Easy Origami Toys

April 1, 2011

Gr 1-3-Following the standard introduction of required materials (origami paper, pencil, ruler, scissors, etc.), these books all cover the same basic folding techniques. Harbo suggests either practicing the folds before starting or turning back to these pages for a refresher when stuck. After that, there is one project per brightly colored spread, with the boxed pictures of the steps large enough to see the folding process. All of the projects include an extra tip for adding animal characteristics, altering the scale, or decorating or reinforcing the paper. Further appeal comes from the fact that many of the origami figures do not have to remain stationary. Some can be manipulated and played with after completion: the boats in Ocean can float, for example, since the closing tip involves making them waterproof by coloring the bottom edges with crayon; and the crown described in Toys can be worn. There may only be seven projects in each book, but they are more than enough to hold the interest of young ones smitten by the idea of folding paper into shapes.

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