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Star Wars Disney Canon Junior Novel
Star Wars The Mighty Chewbacca in the Forest of Fear
When Chewbacca the Wookiee finds out that a job he thought was just ferrying tooka cats is actually much more, he's excited to have something to do! But when he, a young bounty hunter/librarian, and a droll cargo droid--who, unbeknownst to the others is rebel spy droid K-2SO--land in the middle of a blue forest that emits a fear-causing mist, Chewie realizes the job may be too dangerous for his liking. He and his companions will have to fight off snarlers, sniffers, and their own fears as they try to recover a sacred book--and rescue Han Solo in the process! Perfect for reading before or after seeing Solo: A Star Wars Story in theaters!
261 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2018
17 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Tom Angleberger
81 books793 followersTom Angleberger artist-turned-writer. He is a columnist for the Roanoke Times in Roanoke, Virginia, and began work on his first book while in middle school. Tom is married to author-illustrator Cece Bell. He lives in Christianburg, Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
April 17, 2023
I quite liked this book. It wanted to give it 3.5 stars so it definitely deserved a round up as it is too good for 3 stars. Yes it is aimed at younger readers, but it does add something to my Star Wars experiences. The book is also quite well researched, it is written in the third person, and mentions facts from other book and time periods from the Star Wars universe.
Han has got himself captured, and Chewie has been sent on a dangerous/suicide mission to get his release. joining him are a familiar re-purposed Imperial security droid from Rouge One on his own mission and young adventurer with her own reason for doing in this mission.
I have to say I love K2's dry wit I think Tom Angleberger got his dry delivery spot on. I like that Chewie got his time in the spotlight in this book. It emphasizes that he is not just the brawn of the pair but all his other skills and characteristics from being a great pilot to his loyalty and courage. The loyalty and camaraderie between people sent on missions like this really come through. Even if they do not like each other they have a healthy respect and bond with they other members of their team.
A good story a bit kiddie in places but good non the less. One thing that I did find disappointing is they are very few illustration in this book, and they few that are there are very similar, though the story does make up for it. Lots of short chapters a good easy read that adds to the Star Wars universe.
Han has got himself captured, and Chewie has been sent on a dangerous/suicide mission to get his release. joining him are a familiar re-purposed Imperial security droid from Rouge One on his own mission and young adventurer with her own reason for doing in this mission.
I have to say I love K2's dry wit I think Tom Angleberger got his dry delivery spot on. I like that Chewie got his time in the spotlight in this book. It emphasizes that he is not just the brawn of the pair but all his other skills and characteristics from being a great pilot to his loyalty and courage. The loyalty and camaraderie between people sent on missions like this really come through. Even if they do not like each other they have a healthy respect and bond with they other members of their team.
A good story a bit kiddie in places but good non the less. One thing that I did find disappointing is they are very few illustration in this book, and they few that are there are very similar, though the story does make up for it. Lots of short chapters a good easy read that adds to the Star Wars universe.
February 10, 2025
This book is a children's book that takes place before the original trilogy. In this one Chewbacca is forced to retrieve an item from a desolate planet as Han is being held hostage. This item is of Sith origin and be useful to the Emperor.
This was fun. It knows what it is meant to be and it has no problem with it. Yes it can be a little goofy and childish but that is what it is suppose to be and is perfect for kids as well as adults. First off writing for Chewie must be a little difficult and authors have to come up with creative ways to do this. In this book the author decided to go with a narrator which was a little weird. The story is told in the third person as the narrator relays the events of the story. I have no idea who the narrator is though. Besides that everything was fine and fun with this book. I thought the author did a terrific job of portraying Chewbacca. He showed his tender side while showing his powerful Wookie nature. The story was your basic treasure hunt story with ordeals preventing it from being an easy journey. Once again it was fun and fit in with this universe. I thought the whole premise of the item and what it meant fit in perfectly with this universe.
I was not expecting much from this book as I debated reading it. The cover (I know. Do not judge a book by its cover) was not screaming at me to read this book. I thought it was going to be too childish and not meant for me. It was childish but in a fun enjoyable way that transported me back to my childhood when I was introduced to this whole galaxy. I recommend this for readers of all ages.
