Book Review: Jedi Reader - Jar Jar's Mistake

Rediscovering young reader books via the children, and I was lucky to find some amusing Star Wars titles at the Thrift store, so let’s dive in.

Author: Nancy Krulik

Illustrator: Rich Waltz

Publisher: Random House (1999)

Series: Step 1 Jedi Readers

Today’s review is a fun throwback to 1999, diving into "Jar Jar’s Mistake," part of the Step 1 Jedi Readers line: early reader books designed to help young Star Wars fans develop their reading skills. Written by Nancy Krulik and brought to life with colourful illustrations by Rich Waltz, this book captures the chaos and comedy that is Jar Jar Binks.

The Story

Jar Jar Binks is clumsy, very clumsy! In this adventure, Jar Jar accidentally angers Sebulba, the aggressive podracer from The Phantom Menace that we all remember. Things quickly go from bad to worse as Sebulba isn’t known for being forgiving. Will Jar Jar get "crunched," or can he learn to be more careful in time?

The story is told in a simple and engaging style, perfect for beginner readers. With short sentences, rhymes, and repetition, it provides a fun and confidence-building reading experience for young Star Wars fans. My son enjoyed it.

The Highlights

Designed for Early Readers: As a Step 1 book, it’s all about easy words, rhyme patterns, and gentle humour to encourage new readers. I found it faithful to the characters: Nancy Krulik captures Jar Jar’s good-hearted, chaotic energy perfectly. The eye-catching art of Rich Waltz’s illustrations is bold, colourful, and packed with action, making every page a visual delight to explore. Then, of course, the Episode I setting ties nicely into The Phantom Menace without getting bogged down in complex lore, allowing the kids to learn the characters without distraction.

This is very simple for older Readers: Anyone beyond the beginner stage will find the story very basic and fast-paced, which makes sense as it is a starter’s book. Jar Jar’s humour isn’t for Everyone: If you weren’t a fan of Jar Jar’s antics in the films, this book won't change your mind.

Final Thoughts

Jar Jar’s Mistake is a bright, charming, and very beginner-friendly Star Wars adventure. It’s ideal for kids just starting their reading journey, or for adult collectors looking to revisit a slice of 1999 Star Wars nostalgia. If you’re hunting for a simple, colourful entry point into the galaxy far, far away and don’t mind a little clumsiness along the way, this one’s worth adding to your library.