Jar Jar's Journey

Copyright: KBkids.com

Star Wars fever may have peeked in 1999, but it is sure to continue with the video release, and upcoming movies. Younger children (under 8) have had few Star Wars programs to choose from. If you have a Star Wars fan, or fan of animated books at your house, they are sure to enjoy Jar Jar's Journey.

The sound here is great for a program of this caliber. The graphics are fairly good, but nothing stunning. Like most animated storybooks, you can choose to listen to the story, or skip around in the adventure. The only option you do not have here it so read the story independently. The reason for this seems to be that the characters give a fair amount of dialogue before each page actually begins.

Jar Jar's Journey contains fourteen animated pages, with hot spots and printed text. The story recounts the Episode 1 adventure from the point where Jar Jar comes into the picture, through Anakin leaving his mother. Different Star Wars characters read various pages, making the story much more interesting. Several words on each page can also be changed. This is a great way to learn about synonyms. Definitions of difficult words are explained through cute songs.

Within the story, you will find seven activities. While none will raise your child's SAT score, they do involve some thinking skills.

• Crazy Characters: Mix and match body parts to create alien creatures from the story.
• Food Finder: Listen to clues in order to serve the aliens the food they want.
• Bongo Maze: Guide the Bongo sub through a maze to the city of Theeds.
• Flashing Lights: Play a version of Simon with R-2 D-2.
• Picture Match: A multilevel concentration game.
• Coloring Center: A rather bland coloring book activity.

While nothing here will make your jaw drop to the floor, young Star Wars fans will enjoy listening to the Episode 1 story with their favorite characters. You may be relieved to know that Jar Jar tones down his bizarre language, and speaks normal English here.

Bottom Line: A nice animated storybook for younger kids who have been left out of the Star Wars software market for the most part.

Ratings: (based on KBkids.com's 4 star rating system)

Overall: 3

BrainGain: 2

FunFactor: 3

EasePlease: 4

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