This was fun. It knows what it is meant to be and it has no problem with it. Yes it can be a little goofy and childish but that is what it is suppose to be and is perfect for kids as well as adults. First off writing for Chewie must be a little difficult and authors have to come up with creative ways to do this. In this book the author decided to go with a narrator which was a little weird. The story is told in the third person as the narrator relays the events of the story. I have no idea who the narrator is though. Besides that everything was fine and fun with this book. I thought the author did a terrific job of portraying Chewbacca. He showed his tender side while showing his powerful Wookie nature. The story was your basic treasure hunt story with ordeals preventing it from being an easy journey. Once again it was fun and fit in with this universe. I thought the whole premise of the item and what it meant fit in perfectly with this universe.
I was not expecting much from this book as I debated reading it. The cover (I know. Do not judge a book by its cover) was not screaming at me to read this book. I thought it was going to be too childish and not meant for me. It was childish but in a fun enjoyable way that transported me back to my childhood when I was introduced to this whole galaxy. I recommend this for readers of all ages.
June 2, 2019
Though a kids' book, this was one of the more enjoyable Star Wars stories I've read. For one thing, Chewie's central to the story, and, along with a young woman and an undercover K2S0 (Cassian makes a brief appearance), he's on a quest for a book. See, that's all I needed to know. Chewie + quest for a book.
The young woman, Mayvlin, is from a planet that the Empire is oppressing (big surprise! It's like they have one way of dealing with everybody.) She and Chewie are blackmailed into going on a quest for a book on a planet with some truly terrifying creatures. And lots of massive trees. And, there is a crate-full of cats, along for the ride, that take a shine to Chewie. See, total escapist fun.
The young woman, Mayvlin, is from a planet that the Empire is oppressing (big surprise! It's like they have one way of dealing with everybody.) She and Chewie are blackmailed into going on a quest for a book on a planet with some truly terrifying creatures. And lots of massive trees. And, there is a crate-full of cats, along for the ride, that take a shine to Chewie. See, total escapist fun.
August 21, 2018
As I said in a recent review (of Cobalt Squadron), Star Wars seems (to me) to be better when it's aimed at all-ages or younger audiences than when it tries to be edgy and subversive. The Mighty Chewbacca in the Forest of Fear is most definitely Star Wars at its silliest--but I loved it. For a certain kind of Star Wars fan, it's enough to say "This is a book where Chewbacca and K-2SO end up on an adventure together." That's about all I knew about it when I checked it out from the library, so I was excited to give it a chance. (K-2 is the best.)
The story itself is as interesting as anything in the new Star Wars canon, but what makes this book shine is Tom Angleberger's ability to write exactly what K-2SO sounds like. All of the droid's dialogue is perfect--I can just hear K-2's voice saying it. Angleberger's writing style throughout the book (especially in the author commentary that appears all throughout, as though someone is actually telling you this story) is silly and happy and fun to read, and the short chapters kept me reading later into the night than I probably should have. I hope he writes more Star Wars books like this.
["I've got a bad feeling about this" ("Murghhhhh grrbokgh!") alert: pp. 67ff., 89.]
The story itself is as interesting as anything in the new Star Wars canon, but what makes this book shine is Tom Angleberger's ability to write exactly what K-2SO sounds like. All of the droid's dialogue is perfect--I can just hear K-2's voice saying it. Angleberger's writing style throughout the book (especially in the author commentary that appears all throughout, as though someone is actually telling you this story) is silly and happy and fun to read, and the short chapters kept me reading later into the night than I probably should have. I hope he writes more Star Wars books like this.
["I've got a bad feeling about this" ("Murghhhhh grrbokgh!") alert: pp. 67ff., 89.]
May 4, 2022
~3.5 stars~
Happy Star Wars Day!!!
Sped read through this today and last night! It was a nice star wars adventure type book for children.
Happy Star Wars Day!!!
Sped read through this today and last night! It was a nice star wars adventure type book for children.
July 10, 2019
'It was nothing a Wookie, a tall droid, and a rogue librarian couldn't handle.'
There are certain indelible memories: The first time I saw Superman as a young child in the cinema (‘You Will Believe A Man Can Fly’), to the first time I saw Star Wars. Nearly five decades later, and those experiences remain as evocative as ever. And it is precisely books like this one by Tom Angleberger that makes me feel like a child again, falling in love with Star Wars (and pop culture) for the first time. My only caveat is that if one reads this aloud to children, how on earth are you going to read the Chewie lines!?
