What a time to be a Star Wars fan. In the last few years, we’ve seen multiple feature films and animated series, we’ve played several of the best video games the franchise has seen, and we’ve gotten an abundance of stellar books and comics. And that’s not even mentioning what’s on the horizon. We’re certainly not wanting for content.

Nevertheless, even with all of the amazing storytelling across so many media, a vast majority of the new stories being told in our favorite galaxy far, far away take place on the printed page. What began a few years ago as a slow stream of new books dedicated to fleshing out specific aspects of the Star Wars universe has since become a raging torrent. In the last year or two, the Star Wars publishing machine has been turning out an impressive number and variety of new books.

There have been numerous monthly comics, a bookshelf’s worth of novels and short stories, and a deluge of classic comic strip reprints, making-of books, art-of titles, and behind-the-scenes peeks. On top of all that, there’s been a surprising number of books aimed at younger readers.

Star Wars (and, by proxy, Disney, Lucasfilm, Disney Publishing, Del Rey Books, and several other publishers) has made a concerted effort to capture kids and younger readers. Even though many of these books primarily target elementary and middle-grade kids, there’s absolutely nothing preventing younger, more precocious readers from taking them on (or, for that matter, from older readers – including adults – from cracking them open and enjoying them).

But don’t let the “young reader” label fool you. These books are all great fun and worth the read no matter your age. They’re excellent stories from excellent authors. Give them a chance, even if you don’t have a young Star Wars reader at home.

But if you do? Hokey smokes are you in luck. Here are 9 of our favorites, roughly arranged according to age…

Search Your Feelings

written by Calliope Glass & Caitlin Kennedy; illustrated by Katie Cook; published by Disney Lucasfilm Press

We learned the alphabet with A, B, C-3PO. We practiced counting with Obi-One, Two, Three. And now we get in touch with our emotions with Search Your Feelings. Just as delightful as the first two, this book helps young Padawans understand the tidal wave of different feelings they experience every day. Accompanying Katie Cook’s heart-achingly adorable art are charming poems that relate those feelings to familiar Star Wars characters and moments.

We see how young Anakin is excited, Padmé is afraid, Princess Leia is hopeful, Han Solo is confident, Yoda is calm, Rey is determined, and Kylo Ren is angry. And many, many more. It’s all the feels. The galaxy is an emotional place. You know it to be true.

C-3PO Does Not Like Sand!

written by Caitlin Kennedy; illustrated by Brian Kesinger; published by Disney Lucasfilm Press

Turns out that Anakin isn’t the only one who really hates sand. This adorable picture book, illustrated by personal favorite Brian Kesinger, finds 3PO, R2-D2, and BB-8 on Tatooine, trying to complete a secret mission for the Resistance. Typically, everything goes sideways for our droid trio, despite 3PO’s determined effort to stay on track.

If you follow Kesinger on Twitter or Instagram, you know how amazing his art is. And if you’ve been anxiously awaiting a full Star Wars book with his art, then here you go! I’ve still got my fingers crossed for a Li’l Kylo book, though.

Are You Scared, Darth Vader?

written and illustrated by Adam Rex; published by Disney Lucasfilm Press

A picture book that’ll have you reevaluating everything you thought you knew about Darth Vader? A book that’ll evoke surprising feelings for the Sith lord? But still make you laugh out loud? And one you’ll actually WANT to read again and again? It’s like the gift that keeps on giving. Adam Rex is one of the current “masters” of the picture book medium, and that mastery is on display here. No one has the power to scare Darth Vader. Right? That’s what he claims, anyway, so a group of kids do their best to scare him. It does not go as expected. This book should be in EVERY child’s (and Star Wars fan’s) library.

Star Wars Who’s Who in the Galaxy Character Storybook

written by Ella Patrick; illustrated by PowerStation, Pilot Studio, and Leigh Zieske; published by Disney Lucasfilm Press

Perfect for read-alouds or independent reading, this collection of 8 stories (one for the first 8 films in the Skywalker saga) is intercut with brief character spotlights and vignettes. Read the Return of the Jedi story, for example, and take a quick breather to learn more about Jabba the Hutt and Wicket. The stories have all been adapted for young readers/listeners and presented with all-new art. This is a great choice for bedtime that provides a fresh perspective on familiar stories and answers many of the “Who’s that?” questions young’uns typically ask.

