
345 reviews28 followers
January 31, 2008
This was a cute little story. Typical in fashion of other Little Golden Books but a must read for the Cars lovers. My son likes to look through this book over and over.
2,263 reviews5 followers
May 19, 2008
Charming illustrations. Much of the plot comes from the movie, so watch the movie before reading it.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
634 reviews1 follower
December 30, 2015
My son thought that the illustrations were funny, he said they were bubbly compared to the normal disney car animations. He really liked the way the story was presented.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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