Origami FROM THE PUBLISHER
Children will have hours of fun with these 15 projects designed to introduce them to the exciting world of origami. A crane, a bat, and a lotus-topped gift box are just a few of the simple projects for first-time paper folders. The book includes an introduction to origami that explores its history, the kinds of paper used, preparation, and basic folding techniques. Each of the fifteen projects explores a different aspect of Asian culture. Origami is a wonderful way to stimulate a child's imagination and their interest in Asian art.
Author Bio: Michael G. LaFosse has been an origami artist for over 40 years, and is considered a leading authority and master of the art. An avid teacher, LaFosse cofounded the Origamido Studio, a learning center and design studio dedicated to the art of origami, and the only place in the world specializing in hand papermaking for the origami artist. The author of many books and videotapes relating to paper folding and papermaking, LaFosse produces fine paper art and commercial designs for a variety of international clients.
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
Two books launch the Asian Arts and Crafts for Creative Kids series: Origami by Michael LaFosse, and Haiku by Patricia Donegan. The first title begins with an introduction with suggestions and sources for finding good origami paper, as well as a brief synopsis of terms, techniques and symbols, then demonstrates over one dozen origami projects. Haiku offers a history of the Japanese poetic form and numerous tools to get young poets writing their own. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
School Library Journal
Gr 4-6-These guides offer several simple projects laced together with instructions that are reinforced through repetition. Urging young poets to focus more on characteristic elements, topics, and spirit than on syllable counts, Donegan demonstrates five ways of creating haiku, both as solitary and group efforts. Her many examples range from Matsuo Basho's famous frog to a modern Canadian youngster's "small green growing things/in my old dirty locker/on my ham sandwich." Reproductions of Japanese artwork and children's paintings appear throughout, and generous lists of Web sites, magazines, and organizations are appended. LaFosse's 15 paper models, arranged in order of difficulty from an accordion-folded fan to the traditional crane, include single-piece and modular designs presented through clear, standard-symbol, step-by-step diagrams. Photos of the finished projects are included. Any connection with Asian culture in these titles is limited to occasional references to holiday customs or like snippets. Both contain slightly awkward, strictly decorative illustrations. Still, the books make inviting choices, either for thematic classroom units or for children looking for new ways to express their creativity.-John Peters, New York Public Library Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
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