How to Make Holiday Pop-Ups

Grade 3-7?Pictures of finished products that look as if they actually were made by children make this book user-friendly. Covering a variety of religious and cultural holidays, Irvine presents very basic descriptions of the celebrations, the dates and reasons for observing them, and the years in which they were instituted. The introduction states that the holidays chosen were those in which children are involved in the festivities, and on which cards are usually exchanged. Chapters end with suggestions for adapting projects for red-letter days other than those specifically mentioned. The book concludes with a chronological list of the holidays included. Clear, concise directions, including both metric and British imperial measurements, are given for more than 30 pop-ups. Although there are pictures of nearly every step, many projects refer back to others for specifics about certain procedures. Adult help is advised, not with each project, but in the introduction, when using sharp scissors or a utility knife. Although younger children will need some help and supervision, this is a truly delightful book that offers fun and useful projects.?Marilyn Fairbanks, East Junior High, Brockton, MA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 3^-6. Irvine's colorfully illustrated craft book suggests designs and provides detailed instructions for making holiday cards with pop-up pictures. The chapters focus on celebrations within five themes: friendship and love, heritage, faith, people and events, and the new year. Reflecting the multicultural breadth of the book, the section on faith includes the holidays Wesak (Buddhism) and Eid-ul-Fitre (Islam) as well as Easter, Hanukkah, and Christmas. A typical project is presented on a double-page spread with an introduction to the holiday and a series of step-by-step directions. The line-and-watercolor illustrations reinforce the directions and show the finished product. This attractive addition to craft collections will be useful throughout the year. Carolyn Phelan