This is a long post! But stick with me folks, I promise rewards all the way through to the end!
That thing I said about magic? It is something often said of books. But it is perhaps most true of pop-up books, where the very act of turning a page mobilizes the mechanisms that get the book’s key characters, settings, and details leaping out at you, seemingly magically. With their hidden engineering, the surprises revealed page after page, and their vivid, 3-D imagery, pop-ups can engage the most book-detesting kiddo. Especially because the latest pop-up book creators are taking their art and science to a whole new level.
Perhaps the best known “paper engineers” working in the U.S. today are Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart. They have collaborated on a number of books and published individually as well. And the sophistication of their work has to be seen to be believed. For a fascinating primer, please make sure to watch this short and wonderful video with your young reader. Created by the team at National Public Radio’s awesome Science Friday program, the video gives a glimpse into Matthew Reinhart’s artistic process: the inspiration, the technology, the craftsmanship, the workspace, and the end results. (Did I say already: Science Friday, you’re awesome! So are you, Mathew Reinhart!)
Reinhart’s books cover themes dear to many a kid’s (especially boy’s) heart—Star Wars, Transformers, Lego, and Super Heroes. To be honest, these are far from literary masterpieces. They simply introduce and describe characters, places, vehicles, etc., rather than narrate a story. Sabuda and Reinhart’s collaborations (Dinosaurs, Dragons & Monsters, and Gods & Heroes) also forgo narrative in favor of description. But in the end, their craftsmanship and ability to captivate are beyond question. Some of our favorite pop-up tableaux from these: The truck cab turning into Optimus Prime in Transformers, Batman leaping against the backdrop of Gotham City in Super Heroes, the rolodex-like guide to mini-figure history in Legos, the archaeopteryx in Dinosaurs, the Chinese dragon in Dragons & Monsters…I could go on.
For more narrative books, turn to the following masterworks by Sabuda. These are great ways to see one person’s amazing visualizations of some classic tales. These stories use abridged versions of the original texts (though I do wish that Sabuda’s Peter Pan updated some of the language of the 1911 original. The word “redskins” is sprinkled throughout, just as in J.M. Barrie original text, and I really wish it wasn’t. That said, it was an opportunity to discuss the topic of hurtful anachronisms with my kids). My favorite pop-ups here: the hot-air balloon inflating in Wizard of Oz, Alice falling down a psychedelic well in Alice in Wonderland, the sock-strewn interior of the tree-stump home of the Lost Boys in Peter Pan…again, I could go on and on.
And these are just the tip of the popberg. There are many more great books where these came from, so keep exploring.
Considering getting some pop-up books? Here’s a caveat: These books are fragile. Think of them as collectibles. While tempting, they are simply not worth buying or borrowing for younger children (I’ve seen too many heartbreakingly ravaged library copies as proof, and sadly have some proof in my own home.) I recommend these for ages 8 and up (okay, 7 if you kid is the careful type), and kept very far out of the reach of younger siblings.
Have a child who is intrigued by the whole pop-up concept from a creative angle? I highly recommend Robert Sabuda’s website. There, your kids will find an inspiring biography, and a guide to undertaking their own pop-up projects, complete with a number of printable templates to get them started. There’s also a nice international pop-up gallery. International readers: see if there is a local artist whose work you can follow, and let us know if you find some local gems.
Do you have a favorite pop-up book that would work for other kids? Are there other pop-up artists whose work your kids enjoy? Do you have a favorite pop-up page? Feel free to share!
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