Local author Tom Angleberger has folded more than 1,000 Origami Yodas to promote his new kids’ book, The Stange Case of Origami Yoda. Now he’s ready to teach Star Wars fans of all ages how to make their own paper Yoda finger puppet.

We decided to ask Angleberger a few questions about his new project.

NRV: What gave you an initial interest in writing a kids’ book?
TA: I was writing a book for adults and a kid in the story took over. I quickly realized that writing about kids for kids was natural for me. As for writing fiction about adults for adults … I’ve given up on that. But hopefully, some adults will want to read Origami Yoda anyway.

NRV: How did you come up with the idea for lovable loser Dwight and his talking Origami Yoda?
TA: I’m a Star Wars fan from way back. And an occasional origami folder. One day I saw an origami Yoda on the Internet. It looked too hard for me to fold, so I decided to try making a really simple one. When I was done, there was a place to put your finger and use it as a puppet.

Since it was Yoda, of course, it was going to say wise things. And the “loser” kid … well, they always say write what you know and I know a thing or two about being a clueless middle-school kid. The fun part was making him turn out to not be a loser at all.

Once I found the perfect editor for the book, the final piece of the puzzle was getting Lucasfilm’s approval. I thought that would be impossible, but in fact Lucasfilm has been great—not only giving me the greenlight, but actively promoting the book.

NRV: How did reading as a child and young adult influence you and your writing today?
TA: Today I try to write books that I would have liked back when I was a crazy, non-stop reader in the 5th and 6th grade.

NRV: What do you hope readers of your book will take from the story?
TA: I really just want people to read the story and start rooting for Dwight. Maybe they’ll realize that Dwight may have been clueless, but he was full of positive energy. And, of course, I hope they’ll use the instructions in the back of the book to make their own Origami Yodas!

NRV: And finally, what professional goals have you set now that you’ve finished this project?
TA: Well, don’t tell anyone, but I’m working on a sequel.

NRV: Um, OK Tom, we won’t tell anyone. We promise!

Angleberger will be holding free folding workshops, reading from his book, and signing copies at these locations:

April 9, 6 p.m.: Barnes & Noble, Christiansburg

April 11, 2 p.m.: Peacework Walk to Read at Kent Square, Blacksburg

April 25, 2 p.m.: Origami Yoda Party at Meadowbrook Library, Shawsville (Star Wars Costume Contest, free activities, refreshments, prizes)

For more information about the book, visit www.origamiyoda.com.