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Star Wars: The High Republic
Showdown at the Fair
Long before the Clone Wars, the Empire, or the First Order, the Jedi lit the way for the galaxy in a golden age known as the High Republic!
This exciting full-color storybook brings to life an epic clash between the Jedi Knights and their mysterious enemies, the Nihil. Burryaga the Wookiee Padawan and his fellow Jedi must save the day!
This exciting full-color storybook brings to life an epic clash between the Jedi Knights and their mysterious enemies, the Nihil. Burryaga the Wookiee Padawan and his fellow Jedi must save the day!
23 pages, Paperback
First published October 5, 2021
8 people are currently reading
532 people want to read
About the author
George Mann
369 books675 followersGeorge Mann is an author and editor, primarily in genre fiction. He was born in Darlington, County Durham in 1978.
A former editor of Outland, Mann is the author of The Human Abstract, and more recently The Affinity Bridge and The Osiris Ritual in his Newbury and Hobbes detective series, set in an alternate Britain, and Ghosts of Manhattan, set in the same universe some decades later.
He wrote the Time Hunter novella "The Severed Man", and co-wrote the series finale, Child of Time.
He has also written numerous short stories, plus Doctor Who and Sherlock Holmes audiobooks for Big Finish Productions. He has edited a number of anthologies including The Solaris Book of New Science Fiction, The Solaris Book of New Fantasy and a retrospective collection of Sexton Blake stories, Sexton Blake, Detective, with an introduction by Michael Moorcock.
A former editor of Outland, Mann is the author of The Human Abstract, and more recently The Affinity Bridge and The Osiris Ritual in his Newbury and Hobbes detective series, set in an alternate Britain, and Ghosts of Manhattan, set in the same universe some decades later.
He wrote the Time Hunter novella "The Severed Man", and co-wrote the series finale, Child of Time.
He has also written numerous short stories, plus Doctor Who and Sherlock Holmes audiobooks for Big Finish Productions. He has edited a number of anthologies including The Solaris Book of New Science Fiction, The Solaris Book of New Fantasy and a retrospective collection of Sexton Blake stories, Sexton Blake, Detective, with an introduction by Michael Moorcock.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
September 13, 2022
Watered down retelling of The Rising Storm for kids. Not sure how to rate books for children. Cute illustrations. 5 stars I guess.
April 16, 2025
A children's picture-book version of one of the most tedious battle sequences I've ever read in a book (and I've read a lot of Star Wars books). In this version, it sounds like the Jedi saved everyone and it was a glorious day. In fact, many people died, and the whole situation was the result of the chancellor's astoundingly stupid plan to go ahead with a fair when the Republic was in the midst of attacks from two enemies.
Simplified picture books of movies make some sense, because the child might see the movie. But in this case, it's a simplified picture book of an adult novel that no child is going to read for many years after they're right age for this book. Really bizarre publication strategy for the High Republic.
What's somewhat helpful here is illustrations of what the scenes in that original novel looked like. But then, why not include illustrations in all the books, regardless of what reading level they're intended for?
Simplified picture books of movies make some sense, because the child might see the movie. But in this case, it's a simplified picture book of an adult novel that no child is going to read for many years after they're right age for this book. Really bizarre publication strategy for the High Republic.
What's somewhat helpful here is illustrations of what the scenes in that original novel looked like. But then, why not include illustrations in all the books, regardless of what reading level they're intended for?
April 23, 2025
cute illustrations
November 20, 2021
The High Republic: Showdown at the Fair is the illustrated tie-in book for The Rising Storm, much in the same way that The Great Jedi Rescue was released a few months after Light of the Jedi. The book is a beautifully illustrated depiction of the events that occurred on Valo when the Nihil wreaked havoc during the celebrations at the Republic Fair.
Showdown at the Fair was written by George Mann, a newcomer to The High Republic, but certainly not a newcomer to Star Wars. In addition to the Myth & Fables books, Mann also co-wrote Life Day Treasury with Cavan Scott (who penned The Great Jedi Rescue).
