How to Speak Astromech with BB-8: A Communication Manual by I.M. Rollin

 How to Speak Astromech with BB-8: A Communication Manual written by I.M. Rollin, illustrated by JAKe

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Adorable!! This board book recounts some highlights from BB-8's adventures while teaching the reader how to speak/understand a number of phrases in astromech. It's all in the guise of a new BB-unit owner's manual for communication. And even has a little plastic BB-8 in the bottom right corner with 10 buttons to play the 10 main phrases showcased in the book. Each of these ten phrases is paired with a characteristic/trait of a BB-unit and two more phrases that go along with the main one. And there's a paragraph detailing the characteristic/trait as well. BB-9E and CB-23 also get their moments to shine! One of the funny things about this book is the alphabetic translation of what BB-8 is saying...it all reads like scatting which is hysterical. Any young Star Wars fan would absolutely love listening to the sounds of BB-8 and reliving some of his finest moments!! Doesn't hurt that the illustrations are super fun and creative, too!

On the opening "Congratulations" page, we get an intro to BB-units as the reader is congratulated for "one of the best decisions [they'll] ever make." It ends with, "Understanding each other is the best way for you and your droid companion to roll together as a team on your future adventures, and this handy guide is here to help."

Then the book launches into 10 unique qualities of a BB-unit along with pertinent phrases as outlined below.

1. Playful

    WHEEE BEEboo BEEboo: "We're on a roll"

    The accompanying image is of Rey on her sled, escaping with BB-8 from Unkar Plutt, Teedo, Sarco Plank, and Constable Zuvio. The other phrases are essentially BB-8 being snarky to the bad guys left in the dust. So appropriate!

2. Resourceful

    OOOyo BEEE bow DEEE doe OHH: "Nothing beats the great outdoors."

    The picture is Chewie and Finn roasting marshmallows with BB-8, thumbs up extended. The paragraph emphasizes BB-units' many gadgets and interchangeable tools.

3. Determined

    WHAHoh EHoh OWHEEoh OWEH WHO: "I could use a little help here."

    The accompanying image is Poe, BB-8, and CB-23 in the "Resistance" episode where Poe and Kaz went to an abandoned ship and encountered a Kowakian Ape-Lizard and many many Kowakian Monkey-Lizards!! I adored this episode and I love that they showcased it in this book!

4. Helpful

    EEE owe WHAH oh eh WHEH: "Full service, wash and wax?"

    This image shows BB-8 and Poe cleaning Black One and it's so cute!

5. Entertaining

    OWAAA OWEeh OWEwhen OH enn: "Please silence your comlinks."

    SKEEE do BABA doot WEEEE: "Shhh, no spoilers."

    This one's paragraph talks about having a movie night at the Resistance base with "an R2-unit boasting top-of-the-line bass and treble" (see R2-D2 doing just that below). Hahaha! The image shows a number of Resistance bigwigs sitting down eating popcorn while watching a holo--too funny.

6. Trustworthy

    SQUEEE DEEdiDEE WAH boop WHEEErrrrr: "You're out of credits."

    AHoh EHoh WEEErrrr OOO DOT: "I wouldn't bet your ship if I were you."--absolutely pointed at Han...

    This image shows Han playing Sabacc at Maz Kanata's castle with many familiar faces from that scene in The Force Awakens.

7. Heroic

    BEET OOEA WOOO ooh da WHOOO: "Coming through!"

    DEEP bee DEE dee BOOO: "They see me rollin'..." OMG...they went there!

    This image is from The Last Jedi when BB-8 commandeers the AT-ST to help out Finn and Rose.

8. Quick Thinking

    WEEEET boint WEEeeEEeeEENT: "You may experience some turbulence."

    SKEEdoo DO beet WEEP eee DO: "In-flight entertainment is free on request."

    This image shows Finn holding on for dear life as the Millennium Falcon goes upside down, with BB-8 extending his cables to stay upright. The paragraph includes a ridiculous pun, "It's a topsy turvy galaxy, and having a friend with a stable perspective can be exactly what you need."

9. Responsible

    WAH booop DIP oh DIP ont: "I'm sorry, this goes against health and safety regulations."

    WEEErrr BEEE OWEHoh DOOO: "Maybe you should try some breathing exercises."

    This was BB-9E's couple of pages and it was fabulous!!! The breathing exercises bit is aimed at Kylo Ren as the image shows a wall covered in red streaks from one of Kylo's temper tantrums and BB-9E holding up a memo to the Knight of Ren with Phasma and Hux smirking in the background!! The paragraph says, "Sometimes we all just need someone to be honest and tell us the truth, not what they think we want to hear." So freaking funny and my favorite detailed quality of all of them!! ...of course, I do have a thing for BB-9E...

10. Devoted

    WEEP po BAH WEEEE boop: "You complete me."

    This one features BB-8 and D-O!! And it is precious! The paragraph says, "While BB-units are devoted to their owners, the programming that underlies that connection can also allow them to form strong bonds with others, especially those who may seem a little nervous or worried that they don't belong." D'awww!!! My heart!!

I absolutely loved reading this book. It was just too cute!! And I was delighted that they also included CB-23 and BB-9E! Whether you have a young fan in your family or you just really like BB-8, this book is totally for you! Definitely a worthy purchase.