Scott's Rating:   4 out of 4

This is a Step 4 young reader's book, intended for Grades 2-4. But make no mistake about it, it's an important part of Star Wars continuity. Watto sends Anakin to Mochat Steep to trade with the Jawas for Podracer parts. The Jawas have parts from Regga the Hammerhead's wrecked racer.

Anakin takes C-3PO with him and they meet the Jawas. Anakin finds out that they need water desperately, so they trade the parts for a vaporator that Anakin fixes for them.

Anakin returns to Mos Espa, and Watto enters him in a Pod Race. He does well until Sebulba cheats and causes him to crash. Watto is furious and makes him repair the Pod. That evening, Anakin meets up with his friends Kitster and Wald and they run into a Galactic Republic pilot who tells them stories.

Scott:

    This book is good for parents because it has instructions on how to work with their kids and their reading skills with these books. Then there are stickers for the kids. The book is also under $5, which is very reasonable.

The first part of the story is original to this book, though it is slightly based on a scene that takes place in the novelization by Terry Brooks. The second part of the book is basically the opening scene of the movie novelization. This story is pretty cool because it expands so much on the film. We get to see a bit of the relationship between Anakin, C-3PO, Shmi, and Watto. We also learn more about Anakin's friends and his dreams.

The art by John Alvin is great, and kids should love it. It is not dumbed down for them, so adults should enjoy it too.

Scott:

    I have no complaints about this book. I loved it!

Scott:

    Watto is ugly no matter how he is portrayed, eh?