Pop-Up Books for Adults? Absolutely!
Categories: Nonfiction , Arts & Crafts
Remember being a little kid and spending delightful hours with your Cinderella or Winnie-the-Pooh pop-up book? Pop-up books have changed! Pop-up artists -- or rather Paper Engineers -- are producing beautiful books worthy of being call works of art.
Robert Sabuda is arguably the best popup artist around. His latest creation, Encyclopedia Prehistorica: Sharks and Other Sea Monsters (with Matthew Reinhart, 2006) is a fascinating, fabulous exploration of sharks, dinosaurs, whales, and mollusks from ancient times to today. For a patriotic boost, look over his America the Beautiful (2004), or enjoy the beauty of snow in Winter's Tale (2005) with illustrations that will leave you speechless.
Also noteworthy, David A. Carter's One Red Dot (2005) has delighted and surprised every audience I have presented it to, of every age.
Of course after seeing these books you will be inspired to make one. The Elements of Pop-Up: A Pop-Up Book for Aspiring Paper Engineers by David A. Carter will show you how.
Paper Engineering for Adults? Of course -- but I prefer "Pop-Ups for Grown-Ups"!
Here is a list of recommended Pop-Up Books -- NOT just for kids!
- Johnny Gruelle's Raggedy Ann and Andy and the Camel with the Wrinkled Knees (2003), illustrations adapted and paper engineering by Kees Moerbeek. Many of us remember the Raggedy Ann books from childhood.
- Christmas in New York by Chuck Fischer (2005). The best part is the working illustration of the Rockettes!
- Jack and the Beanstalk: Illustrated in Three Dimensions by Chuck Murphy. Stunning.
- Matthew Reinhart's Cinderella: A Pop-Up Fairy Tale (2005). Fun!
- Peanuts: A Pop-Up Celebration (2004), based on the comic strips of Charles M. Schulz, art adapted by Paige Braddock, paper engineering by Bruce Foster. A wonderful tribute to Charles Schulz and his Peanuts gang.
- Brooklyn Pops Up (2000), by Pamela Thomas, presented by Brooklyn Public Library with various artists including Maurice Sendak, Robert Sabuda, David A Carter, and Kees Moerbeck. Interesting recognizable landmarks.
- Robert Sabuda: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (2003); The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (2000); Dinosaurs: Encyclopedia Prehistorica (2005); The Night Before Christmas (2002). Feasts for the eyes!
