The Adventures of Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight

Gr 1–3—Back when Luke Skywalker's adventures were just words on a page, George Lucas worked with concept artist Ralph McQuarrie to create the signature look of the vast Star Wars universe. Now DiTerlizzi introduces the original Star Wars trilogy to a new generation with a picture book illustrated with stunning sketches and gouache paintings. True to its title, this retelling focuses on Luke's tale, relegating the other characters to supporting roles. It recounts the story of Luke's journey from farm boy to Jedi Knight. DiTerlizzi delved deep into the Lucasfilm archives to select artwork that perfectly captures the most memorable locales, from the wretched hive of Mos Eisley spaceport to the stark interiors of the Death Star. The layout allows McQuarrie's art to shine, alternating between small panels and large full page illustrations. DiTerlizzi's lively text condenses the saga into a brisk 64 pages without losing the iconic moments that have delighted generations of fans. Blasters, explosions, and light sabers abound, yet the violence is restrained compared to the movies. It is the ideal initiation for young Padawans taking their first steps into a larger world.—Tony Hirt, Hennepin County Library, MN