There are certain indelible memories: The first time I saw Superman as a young child in the cinema (‘You Will Believe A Man Can Fly’), to the first time I saw Star Wars. Nearly five decades later, and those experiences remain as evocative as ever. And it is precisely books like this one by Tom Angleberger that makes me feel like a child again, falling in love with Star Wars (and pop culture) for the first time. My only caveat is that if one reads this aloud to children, how on earth are you going to read the Chewie lines!?
October 26, 2019
The Good: This was a fun space opera adventure, featuring a new addition to the Star Wars universe alongside longtime favorite Chewbacca.
The Bad: It could have used some more illustrations.
The Bad: It could have used some more illustrations.
February 17, 2020
So, I guess it’s official: Chewbacca is adorable. I mean, he is adorable (I’m certainly not going to tell him that he’s not), but he’s also supposed to be, like, a big, terrifying hairy warrior beast, isn’t he? He’s the “Mighty” Chewbacca, right?
What is it with all these writers trying to turn Chewbacca into a kid’s cartoon? I mean, first it was Gerry Duggan and Phil Noto’s graphic novel “Chewbacca”, which was pretty darn cute, I’ll admit, but kind of emasculating. (I don’t know if that’s the right word; maybe “de-wookieenating”? I just made that up, by the way...)
Now there’s Tom Angleberger, who went and wrote an adorable junior novel called “The Mighty Chewbacca in the Forest of Fear!”, in which Chewbacca has to pet-sit a bunch of tooka cats. (If you’re a Star Wars fan, you know what these are...)
This book reminds me of an ‘80s Saturday morning cartoon (Remember those? Before Netflix and Hulu and Disney-Plus ruined Saturday morning cartoons?) that features Chewbacca going on adventures (minus his buddy, Han Solo) with his new teen sidekick, a spunky girl named Mayv, and a wise-cracking and annoying droid named K2-SO. (Yes, that K2-SO.)
I’m not gonna lie: I would have totally watched that show, and would have loved it.
I’m not gonna lie again: I actually loved Angleberger’s junior novel, which was fun and hilarious and perfect for the age group demographic for which it was targeted, which I’m pretty sure is any kid between the ages of 8 and 98.
The plot: Han and Chewie are double-crossed on a smuggling job (nothing new there), and Chewbacca must go on a mission to find an old book that the Emperor is looking for in order to save his buddy. The book is on a planet in which every known inhabitant has been eaten by something. Chewbacca is teamed with Mayv, whose skills as a smuggler and a librarian should come in handy, and a cargo droid named Kaytoo, who isn’t really a cargo droid but a Rebel spy droid on a secret mission to steal the book for the Rebellion.
The planet, as expected, is inhabited by lots of gross monsters that want to eat them, of course, but Chewie is pretty resilient. It turns out, so is Mayv and K2-SO.
This book really is lots of fun, and I honestly hope that Angleberger writes a bunch more further adventures of the Mighty (adorable) Chewbacca in the near future.
What is it with all these writers trying to turn Chewbacca into a kid’s cartoon? I mean, first it was Gerry Duggan and Phil Noto’s graphic novel “Chewbacca”, which was pretty darn cute, I’ll admit, but kind of emasculating. (I don’t know if that’s the right word; maybe “de-wookieenating”? I just made that up, by the way...)
Now there’s Tom Angleberger, who went and wrote an adorable junior novel called “The Mighty Chewbacca in the Forest of Fear!”, in which Chewbacca has to pet-sit a bunch of tooka cats. (If you’re a Star Wars fan, you know what these are...)
This book reminds me of an ‘80s Saturday morning cartoon (Remember those? Before Netflix and Hulu and Disney-Plus ruined Saturday morning cartoons?) that features Chewbacca going on adventures (minus his buddy, Han Solo) with his new teen sidekick, a spunky girl named Mayv, and a wise-cracking and annoying droid named K2-SO. (Yes, that K2-SO.)
I’m not gonna lie: I would have totally watched that show, and would have loved it.
I’m not gonna lie again: I actually loved Angleberger’s junior novel, which was fun and hilarious and perfect for the age group demographic for which it was targeted, which I’m pretty sure is any kid between the ages of 8 and 98.