The Mighty Chewbacca in the Forest of Fear

written by Tom Angleberger; illustrated by Andie Tong; published by Disney Lucasfilm Press

For my money, Tom Angleberger has a bit of the Midas Touch when it comes to middle grade stories. His books are golden, is what I’m saying. And he’s no stranger to Star Wars. Whether it’s the Origami Yoda series or his YA adaptation of Return of the Jedi, his storytelling style is pure magic. And that magic hasn’t lessened over the years.

If you’re looking for a fun read that’ll have you smiling all the way through, please look no further. The Mighty Chewbacca in the Forest of Fear is one of the most enjoyable Star Wars books in recent memory. It features a surprising team-up of Chewbacca and K-2SO along with a beautifully compelling new character, Mayv.

Overflowing with killer bugs, man-eating monsters, and skyscraper-sized worms, the book also blesses us with an abundance of K2’s snark, Chewie’s innermost thoughts, and Mayv’s self-discovery. Do yourself a favor and add this one to your shelf, stat.

You’d also do well to check out my conversation with Tom, which focuses on this incredible book.

Star Wars Adventures

written and illustrated by various; published by IDW Publishing

If your young reader wants to jump into the world of Star Wars graphic storytelling but isn’t quite ready for the various Marvel series, there’s no better place to start than here. IDW’s Star Wars Adventures series presents brilliant all-ages stories that encompass the entire saga. Stories are told in installments across issues and feature all the main characters – from The Phantom Menace to The Last Jedi (and beyond). New issues come out monthly, and six collections have been released so far. (Volume 7 is due out later this year.)

Tales from Vader’s Castle

written by Cavan Scott; illustrated by various; published by IDW Publishing

Spinning off from the core Star Wars Adventures series, Tales from Vader’s Castle was a weekly “event” series leading up to Halloween last year. The series presents some all-ages frights in the grand tradition of spooky campfire stories. How much of the story is embellishment for scare value? How much is rooted in truth? Does it matter? Although the stories – featuring the likes of Hera, Kanan, Han, Chewie, Dooku, and the Ewoks(!!) – are a perfect pairing with the spirit of the Halloween season, they’re great fun any time of year. The collected trade of the entire story is available now, and a second series is set to release this October (in a friendly comics shop near you).

Star Wars Maker Lab: 20 Craft and Science Projects

written by Liz Lee Heinecke & Cole Horton; published by DK Children

Want to inspire your young reader to pursue real-life science? Want to make your own kyber crystals, Ewok catapult, or R2-D2 holoprojector? Learn the science behind the Death Star superlaser or tractor beam? Engage your kids in relatively easy STEM projects you can do at home? Star Wars Maker Lab is a DIY arts-and-crafts book meant to inspire budding engineers and scientists with fun Star Wars-themed projects. Some of the projects are those you might find in any number of similar books, but the re-theming somehow makes them so much more appealing. (I’m looking at you, Mustafar Volcano and Jabba Slime.) Each project is presented with easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions and plenty of explanations about the science behind the fun. Absolutely perfect for the proverbial rainy afternoon or lazy weekend.

Star Wars: The Complete Visual Dictionary (New Edition)

written by James Luceno, David West Reynolds, Ryder Windham, Jason Fry, and Pablo Hidalgo; published by DK Publishing

OK, sure, this one isn’t exclusively for kids since DK’s visual dictionaries are reliably gorgeous and worth hours of exploration by any fan. But putting this in a kid’s hand will totally immerse them in the world of Star Wars, so don’t be surprised if they come up for air and have turned into a full-fledged Star Wars nerd who’ll quiz you on the most arcane minutiae of the galaxy.

DK books are renowned for their production quality and beautifully designed pages. They abound with gorgeous art and photos. And 95 percent of the reason you should pick up any DK title is to marvel at the love and attention they give to every topic. This new edition of the visual dictionary has been updated to include The Last Jedi and Solo: A Star Wars Story.

If you don’t own the previous edition, do yourself a favor and grab this one. It’s stunning.