Peter Antonsson lent his talented illustration skills to the book, bringing to life the colorful merriment that took place on Valo, as well as Burryaga—the Wookiee Jedi—as he faces off against the Nihil. Stellan Gios, Bell Zettifar, and his charhound Ember also make brief cameos in beautiful illustrations of some of the action they were part of in the novel.
Showdown at the Fair is the perfect book for anyone who needs a little extra assistance when imagining the events from The Rising Storm. Mann brings his own approach to this section of the novel, approaching it through Burryaga’s viewpoint, bringing young readers into the action through a character they may be able to release to.
The twenty-four-page story also comes with two pages of stickers, perfect for decorating your laptop or—like I have—keeping them right where they are within the pages of the book. You will have your pick of Burryaga, Stellan, Bell, and even Nihil stickers this time around. I hope that the next wave of High Republic-era stories follows the same pattern that The Great Jedi Rescue and Showdown at the Fair have done. Both books have been such charming inclusions within The High Republic by two very talented authors. I also hope that Mann has the opportunity to pen more stories within this era, if not within the mainline of novels, perhaps in a comic or tie-in story like this.
Showdown at the Fair was written by George Mann, a newcomer to The High Republic, but certainly not a newcomer to Star Wars. In addition to the Myth & Fables books, Mann also co-wrote Life Day Treasury with Cavan Scott (who penned The Great Jedi Rescue).
Peter Antonsson lent his talented illustration skills to the book, bringing to life the colorful merriment that took place on Valo, as well as Burryaga—the Wookiee Jedi—as he faces off against the Nihil. Stellan Gios, Bell Zettifar, and his charhound Ember also make brief cameos in beautiful illustrations of some of the action they were part of in the novel.
Showdown at the Fair is the perfect book for anyone who needs a little extra assistance when imagining the events from The Rising Storm. Mann brings his own approach to this section of the novel, approaching it through Burryaga’s viewpoint, bringing young readers into the action through a character they may be able to release to.
The twenty-four-page story also comes with two pages of stickers, perfect for decorating your laptop or—like I have—keeping them right where they are within the pages of the book. You will have your pick of Burryaga, Stellan, Bell, and even Nihil stickers this time around. I hope that the next wave of High Republic-era stories follows the same pattern that The Great Jedi Rescue and Showdown at the Fair have done. Both books have been such charming inclusions within The High Republic by two very talented authors. I also hope that Mann has the opportunity to pen more stories within this era, if not within the mainline of novels, perhaps in a comic or tie-in story like this.
December 23, 2021
A 24-page retelling of possibly the longest nonstop action sequence I have ever read. The original version takes place over 120 pages of wall-to-wall drug-crazed bloody slaughter in the middle of The Rising Storm, but this adaptation tones things down and focuses on the Wookiee. Bonus star because this actually gives a little extra explanation of Burryaga's role in the original story and includes some Nihil stickers, which is sort of like giving a little kid a temporary Hell's Angels tattoo.
This series continues to be borderline tasteless when considering the insane level of violence being adapted and hosed down, but at the end of the fucking day do I care if some parents rot their kids' minds with this stuff? Hell, I'm sure I would have loved it once I figured out it was actually a story about kamikaze space bikers on drugs.
This series continues to be borderline tasteless when considering the insane level of violence being adapted and hosed down, but at the end of the fucking day do I care if some parents rot their kids' minds with this stuff? Hell, I'm sure I would have loved it once I figured out it was actually a story about kamikaze space bikers on drugs.
January 8, 2024
A quick retelling of the Republic Fair from Burryaga's perspective. Naturally, I'm not the target audience, but it was still enjoyable to see Valo's illustrations. Additionally, it's impressive how George Mann and Petur Antonsson made one of the darker Star Wars stories accessible to children.
More importantly, it includes stickers.
More importantly, it includes stickers.
November 5, 2021
A good quick read of the battle from the Republic Fair. I am really glad Burryaga was highlighted in this book. Good illustrations and ok summary of the story. Also stickers, well if us ment for younger readers.
December 27, 2021
A wonderfully illustrated story with stickers,
February 16, 2022
stellan gios <3
April 4, 2023
Para nenes. Dibujos muy lindos con lo más importante de la feria de Valo.