The plot: Han and Chewie are double-crossed on a smuggling job (nothing new there), and Chewbacca must go on a mission to find an old book that the Emperor is looking for in order to save his buddy. The book is on a planet in which every known inhabitant has been eaten by something. Chewbacca is teamed with Mayv, whose skills as a smuggler and a librarian should come in handy, and a cargo droid named Kaytoo, who isn’t really a cargo droid but a Rebel spy droid on a secret mission to steal the book for the Rebellion.
The planet, as expected, is inhabited by lots of gross monsters that want to eat them, of course, but Chewie is pretty resilient. It turns out, so is Mayv and K2-SO.
This book really is lots of fun, and I honestly hope that Angleberger writes a bunch more further adventures of the Mighty (adorable) Chewbacca in the near future.
June 8, 2018
This book has a great "voice" for middle-age readers, and it connects very well into the larger plot and themes of the Star Wars universe. I couldn't turn down the opportunity to see Chewbacca and K-2SO -- each briefly on his own, apart from his human partner -- working together, and it was every bit as fun as I expected. Add to the mix a librarian bounty hunter (how cool is that?), and you have a fun and exciting adventure. This isn't a "must read" by any stretch of the imagination, but if you love Star Wars, these characters in particular, and/or your own inner child, you will find this to be a treat.
October 3, 2018
Not going to lie, this book was so much fun. My girls aren't super hardcore Star Wars geeks at 8 years old, but casual fans and they loved this one. It even kind of fit the spooky fall reading theme we are currently on. This one was actually placed in an awesome part of the timeline and with great established characters that surrounded newly introduced ones and helped carry the story. The story manages also to have plenty of laughs, intense moments, action, and also has some cool Sith history in it. I honestly can't praise it enough, even though the format was totally unique and even juvenile. Seriously, this one was fun for everyone.
May 21, 2020
Fun story featuring my favorite Wookie.
September 17, 2022
This is a middle grade book that definitely feels like a middle grade book—as an adult, reading several hundred “HRGGGHN” transliterations of Chewbacca’s speech got kind of old, but I could see kids finding it hilarious.
I liked the female character who was on the mission with Chewie, and the familiar droid who was with them was funny too. There are lots of kinda gross and deadly creatures in this book (but played in a more thrilling way than a bloody one), so just be aware of that for super sensitive kids, but I think most would find it an exciting and funny book. Not the most interesting for adults but okay.
I liked the female character who was on the mission with Chewie, and the familiar droid who was with them was funny too. There are lots of kinda gross and deadly creatures in this book (but played in a more thrilling way than a bloody one), so just be aware of that for super sensitive kids, but I think most would find it an exciting and funny book. Not the most interesting for adults but okay.
July 8, 2018
This was such a strong 3.5 I'm just going to it up. This is definitely one of the strongest kids books in the Star Wars canon I've read. It's perfectly written for children, but adult finds can also find something interesting in it. Tom Angleberger does a great job describing the world in easy ways that all add up to make it easy to understand. He's also created a unique and very 'Star Wars' feeling planet and world for the characters to visit. I really enjoyed this, and thought it fit into the lore and meta of the story great.
October 4, 2025
wat een goede boek . dit boek leest zo lekker weg want sommige hoofdstukken zijn kort en sommige wel langer . en het is heel fijne geschreven dus dat leest lekker weg . en de cameo van andor op het bijna einde was super leuke want hij praat al wel met k2 maar dat ze hem ook in het echt zien is gweldig. en ik heb nu meer liefde voor Chewbacca en k2 .wat ik zo grappige vind als Chewbacca praat staat er ook zo als in de film,s praat en dat de ( schrijver/ verteller) probeert uitleggen wat ie zegt . en gewoon de droge reacties van k2 gweldig.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2021
Lovely and exciting middle-grade novel. It's exciting to experience more of some of the best Star Wars characters, Chewbacca and K-2SO, and introduced to a new and equally great character, Mayv, a librarian that moonlights as a bounty hunter. I enjoy experiencing Star Wars in any capacity and this was so enjoyable and well written. I only wish that they had included more illustrations for Andor Tong's work is beautiful!
