A Galaxy for Everyone (a Little Golden Book) by Lois Evans

A Galaxy for Everyone (a Little Golden Book), written by Lois Evans, illustrated by Chris Kennett, Alan Batson, and Pilot Studio

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Before I get started, a quick note: I know the 1st issue of the "High Republic" comic series came out today, but I want to hold off on reading it until I'm finished with Light of the Jedi because it's not incredibly clear how the two connect and I don't want all the new names I'm coming across in the novel to get muddied by the new names I'm sure to come across in the comic. I also don't want the story in Light of the Jedi to be given away by my reading the comic. They really need to explain how everything works together so I can plan out my reading accordingly! I'll post a review of the comic probably next Wednesday as I'd like to post my A Test of Courage review Monday (I'm planning to have my Light of the Jedi review ready by Friday). With all that said, on to this fabulous Little Golden Book!!

First off, this book is precious, adorable, and uplifting. Secondly, it's chock full of a wide variety of species we all know and love! Written in a very simple style with sometimes only partial sentences per page, this book could easily be read by a beginning reader (unlike the verbose movie adaptation Golden Books). The characters covered include the prequels, originals, and sequels--it is all there! There's even a nod to Solo with a drawing of Rio the Ardennian and a nod to Rogue One with a drawing of Moroff the Gigoran! I am so incredibly pleased with the breadth of species included in this tiny little book!! The artwork and inclusion of such diversity alone make this book a winner!

Different species and individuals are covered with reference to their physical characteristics, habitats, occupations, and personality. See some examples of these above. The last sentiment of the book (and essentially the thesis statement/moral of the story) is, "It doesn't matter if things seem hopeless...or you are feeling frightened. What matters most is having hope and always trying to do what's right. The Force is in all of us, no matter where we come from or what we look like. Everyone can do their part to make the galaxy a better place!" In the context of the rest of the book, this feels a bit rushed and out of place as the vast majority of the narrative focuses on physical characteristics, and there's the inclusion of Watto as a being with wings...not so much a good guy in really any sense of the word. 

Oh well, this book is clearly written for very young readers and it's a fun trip through the many species that grace the screen and page with their presence--some more so and others less so. It's really a Star Wars biology lesson at its core and I dearly love that perspective!! But in the end, the idea is that you can be extremely different from another person and still have the power to fight the good fight. Which I have to admit is a lesson that all young children should learn!