Dinosaurs. (Learn to Fold Origami). Katie Gillespie. New York, NY: AV˛ by Weigl (Distributed in Canada by Saunders Book Company), 2014. 32 pp., pbk., hc. & eBook, $13.95 (pbk.), $24.99 (hc.). ISBN 978-1-62127-677-7 (pbk.), ISBN 978-1-62127-676-0 (hc.), ISBN 978-1-62127-780-4 (single user eBook), ISBN 978-1-48960-031-8 (multi-user eBook). Grades 1-4 / Ages 6-9. Review by Alicia Cheng. **** /4
	Pets. (Learn to Fold Origami). Katie Gillespie. New York, NY: AV˛ by Weigl (Distributed in Canada by Saunders Book Company), 2014. 32 pp., pbk., hc. & eBook, $13.95 (pbk.), $24.99 (hc.). ISBN 978-1-62127-959-4 (pbk.), ISBN 978-1-62127-958-7 (hc.), ISBN 978-1-62127-960-0 (single user eBook), ISBN 978-1-48960-034-9 (multi-user eBook). Grades 1-4 / Ages 6-9. Review by Alicia Cheng. **** /4

excerpt:

Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding. The Japanese, and the Chinese before them, have been folding paper into different shapes and designs for hundreds of years. The term “origami” comes from the Japanese words “ori,” which means “folding,” and “kami,” which means “paper”.

Katie Gillespie’s “Learn to Fold Origami” series of different topics is a great origami resource for children. The two titles I am specifically reviewing are Dinosaurs and Pets. Each title, which features six topics, includes vibrant photos and engaging facts on each dinosaur or pet, followed by easy diagrams and simple instructions for folding each topic. The publisher has also included online access to instructional videos to make learning easy for all different types of users. Other topics in the series include Birds, Ocean Life, Zoo Animals and Insects.

     Both Dinosaurs and Pets begin by giving the reader the origin of origami and the simple folding methods that will be used throughout the book. Then Gillespie gives a glimpse of what readers will be folding in the book. From Brachiosaurus to Triceratops, from dog to hamster, the dinosaurs or animals, each has a two-page spread about it before teaching the origami. The origami instructions and diagrams are well-labeled and easy to understand. Young children, even at six or seven years of age, will be able to figure out the instructions and diagrams with little to no adult help.

     For the AV˛ audiovisual portion, the reader is given a link and code in each title that includes online access for that specific book. In Dinosaurs, every two pages is one website link which allows you to read the information from the book. Then there will be links that will take the user to various activities. Examples include online instructional videos on folding the dinosaurs (taken directly from the book but in audiovisual format) and website links for more information on the topic or alternate methods for folding origami dinosaurs. The same type of information is displayed on the website for Pets. This additional format allows for various learning abilities. Some children comprehend better while reading, but others comprehend through listening or visuals. Gillespie’s origami series allow for those different types of learning skills.

     Because of the audiovisual and the easy origami instructions, Dinosaurs and Pets are wonderful “learning to fold” books for young children. Older children will likely be bored or not interested in the folding outcome. The origami is two-dimensional and cute but not very suitable for older children as it is not challenging. Thus, based on the titles I looked at, I would recommend Gillespie’s “Learn to Fold Origami” series to young children in the six to nine age range.

Highly Recommended.

Alicia Cheng is a Children’s Librarian at the Vancouver Public Library in Vancouver, BC.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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