August 2, 2019
What an absolutely delightful middle grade Star Wars book! I had soooo much fun listening to this, the production with the multiple narrators and sound effects made this a really enjoyable time.
March 9, 2020
3.5 stars.
July 15, 2020
This is another one where I'm not the target audience, but I still loved it all the same! It's a good story, and we see Chewie shine without Han (mostly), super K2So stuff, and while I'm not always thrilled with more than one narrator, here, there were just enough to make it super enjoyable. Two thumbs up! :)
August 7, 2018
Sure, The Mighty Chewbacca is written for a younger audience. But something about that "let's just have an adventure" vibe perfectly nails the classic Star Wars feel older audiences know and love. The plot isn't complex - Chewbacca, a bounty hunter/librarian (?!?), and K-2SO are trapped on a mysterious planet that's crawling with terrifying creatures. They need to collect a Macguffin in order to save Han from a crime lord. There's more to it - Mayv, the librarian, and K-2SO each have their own interesting reasons for being there. But 80% of the book is a fun race through trees with giant creatures chasing our heroes. It moves fast and reads easy, although you eventually get creature fatigue when the villains don't change.
Tom Angleberger makes the smart and interesting choice of breaking the fourth wall to help us understand Chewbacca's thoughts and actions. Since the Wookie speaks only in grunts and growls, Angleberger's explanations come off as helpful and fun rather than weird and childish. Additionally, Angleberger delves into some unexpected corners of the Star Wars universe that'll be sure to please the dedicated fan. I came into The Mighty Chewbacca with low expectations and they were greatly exceeded.
Tom Angleberger makes the smart and interesting choice of breaking the fourth wall to help us understand Chewbacca's thoughts and actions. Since the Wookie speaks only in grunts and growls, Angleberger's explanations come off as helpful and fun rather than weird and childish. Additionally, Angleberger delves into some unexpected corners of the Star Wars universe that'll be sure to please the dedicated fan. I came into The Mighty Chewbacca with low expectations and they were greatly exceeded.
March 26, 2019
VERY easy read.
I'm not really sure the target audience here. The title makes it sound like a kid book, but I picked it up because it had a solid audiobook cast (the standard Star Wars reliables... Mark Thompson among them). So is it young adult? Whatever, it is a quick read/listen.
That being said, you can't really delve too much into the SW universe with so little time. But it is nice to have Chewie as the main guy here, with a couple of others. There is a librarian/bounty hunter (yup) and a cargo droid (quickly shown to be K2SO from Rogue One). I really liked to see him again, to hear him be all sarcastic and quippy.
But it ended too quickly without any real plot twists. The ending really snuck up on me, too, and I kind of forgot/didn't notice how something got resolved. It felt kind of thrown together.
But, hey, it's Chewie. And K2SO being himself. Just more stories to help round out the ever-expanding SW universe.
I'm not really sure the target audience here. The title makes it sound like a kid book, but I picked it up because it had a solid audiobook cast (the standard Star Wars reliables... Mark Thompson among them). So is it young adult? Whatever, it is a quick read/listen.
That being said, you can't really delve too much into the SW universe with so little time. But it is nice to have Chewie as the main guy here, with a couple of others. There is a librarian/bounty hunter (yup) and a cargo droid (quickly shown to be K2SO from Rogue One). I really liked to see him again, to hear him be all sarcastic and quippy.
But it ended too quickly without any real plot twists. The ending really snuck up on me, too, and I kind of forgot/didn't notice how something got resolved. It felt kind of thrown together.
But, hey, it's Chewie. And K2SO being himself. Just more stories to help round out the ever-expanding SW universe.
June 13, 2018
Coyer Birthday Bash
This was a really fune paced adventure starring Chewbacca, a suprise cameo by some characters from Rogue One and lots of creepy creatures.
When a beautiful woman approaches Han it all goes downhill from their for Chewie. It seems like an easy job. Chewbaca is to pilot a shutle full of tooka cats to a moon on coruscant. What he doesn't know is the ship is rigged to go to hyperspace and he hs a stowaway named Mayv, a bounty hunting librarian( my new occupation goal).
Turns out the pair( along with a very grumpy cargo droind) are tasked to get a Sith relic from a dangerous planet. This book has very short chapters and a narrator that breaks the fourth wall in the narration to give us insight into Chewbacca's thoughts. I really loved this book !
