We have an emerging reader in my house, which means our Star Wars bookshelf has gotten a recent injection of titles designed for the preschool set. From time to time, I’ll be popping in with words about how my little guy is enjoying the parts of Star Wars designed for enjoyment by the franchise’s youngest fans. I’m happy to report that the age-appropriate offerings are plentiful and entertaining. A current favorite is the DK Readers Level 1 book What is a Wookiee.
We were a little surprised that the book isn’t a tell-all about Wookiee culture as we’d thought. It is, instead, a primer on many of the creatures we meet in a galaxy far, far away, with spotlights on individual characters the kids may encounter in the Star Wars films. The book is from the point of view of C-3PO, who takes readers through this catalog of creatures and droids with just enough of his own editorializing baked in for the adults in the room to recognize him. The pages on what characteristics differentiate aliens from droids, and how to tell the difference turned out to be a conversation starter in our house.
Fans of the Star Wars prequels will be happy to hear that more than half the book is devoted to characters from those films. The page detailing the menu at Dexter Jettster’s Diner was almost as big a hit as the how-to-use guide to Pit Droids!
What is a Wookiee is divided up into short, one-and-two-page segments, so it’s easy to find a stopping or starting place; a necessary component when reading with a four year-old. All of the illustrations are screenshotted from the Star Wars films, and as so are easily recognizable even by the little ones.
The DK Readers line is divided into four levels, with increasing complexity to match a child’s reading ability and build confidence as they improve. Level 1 books like What is a Wookiee contain short, simple stories to engage interest, repeating vocabulary, and easily-understood concepts. The line is overseen by Dr. Linda Gambrell, Distinguished Professor of Education at Clemson University, and includes a guide for parents to help families get the most out of reading.
The DK Readers line, including What is a Wookiee is available on Amazon or at your favorite local retailer.
