Via Starwars.com:

REVISIT SOME WEIRD ’70S AND ’80S BOOKS — REMEMBER THE HOOJIBS? — THAT STAND THE TEST OF TIME.

I love children’s picture books. That’s not a confession so much as it’s a statement of fact. I love them so much that I originally started blogging as a way to write about some of the amazing books I was reading to my kids every night. I’ve written extensively about picture books on numerous sites, and I’ve interviewed most of my favorite authors and illustrators (including quite a few legends) about what drives them creatively. And now here I am, talking about Star Wars books to you. I can’t deny it: I’m spreading the gospel of children’s literature as far and as wide as possible. And I love it.

I’m also a collector of vintage (1977-1985ish) Star Wars stuff, and these two passions intersect in a wonderful place. It’s true that Disney Publishing and Del Rey are putting out some phenomenally good books at the moment (including some amazing YA and kids’ books), but that’s hardly a new development. Books have always been a huge part of Star Wars. It’s true today, and it was true back when the original trilogy was brand new.

However, the biggest difference is that back then — especially in the years before The Empire Strikes Back — authors were flying blind. They had no idea where the story was going, and they had no idea what the true connections among the characters were. Best of all, though, is that there wasn’t anyone responsible for ensuring a single, cohesive, and consistent storyline. In short, there was no set continuity.

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