This was a really fune paced adventure starring Chewbacca, a suprise cameo by some characters from Rogue One and lots of creepy creatures.
When a beautiful woman approaches Han it all goes downhill from their for Chewie. It seems like an easy job. Chewbaca is to pilot a shutle full of tooka cats to a moon on coruscant. What he doesn't know is the ship is rigged to go to hyperspace and he hs a stowaway named Mayv, a bounty hunting librarian( my new occupation goal).
Turns out the pair( along with a very grumpy cargo droind) are tasked to get a Sith relic from a dangerous planet. This book has very short chapters and a narrator that breaks the fourth wall in the narration to give us insight into Chewbacca's thoughts. I really loved this book !
July 3, 2018
Read this to/with Aiden. We enjoyed it. Tom Angleberger has a great sense of humor and it made us laugh right out loud sometimes. Also, all of Chewbacca's dialog is written in Shryiwook and then sort of explained afterwards.... so Aiden "read" all of Chewie's lines in excellent Wookiee roars (he had a great time with that). It was fun to see K-2 again, although Aiden ended up not liking him much because he comes off as deceitful and kind of a jerk here.... he has not seen Rogue One, so he doesn't have any other experience with that character (or Cassian, either). I really liked Mayv, and it would be awesome if we got to catch up with her again sometime!
August 21, 2021
A fun introduction for younger readers to Star Wars books.
Update: listened to it with my kids and they had fun with it.
Update: listened to it with my kids and they had fun with it.
June 29, 2018
You’d be hard pressed to argue that Star Wars is in a weird place right now. After the Disney buyout it’s been pretty obvious that the franchise doesn’t really know where it wants to go and can’t find consistency in its various forms. Just look at the last 2 films: The Last Jedi sucked but Solo defied expectations.
It’s even more clear when it comes to the literary side of things. There’s no doubt that the new Star Wars canon has had some great books (Phasma, Dark Disciple, Lords of the Sith, hell anything that the amazing Paula Gray has written), but it’s also had some major duds and disappointments like Catalyst, Canto Bight and the most recently divisive novel, Last Shot.
I say all that because I went into The Mighty Chewbacca without too high of expectations. Of course, the young adult/early reader stuff has been the bright spot in an otherwise inconsistent publishing world, but with each new canon story seeming to get progressively worse, and Angleberger’s very juvenile based writing style, I didn’t hold out too high of hopes for this one.
I’ll be the first to say that The Mighty Chewbacca is far from the next Nobel prize in fiction. Angleberger’s intended audience is made extremely clear from the first couple sentences and his choice of narrative elements keeps this books from ever really achieving a literary masterpiece.
That being said, however, I will go ahead and say that this book is actually a lot of fun and far more enjoyable than I had originally anticipated. The story is decently told and well-paced. Angleberger’s descriptions of K2S0 are spot on and he really captured the character we all grew to love in Rogue One. And speaking of characters, I thought the new one, Mavyn was a great addition to the cast and can only hope she is seen in more canon like Ashoka and Ventress before her.
Lastly, I have to give major props to Angleberger for the execution of The Mighty Chewbacca. Like I said, this book is most definitely for younger readers, but that doesn’t mean the author didn’t make it enjoyable for older, more “mature” ones either. Overall the main story and telling is a little silly and far less serious that something that Zahn or Luceno would put out, however References to the Solo film, mentions of planets like Geonosis and Mustafar, characters like General Grevious and Palpatine’s aides, and a few other things make this book totally accessible and entertaining for older readers.
It’s even more clear when it comes to the literary side of things. There’s no doubt that the new Star Wars canon has had some great books (Phasma, Dark Disciple, Lords of the Sith, hell anything that the amazing Paula Gray has written), but it’s also had some major duds and disappointments like Catalyst, Canto Bight and the most recently divisive novel, Last Shot.
I say all that because I went into The Mighty Chewbacca without too high of expectations. Of course, the young adult/early reader stuff has been the bright spot in an otherwise inconsistent publishing world, but with each new canon story seeming to get progressively worse, and Angleberger’s very juvenile based writing style, I didn’t hold out too high of hopes for this one.
