Star Wars Journey to the Force Awakens: All Creatures Great and Small

A simple and fun read. There isn't much else to say. It's obviously for children but that doesn't make it bad at all. It reminded me of elementary school and reading stories like Pecos Bill and John Henry. It appeals to the younger demographic and like the tall tales we read when we were younger, you questioned whether any of it were real.

I have read all the new Star Wars books, including the "young reader" books, and found most rather entertaining. This "book" seems like something a 11th grader wrote. Understandably simple in its language given its demographic, but unforgivably unimaginative. Without giving spoilers, the book relies solely on throwbacks to a new hope, as it tries to relive the tail through new eyes. Entire "chapters" sometimes no more than a paragraph, with nothing to define it as a "chapter". Most frustrating, the book attempts to retcon the classic movies--or does it? Recount of events in episode 4 are specific enough to mean the narrative isn't completely fictional, but then it is left to the reader to decide if they want to completely trash their view of cannon--or not.

The book brings nothing of sustenance. The only reason I gave it 2 stars was 1) it was short enough to be over quickly. And 2) it's targeted demographic gives it some leeway.

I refuse to give it more because of the bland writing, and a risky tampering with cannon. Children's book or not, it's cannon. Does that now mean as events of episode 4 are unraving I now have to imagine this going on? Yes...yes I do.