Backyard Wildlife. (Learn to Fold Origami). Katie Gillespie. New York, NY: AV˛ by Weigl (Distributed in Canada by Saunders Book Company), 2015. 32 pp., pbk., hc., single user eBook & multi user eBook, $13.95 (pbk.), $24.99 (hc.). ISBN 978-1-4896-0645-7 (pbk.), ISBN 978-1-4896-0644-0 (hc.), ISBN 978-1-4896-0646-4 (single user eBook), ISBN 978-1-4896-0647-1 (multi user eBook). Grades 1-3 / Ages 6-8. Review by Alicia Cheng. *** /4
	Cars, Boats, and Airplanes. (Learn to Fold Origami). Katie Gillespie. New York, NY: AV˛ by Weigl (Distributed in Canada by Saunders Book Company), 2015. 32 pp., pbk., hc., single user eBook & multi user eBook, $13.95 (pbk.), $24.99 (hc.). ISBN 978-1-4896-0641-9 (pbk.), ISBN 978-1-4896-0640-2 (hc.), ISBN 978-1-4896-0642-6 (single user eBook), ISBN 978-1-4896-0643-3 (multi user eBook). Grades 1-3 / Ages 6-8. Review by Alicia Cheng. *** /4

excerpt:

As you fold the origami models in this book, think about the benefits and drawbacks of each method of transportation. Which vehicle would you like to own? Why? (From Cars, Boats, and Airplanes,)

Think about how each animal’s unique features help it to survive. Which features are most useful in a changing environment? Why? (From Backyard Wildlife.)

As an origami enthusiast, I would definitely recommend the “Learn to Fold Origami” series to children ages 6 to 8. This time around, I received Backyard Wildlife and Cars, Boats, and Airplanes for review. I especially like the simple visuals with easy-to-follow instructions. Even younger children will be able to participate in origami folding with a tiny bit of help. For older children, besides learning how to fold origami, each origami has its own introduction. For example, children can learn some facts about a sailboat, its different parts and how it’s used, before doing the actual folding. The end of each book also has an interactive online portion or an activity, such as planning a trip, skills testing knowledge, and creating an environment. Besides being “Learn to Fold Origami” books, these are also wonderful learning opportunities for children to develop various skills: vocabulary and language, symmetry, and creativity. These books generate children’s imagination and innovation to create a positive learning environment while having fun.

      While I enjoyed both titles, I preferred Cars, Boats, and Airplanes more due to its simplicity and wider appeal to children. The wildlife in Backyard Wildlife is more interesting, although more difficult to fold. I also feel that fewer children will be interested in folding bats or raccoons; but, that being said, the origami folding in this book is definitely more challenging for older children and would be a great introduction for teachers to use to tie-in with school work. Having review various other “Learn to Fold Origami” titles, Cars, Boats, and Airplanes is by far my favourite in the series with its greater appeal to children and straightforward instructions.

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.

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Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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