New Pop-Up Paper Projects

Paul Johnson has an international reputation for his pioneering work in developing literacy through the book arts and is author of over 15 titles including Pop-up Paper Engineering (Falmer, 1992). A successful book artist with work in the collections of the Cooper-Hewitt Museum in New York, the National Gallery and the Library of Congress in Washington, DC as well as many US universities, his work has been selected for a number of awards and exhibitions including Stand and Deliver, a US touring exhibition of pop-up editioned books.

As a primary school teacher, I can find design and technology projects a bit daunting. Almost nothing frustrates me more than having a class full of children making a mess with paper, scissors and glue. However, a book like this has the potential to transform that teacher’s nightmare into creative bliss, fuelling the children’s imaginations and turning those sheets of paper into imaginative and exciting creations. From a stand-alone project, something to keep children amused during free time, or a cross-curricular topic, this is a valuable resource for anyone who works with, or has, children.The book is divided into two main sections, with progressively harder designs. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, accompanied by labelled diagrams, which will appeal especially to visual learners. At the start of the book is a list of thematic contents, making it quick and easy to refer to something specific - from Little Red Riding Hood, to Macbeth, it could be an interesting way of engaging children in literature, for example, by bringing the stories alive. What I find particularly interesting about this book, is the fact that there are no precise measurements for the designs, making room for individuality and a little creative licence. Ultimately, as the author himself states, "making things with the hands is at the core of learning", and this book facilitates that in a wonderful way. I am looking forward to creating some interesting things with my pupils! Carly Neighbour, Primary School Teacher

• 1. Making 90-degree pop-ups 2. Vertical boxes 3. Horizontal boxes 4. Angled pop-ups 5. Angled pop-ups with additions 6. Geometric pop-ups 7. Asymmetrical pop-ups – vertical 8. Asymmetrical pop-ups - horizontal 9. Story books 10. Hanging pop-up books 11. Making 180-degree pop-ups 12. Magic rainbows 13. More magic rainbows 14. Combining Pop-ups 15. Zigzag pop-ups 16. Projected pop-ups 17. All creatures great and small 18. Houses 19. Cubes and pyramids 20. Constructing with boxes 21. Cars, boats and planes 22. Pop-up pictures 23. Diagonal pop-ups 24. Diagonal pop-ups with movables 25. Bracketed diagonal pop-ups 26. Single sheet 180-degree pop-ups 27. Pop-ups without folds 28. Paper mechanics 29. Star books 30. Tunnel books 31. Carousel book 32. Visual stories 33. Making books