Ultimate Origami Challenge by Brian Soonho Yoon

 The moment I saw today's read, it was destined for a review. My siblings and I consumed books about origami as kids, each one of us trying to out fold the other. While this phase passed, the ability to quickly fold a crane or puffed frog didn't. It's amazing how useful this skill is when attending family gatherings, weddings, boring meals at restaurants and such. Why? Because it always keeps the kids around me busy for, at least, half an hour as they first play with my creations, and then, want to learn how to make them themselves. And the best part is, that almost any paper and size can be used. I've used grocery store receipts, thicker napkins, brochures...anything foldable will do.

So, I am excited to see how this book does, especially since the books I once read weren't exactly always clear or easy to follow. My own kids often were frustrated by the illustrations, since it's not always clear what direction the folds are supposed to go. 

Grab that paper because here we go!

ULTIMATE ORIGAMI CHALLENGE

by Brian Soonho Yoon

Z Kids

Middle Grade Nonfiction  /  Craft

128 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING SEPTEMBER 23rd!!!

Discover the magic of origami and learn key techniques to create animals, 3D shapes, or gifts for loved ones from paper!

Packed with 30 unique projects, including an inflatable bunny, flapping crane, throwing star, and pyramid, Ultimate Origami Challenge Kit for Kids 8–12 takes budding paper-folding enthusiasts from novice to pro. With fun facts, step-by-step instructions, and all the folding papers you need, kids can launch into creating a paper universe and build the confidence and skills to complete each challenge.

Unfold the joy of Ultimate Origami Challenge Kit for Kids 8–12.

CHALLENGING Kids progress at their own pace to gain and build on skills needed to advance from Apprentice to Specialist. Watch their confidence soar! BEGINNER-FRIENDLY FOLDING Dive straight in with bright folding papers and transform them to life. Generously sized at 7 x 7-inch squares, the 90 included sheets are perfect for new origamists. ENRICHING BRAIN Origami fosters curious minds by engaging developing brains through 3D perception, problem solving, logical thinking, hand-eye coordination, fine-motor skills, mental concentration, geometry, spatial awareness, and more! COLORFUL ARTWORK AND ILLUSTRATED Beautiful artwork is included to spark creativity. Plus, detailed illustrations are perfect for different learning styles and encourage independent problem solving.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Step-by-step, readers learn the art of origami by creating a large variety of animals, birds, and folded fun.

My biggest criticism surrounding origami books is that they either tend to steer to beginners only or more experienced folders. Rarely, do the books work from the first folds all the way to more impressive creations, and rarely, are the directions very clear. This book is one of the better ones I've seen on both fronts.

The author breaks the book down into four sections, beginning with the simple artworks and bringing it through to complex ones. This not only allows beginning folders to work their way through at their own pace and learn by avoiding frustration, but also makes this a book for several levels of folders. Some of the creations will be familiar to origami fans, while a few will  offer something fresh and new. Everything from flowers to boxes to animals and more can be found. So, there's something for a wide range of folding fans.

While there is an introduction, which explains materials and such, this book also includes paper for immediate folding fun. Readers don't have to go searching for appropriate materials first. The directions and illustrations are clear and keep the age group in mind. Each fold is clearly displayed and includes different types of arrows to make the folding direction clear. Even the more advanced folds are well illustrated and not too hard to figure out, especially after working up through the levels.

It's a nice book to pick up for anyone wanting to dive into this intriguing hobby.