Paper Folding Fun

Children's Literature

Paper folding has been enjoyed for many centuries. Learning paper folding from a book requires clear illustrations and good icons for indicating direction of fold, etc. The projects start off with an easy, playful butterfly. A practical envelope follows. Then the projects get much more complicated. A turtle has all four legs, a tail, and a head. A jumping frog is equally complex. A photo frame is made around a favorite photo to keep or give as a gift. A rolled piece of paper is the post around which a top made of folded paper spins. A fortune teller is a popular item kids love to make for hours of entertainment. Many of these projects are quite complicated and may require the assistance of an adult or someone who has experience with paper folding. Bright, colorful photographs give a good idea of what finished projects are supposed to look like. The only surprise with this book is the small number of projects included in the volume. Part of the "I Made It Myself!" series. 2006 (orig. 2004), Gareth Stevens, Ages 5 to 10.
—Kristin Harris

School Library Journal

Gr 2-5-Colorful and inviting, these books introduce young artists to some interesting and expressive materials and techniques including art foam, paper folding, papier-mache, and salt dough. Each slim volume begins with a two-page introduction that outlines the basic properties and processes involved in working with the materials, followed by several appealing projects. Illustrations are bright and plentiful, with full-color photographs accompanying thorough written instructions in most instances. However, each volume is written by a different author and there is some unevenness and abruptness in the resulting texts; for example, the introduction in Salt Dough starts off with a recipe, failing to mention that the dough is meant to be molded like clay. In Paper Folding Fun, the complex set of folding diagrams rather than photographs for each project makes following directions a challenge; the result is a volume not really suitable for absolute beginners. Still, these titles have lots of child appeal, with projects that are both challenging and fun. In particular, Papier-Mache includes nine versatile and creative ideas including a "Creeping Crocodile," paper beads, and gigantic candy party decorations.-Teri Markson, Stephen S. Wise Temple Elementary School, Los Angeles Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.