If you haven't seen Robert Sabuda's work ... where have you been and what have you been doing!?
I became obsessed with Sabuda's pop-up Christmas books a while ago--and now have an impressive collection of works designed to boggle the eyes and delight the senses. This talented creator and papercrafter has taken things to a whole new level with this amazing take on The Little Mermaid.
Opening the first page of the book is an astonishing event. The entire page spirals out in a cloud-like formation of undersea splendour with shells and coral and merpeople twirling around like a watery starburst.
At the bottom of this page, and indeed, on all double-page spreads, there are additional mini books with text and even more delightful pop-up explosions for kids to discover.
Some pages open outwards from the edge, with additional surprises, entrancing the reader and drawing them even more deeply into the storyline.
Featuring striking illustration with thick black outline, this is a modern retelling of classic tale without a droplet of Disney schmaltz in sight.
Children under 10--or even over 10--will need parental guidance when it comes to page-turning. The intricacy of the pop-ups is so astonishing, they may need a gentle hand to help re-replace the imagery after each ravenous reading sessions.
Stunning.
Title: The Little Mermaid
Author/Illustrator: Robert Sabuda
Publisher: Simon and Schuster, $59.99 RRP
Publication Date: 1 October 2013
Format: Hard cover
ISBN: 9781416960805
For ages: 6 - 10
Type: Picture Book, Pop-Up Book
