IMPRESSIVE POP-UP BOOKS

The heyday of the pop-up book was back in Victorian times when they were hugely popular espacially in Britain and Germany where most were published.

From time-to-time the pop-up book makes a comeback often as facsimile reproductions of the original Victorian titles. I once saw a pop-up book in production and I have to say I was amazed at the complicated paper engineering that went into it.

Prominent British children's publisher Walker books has just published three new titles, all impressive and quite different from each other.

They are FLANIMALS by Ricky Gervais, CARS by Robert Crowther, and SWAN LAKE by Viola Ann Seddon and Jean Mahoney.

FLANIMALS

Ricky Gervais

Walker Books - NZ $34.99

Fans will know that Flanimals is a hugely popular children's and adults' book series written by comedian Ricky Gervais. There is a reported to be a movie on the way but meantime here is the pop-up version

CARS

Robert Crowther

Walker Books - $29.99

Boys of all ages are going to love this pop-up book which takes you for a drive in cars from the very first carriages to the cars of tomorrow. Pull tabs and lift flaps inside to find out how engines work and even see your car slide off the production line.There is even a stock car race track to line up on.

SWAN LAKE

Viola Ann Seddon & Jean Mahoney

Walker Books - $39.99

Every young ballerina should have one of these so she can recreate her favourite scenes from Tchaikovsky's magical ballet with this spectaular ballet theatre. The package comes with a fold-out theatre, a drawer to hold components, 11 dancing figures and supporting cast, scenery and backdrops, story booklet and a CD of musical selections. Great value, beautifully assembled.Hours of pleasure guaranteed.