I’ll be the first to say that The Mighty Chewbacca is far from the next Nobel prize in fiction. Angleberger’s intended audience is made extremely clear from the first couple sentences and his choice of narrative elements keeps this books from ever really achieving a literary masterpiece.
That being said, however, I will go ahead and say that this book is actually a lot of fun and far more enjoyable than I had originally anticipated. The story is decently told and well-paced. Angleberger’s descriptions of K2S0 are spot on and he really captured the character we all grew to love in Rogue One. And speaking of characters, I thought the new one, Mavyn was a great addition to the cast and can only hope she is seen in more canon like Ashoka and Ventress before her.
Lastly, I have to give major props to Angleberger for the execution of The Mighty Chewbacca. Like I said, this book is most definitely for younger readers, but that doesn’t mean the author didn’t make it enjoyable for older, more “mature” ones either. Overall the main story and telling is a little silly and far less serious that something that Zahn or Luceno would put out, however References to the Solo film, mentions of planets like Geonosis and Mustafar, characters like General Grevious and Palpatine’s aides, and a few other things make this book totally accessible and entertaining for older readers.
February 25, 2019
Star Wars: The Mighty Chewbacca in the Forest of Fear by Tom Angleberger, illustrated by Andie Tong, 262 pages. Disney Press, 2018. $14.
Content: Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: G.
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL, MS – ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Chewbacca is sent on a mission to retrieve an important book with Mayv, a librarian and a cargo droid. At first the mission seems like a business transaction, but when the lady who sent them on the mission threatens to hurt Hans Solo if Chewie doesn’t return with the book, Mayv and Chewie have to step up their efforts. They fly to a plant covered forest where they have trouble with the aggressive monsters on the island, but Chewie and Mayv become friends and work together to find what they are looking for.
I’m that rare non-Star Wars lover, but I think Chewie is adorable and I love him, so I enjoyed this story. I listened to it on audio and the readers and sounds made me feel like I was watching a movie. I liked the adventure and thought the forest was creative and well described. I enjoyed the characters and their humor. The story is simple, but I do think this book fits at a middle school level for Star Wars fans as well as reluctant readers. The illustrations are three full page drawings dispersed throughout the book. Quick, fun read.
C. Peterson
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
Content: Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: G.
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL, MS – ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Chewbacca is sent on a mission to retrieve an important book with Mayv, a librarian and a cargo droid. At first the mission seems like a business transaction, but when the lady who sent them on the mission threatens to hurt Hans Solo if Chewie doesn’t return with the book, Mayv and Chewie have to step up their efforts. They fly to a plant covered forest where they have trouble with the aggressive monsters on the island, but Chewie and Mayv become friends and work together to find what they are looking for.
I’m that rare non-Star Wars lover, but I think Chewie is adorable and I love him, so I enjoyed this story. I listened to it on audio and the readers and sounds made me feel like I was watching a movie. I liked the adventure and thought the forest was creative and well described. I enjoyed the characters and their humor. The story is simple, but I do think this book fits at a middle school level for Star Wars fans as well as reluctant readers. The illustrations are three full page drawings dispersed throughout the book. Quick, fun read.
C. Peterson
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
May 28, 2018
I listened to this book via Audible.
I am not a part of the target demographic for this book. Initially I was going to pass on it until I saw that the audio version was a full cast recording featuring Star Wars staples like Marc Thomson and January LaVoy. That alone was enough for me to give this young reader's title a shot.
I must say I was not disappointed. The story is certainly not complex, but it's a fun little adventure that puts Chewbacca in the spotlight for a change and was all the more fun for it. There are several other familiar faces including K-2SO and of course Han Solo, but this is Chewie's show!
You won't be blown away by the prose, but I liked the narration style. It's written as if someone is telling the story, complete with asides and other fourth-wall breaking moments. It keeps the tone light and fun, even when the characters are faced with very scary problems. The straightforward writing makes it easy to follow and allows you to focus on the action instead of trying to follow along with a convoluted plot.
If you're a dedicated Star Wars fan who wants every snippet of story out there, you probably already have this book, and if not, you won't regret it. Otherwise I'd say it's a fun story for kids or adults who just want to go on an adventure in the galaxy far, far away.
I am not a part of the target demographic for this book. Initially I was going to pass on it until I saw that the audio version was a full cast recording featuring Star Wars staples like Marc Thomson and January LaVoy. That alone was enough for me to give this young reader's title a shot.
