Who can resist opening a door or lifting a flap just to see what's inside? No one. And that's why this seasonal, alphabetical pop-up book has become such a Christmas favorite. Beneath each lettered flap is an intricate three-dimensional paper cutout of a holiday-related object that starts with the same letter (A for angel, B for bell, C for candle). The cutouts, emerging from colorful squares, are all made of crisp white paper--creating an origami elegance. Yet the paper sculptures are decidedly joyful and unpredictable, like the exploding shreds of paper beside the title "unwrap" under the letter U. Robert Sabuda made his first pop-up book when he was 8 years old, but abandoned the art when he failed to figure out how to make the cyclone twirl in The Wizard of Oz. Apparently, he's finally mastered the art of motion, since many of the pop-ups feature movements such as flight for the angel, and the tender joining of lips for the kiss of two reindeer. Sabuda has also mastered the art of whimsy, making The Christmas Alphabet, The 12 Days of Christmas, and Cookie Count seasonal staples in households of children young and old. (All ages) --Gail Hudson


From Publishers Weekly
A marvel of paper engineering, this paper-over-board alphabet book transcends the usual connotations of "pop-up." Four large flaps per spread-each representing a letter of the alphabet-open to reveal sophisticated 3-D images, some with parts that move in uncommonly inventive ways. Many of the pop-ups are obvious Christmas symbols: the Manger, a Nutcracker and a Poinsettia (the last-mentioned blooms majestically when the flap is lifted). Others have ambiguous-but resourceful-ties to the holiday: a Kiss is portrayed by two reindeer, face-to-face; and two frolicking snowmen are Friends. Representing the final letter is an obviously tuckered-out Santa ("Zzzzzzz"), asleep on his pillow. A yuletide gem. All ages. Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Kirkus Reviews
The Christmas book of the year. These 26 dazzling, magical pop-ups commemorate holiday sights and symbols in unforgettable ways. Each effect (there are four per spread) with its one-word label, is hidden behind a flap of undecorated colored paper, glued onto a plain white background. Most of the pop-ups themselves are white, which gives them an elegant look, and Sabuda (Saint Valentine, 1992) has designed them all to move gracefully when the flaps are opened. The ``Angel'' rises up reverently; a halo spins behind the ``Candle'' flame; a pair of snow ``Friends'' wave cheerily; ribbon swirls around a ``Gift'' (lift the box cover to find out what it is); the ``Snowflake'' and ``Poinsettia'' seem to explode out; and, at the end, Santa is seen catching a few Zs. Besides being an imaginative paper designer, Sabuda uses form, color, and space expertly: a rare combination. Just terrific. (Pop- up/Picture book. All ages) -- Copyright ©1994, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.


Book Description
Celebrate Christmas with this beautiful pop-up alphabet book by award-winning author Robert Sabuda. "The Christmas book of the year. Twenty-six dazzling, magical pop-ups commemorate holiday sights and symbols in unforgettable ways....Most of the pop-ups themselves are white, which gives them an elegant look, and Sabuda...has designed them all to move gracefully when the flaps are opened....Besides being an imaginative paper designer, Sabuda uses form, color, and space expertly....Just terrific. " -- Pointer, KIRKUS REVIEW

FROM THE PUBLISHER

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Christmas Alphabet, Robert Sabuda has created a brand-new pop-up. This limited edition is covered in green foil with a brand-new cover design.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

A marvel of paper engineering, this paper-over-board alphabet book transcends the usual connotations of ``pop-up.'' Four large flaps per spread-each representing a letter of the alphabet-open to reveal sophisticated 3-D images, some with parts that move in uncommonly inventive ways. Many of the pop-ups are obvious Christmas symbols: the Manger, a Nutcracker and a Poinsettia (the last-mentioned blooms majestically when the flap is lifted). Others have ambiguous-but resourceful-ties to the holiday: a Kiss is portrayed by two reindeer, face-to-face; and two frolicking snowmen are Friends. Representing the final letter is an obviously tuckered-out Santa (``Zzzzzzz''), asleep on his pillow. A yuletide gem. All ages. (Sept.)

Children's Literature - Susie Wilde