March 31, 2025
Another hour long narrated graphic novel, this one summing up The Rising Storm which I read back in 2023. I’m happy to be back in The High Republic series.
January 16, 2026
I love Burryaga but this wasn't really a story I think that needed to be told; like it was a nice visual to previously covered events, but not really necessary to be on its own.
September 7, 2022
stellan <3
July 23, 2022
Bravery of the Youngest
conclusion: A small booklet with great artworks and easy-to-read text, fitting for kids.
story: The Republic fair with all its attractions and booths takes place on the planet of Valo. A great opportunity for the reublic to present itself and its advantages. But evil never sleeps. The Nihil attack and the Wookie padawan Burryaga doesn't hesitate to help those in need.
rating: The small booklet by George Mann is perfect for giving your children the chance to follow the High Republic storyline. The whole plot is summarised in a short form, the text is easy to understand and printed in a good size. Burryaga the lovable Wookie padawan serves as the protagonist again, which is a very suitable choice for the target group. The kids are taught the importance of supporting others and standing up for those in need. The artwork is cute and fitting. On top of that you'll receive to pages of stickers.
conclusion: A small booklet with great artworks and easy-to-read text, fitting for kids.
January 24, 2022
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In Showdown at the Fair readers visit the Republic Fair on the planet of Valo. The Fair attracts visitors from all over the Outer Rim galaxy and is an opportunity for others to see what the Republic has to offer. When the evil pirates called Nihil attack the fair, it’s up to Jedi Padawan Burryaga and Bell Zettifer to try to keep the fair visitors safe!
Showdown at the Fair is the second children’s book installment of the Star Wars High The High Republic Saga. Readers first encountered Burryaga in The Great Jedi Rescue and now he’s back battling the Nihil and remembering his Jedi training in the chaos of the attack. Like the previous book, this book relies on crisp illustrations that do a good job of showing off the action between the Jedi and their pursuers.
Showdown at the Fair is filled with tons of action and kids who are both Star Wars fans and new to the genre will enjoy these new Star Wars characters and adventures.
3.5/5 stars
In Showdown at the Fair readers visit the Republic Fair on the planet of Valo. The Fair attracts visitors from all over the Outer Rim galaxy and is an opportunity for others to see what the Republic has to offer. When the evil pirates called Nihil attack the fair, it’s up to Jedi Padawan Burryaga and Bell Zettifer to try to keep the fair visitors safe!
Showdown at the Fair is the second children’s book installment of the Star Wars High The High Republic Saga. Readers first encountered Burryaga in The Great Jedi Rescue and now he’s back battling the Nihil and remembering his Jedi training in the chaos of the attack. Like the previous book, this book relies on crisp illustrations that do a good job of showing off the action between the Jedi and their pursuers.
Showdown at the Fair is filled with tons of action and kids who are both Star Wars fans and new to the genre will enjoy these new Star Wars characters and adventures.
3.5/5 stars
November 27, 2021
A great picture book version of events in The Rising Storm but lots of spoilers. Don't read Showdown at the Fair if you are planning to read The Rising Storm. If you need a quick summary of the next major events in The High Republic, this book will give it to you.
January 29, 2022
Burryaga is my favorite Jedi of the High Republic, and I think the choice to make him the center of the young readers' books is spot on. I wish there had been more emphasis on his force sensitivity and empathy in this short book because young children need that. All the same, this was an enjoyable children's adaptation of The Rising Storm by Cavan Scott and something parents should feel comfortable sharing with their children. (The Rising Storm has a lot of death and destruction, and this book has the destruction, which may be why Burryaga's empathy and connection to life forms was not forefront.)
January 20, 2022
As with The Great Jedi Rescue before it, this is a children's book. I read it in about 3 minutes. That said, it provides a nice plot synopsis of the second major storyline for phase 1 of The High Republic. Also, with the huge array of new Star Wars characters being introduced in The High Republic, the illustrations in these children's books provide some much-needed visualization and clarity to help even an avid adult reader put names to faces when reading the "main" books. Again, it's meant for small children. But, it's a welcome addition to my collection.