I must say I was not disappointed. The story is certainly not complex, but it's a fun little adventure that puts Chewbacca in the spotlight for a change and was all the more fun for it. There are several other familiar faces including K-2SO and of course Han Solo, but this is Chewie's show!
You won't be blown away by the prose, but I liked the narration style. It's written as if someone is telling the story, complete with asides and other fourth-wall breaking moments. It keeps the tone light and fun, even when the characters are faced with very scary problems. The straightforward writing makes it easy to follow and allows you to focus on the action instead of trying to follow along with a convoluted plot.
If you're a dedicated Star Wars fan who wants every snippet of story out there, you probably already have this book, and if not, you won't regret it. Otherwise I'd say it's a fun story for kids or adults who just want to go on an adventure in the galaxy far, far away.
July 19, 2018
Endlich hatte ich auch die Zeit mal dieses im Umfeld von „Solo“ erschiene Kinder/Jugendbuch durchzulesen. Es gibt ein paar Höhen und Tiefen, aber um es kurz zu machen, wer die „Adventures in the Wild Space“-Reihe mag, der wird auch dieses Buch mögen. Natürlich darf man von einem Jugendbuch keine tiefgreifenden politischen Intrigen, komplexe Handlungspfade und komplizierte Charaktere erwarten. Man kommt dafür eine lockere, fluffige, sehr fantasievolle Abenteuerhandlung auf einem merkwürdigen Planeten, auf dem das Böse zu herrschen scheint. Angereichert wird dei in einem munteren Erzählstil daherkommende Geschichte durch einige doppelseitigen Illustrationen, so dass man sich ein Bild von den entzückenden Lebewesen machen kann, mit denen sich Chewie und seine bunte Crew, zu der auch K2-SO in geheimer Mission gehört (nein, kein Spoiler) herumschlagen müssen. Und selbst für diejenigen, die immer nur Fehler suchen, enthält dieses Buch etwas, nämlich ein paar Fehler und Ungereimtheiten, die allerdings für die Geschichte ziemlich belanglos sind.
Mir hat das Buch im ganzen als vergnüglicher Lesespaß für schnell mal zwischendurch gut gefallen. Lasst euch von den 262 Seiten nicht schrecken, das Buch ist in Großdruck. Das Buch liest sich in 1-2 Stunden.
Mir hat das Buch im ganzen als vergnüglicher Lesespaß für schnell mal zwischendurch gut gefallen. Lasst euch von den 262 Seiten nicht schrecken, das Buch ist in Großdruck. Das Buch liest sich in 1-2 Stunden.
August 10, 2025
Really fun, kinda hard to beat as a family roadtrip audiöbook as long as you don’t mine pausing once or twice t’explain the Star Wars timeline. I’ listened Angleberger’s Beware the Power of the Dark Side! five years ago and had this book on my list for just as long, but I actually think this had more in common with the preceding volume in that series, i.e. So You Want to Be a Jedi?. I mean, all three are audiöbooks read gloriöusly by Marc Thompson, and all enhanced by ILM sound effects, John Williams Music, and character impersonations, but the tone here was more like SYWtBaJ than to BtPofDS. It’s got fun, faithful characterizations, amusing narrative devices, and meaningful connexions to the mythology.
December 31, 2018
Who wouldn’t want to set off on an adventure with Chewy and a bounty hunter/librarian?? Chewbacca is certainly one of the most beloved characters in the Star Wars Universe and a children’s book highlighting his adventures is certainly something a lot of kids will love. Angleberger always has the right mix of adventure and humor for his young audience. For Origami Yoda fans, Angleberger’s voice certainly comes through in this one. Mayvlin “Mayv” Trillick (the bounty-hunter librarian) is a new character in the Star Wars Universe, created by Angleberger. She is on a mission to reclaim a book stolen from her people. She is smart and heroic and a great heroine for the story. K2-SO is very much like the character we came to love in Solo. The text is an easy read but the feel of the book is all novel. Tong’s illustrations throughout the book really add a lot to the story and add to the kid-friendly feel of Angleberger’s text.
This is perfect for readers of all ages. *Please note I received a free review copy of this book
This is perfect for readers of all ages. *Please note I received a free review copy of this book
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