December 14, 2023
Definitely intended for younger readers (although the art is appropriate for anyone), this retells the disaster of the Galactic Fair in a way that is appropriate for the Elementary school set, which is admittedly a challenging ask, considering how violent and destructive it is in the Rising Storm. But choosing Burryaga as the protagonist lets the story touch on a couple of different sequences and elide the worst of the violence and provide a happy-ish ending. Not something I'd rush out and buy for anyone, but for older readers it's 10 minutes of reading, so not much of an investment.
November 5, 2021
Am I sad for reading a book aimed at 3-7 year olds? Maybe. Do I care? No. Why? Because I have to wait until late January to read the second of the adult High Republic books so this gives me a bit of insight into what the story is going to be.
It's short and sweet like The Great Jedi Rescue and sums up, what I assume, is the first act of The Rising Storm.
It's simple. It pleases me.
It's short and sweet like The Great Jedi Rescue and sums up, what I assume, is the first act of The Rising Storm.
It's simple. It pleases me.
November 23, 2021
This was a wonderful read, the pictures were brilliant, and more time with Burry is always appreciated. Now, this is in parallel with the events of The Rising Storm, so reading it without context might be confusing, but I'm not a 100% on that as I did have all the context. Great story, great writing, and I just can't get over the fact that the little girl on the last page has a plushy of Burryaga.
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July 16, 2022
While it’s awesome to see some artwork relaying the battle at the Valo fair, this book extremely simplifies the entire theme of the longer book by stating, “the Nihil attack had failed,” (page 23).
Why not try and convey somewhat of the unease and sadness conveyed by the larger novel? Kids experience these feelings too and this book could have helped clarify some of those feelings.
It just feels like a cop-out to me 🤷🏼♂️
Just for the art;
I give it 3.8 Burryagas out of 5 Burryagas (3.8/5).
Why not try and convey somewhat of the unease and sadness conveyed by the larger novel? Kids experience these feelings too and this book could have helped clarify some of those feelings.
It just feels like a cop-out to me 🤷🏼♂️
Just for the art;
I give it 3.8 Burryagas out of 5 Burryagas (3.8/5).
November 15, 2021
A read-along with audio children's book telling the events of "The Rising Storm" featuring Burryaga, the lovable Wookiee Jedi as the main point of view. Obviously the main title is better, but nice to see Star Wars trying to bring The High Republic to kids.
Recommend, especially if you are a Star Wars parent.
Recommend, especially if you are a Star Wars parent.
January 25, 2024
5 stars for taking the events of such a crazy eventful book (one that blew my mind) and making it adaptable to a children’s audience. I love that they are using the high republic as an opportunity to get children interested in Star Wars while also creating these insane wonderful stories for us to read. Also Burryaga is one of two wookie Jedi’s who have my entire heart (shoutout to you Gungi)
February 18, 2025
I don’t know. Something about Space 9/11 just strikes me as the worst plot for a kids picture book. In a (literal) galaxy of characters, maybe anything else would have been a better story? A gorgeous picture of The Innovator though and it is nice seeing some of the characters drawn — shout out to Ember the Charhound, Star Wars’ very own Pokemon!
December 9, 2021
As an adult I do find myself enjoying this young readers from The High Republic. The illustrations and images are very well done and bring to life what is happening on the pages.
Overall, a fun and quick read but really only purchased to add to my High Republic collection.
Overall, a fun and quick read but really only purchased to add to my High Republic collection.
August 25, 2023
As with The Great Jedi Rescue and Light of the Jedi, Showdown at the Fair is a kids version of the main events of The Rising Storm. Again these kids versions do not add anything to the overall High Republic storyline but I enjoy the illustrations and it takes all of 10 minutes to read so why not?
October 1, 2023
A cute summarized retelling of the attack on the Republic Fair in Valo. Barely a glimpse of the horror and dread painted in The Rising Storm, but showing the hopeful triumph of Jedi and Republic vs the Nihil forces.
March 27, 2024
This was CUTE. And Hoopla has a fun “read along” feature so this basically became an audiobook with pictures lol. I don’t think it’s required reading for THR series but it’s still cute! Kinda wish I had a physical copy to read to my baby now.
October 7, 2021
Another fun High Republic adventure that my Youngling and I enjoyed together. His only criticism was that it needed more droids.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews