The PopCult Bookshelf

212-471-Product_LargeToMediumImageNormally, when it comes to books, I’m more than a little obsessive about keeping them in perfect condition. I take off the dust covers when I read, and I’m careful not to fold or crease the papers.

However, this week we’re going to look at three books–actually kits–that you’re supposed to fold, spindle and assemble. Thunder Bay Press has release original Origami books that come in really nice, full-color magnetic-closure boxes and include all the Origami paper, decals and instructions you need to assemble all sorts of cool things. This is a great family activity that kids and parents can do together, but it’s also good for older kids who want to do something hands-on instead of playing videogames all day while they’re out of school.

Adults can have fun with these kits, too. Let’s take a look:

Origami Aircraft
Author: Seth Friedman, Jason Ku, Marc Kirschenbaum, Daniel Robinson
Thunder Bay Press
ISBN 13: 978-1-62686-172-5
Price: $24.95

I have to admit, my favorite of the three kits that they sent me is Origami Aircraft. This kit will appeal to aviation enthusiasts, origami artists, and everyone who enjoys modeling aircraft from paper. The inclusion of the WWI-era Fokker Dr 1 Triplane and the Sopwith Camel won me over in an instant. Also included among the ten models you can make with this kit are more modern aircraft like the De Havilland Sea Vixen and The Concord. These are not your everyday paper airplanes, the projects in this kit replicate other famous planes like the Douglas DC 3, The Spruce Goose and Lindberg’s 1927 Spirit of St. Louis.

This kit comes complete with a 112-page book of origami instructions and aviation history and specially designed origami paper, plus there are five sticker sheets for embellishing the models. Watch your very own hangar of model airplanes unfold before your very eyes.

This kit provides hours of fun as you assemble the planes, and then the joy of seeing them and feeling the sense of accomplishment in knowing that you made them.

Easy-to-follow instructions are provided, along with historical notes

Easy-to-follow instructions are provided, along with historical notes

212-470-Product_LargeToMediumImageOrigami Chess: Cats vs. Dogs
Author: Roman Diaz
Thunder Bay Press
ISBN 13: 978-1-62686-171-8
Price: $24.95

This kit lets you combine Chess, a game of strategy and intellect with the ancient art of Origami. You can add a new element of fun to any game of chess with Origami Chess: Cats vs. Dogs. A 112-page book tells the history of the game of chess, gives a brief description of each of the six cat breeds and six dog breeds represented, provides brief instructions for playing the game, and offers complete instructions for folding your chess pieces. This kit is all you’ll need to play out one of the world’s greatest rivalries: cats vs. dogs!

In addition to a chessboard, this entertaining kit comes with enough specially printed paper to make two complete 32-piece chess sets. Plus, the instructions apply to any 6” x 6” sheet of paper, so you can assemble enough chess sets to host your very own origami cats vs. dogs chess tournament.

This is a great way to get kids interested in chess, plus it encourages creativity at the same time. You can’t go wrong with that.

212-469-Product_LargeToMediumImageNoah’s Ark Origami
Author: Seth Friedman
Thunder Bay Press
ISBN 13: 978-1-62686-170-1
Price: $24.95

The largest of these kits, in terms of finished projects, is Noah’s Ark Origami. The account of Noah’s ark is a classic Bible story cherished by children and adults alike. The imagery of all the Earth’s creatures uniting in pairs on a single vessel has captivated readers over the millennia, and now that imagery comes to life.

Complete with an in-depth account of Noah’s ark that includes biblical information and maps, this entertaining kit also contains 30 sheets of 4” x 4” paper, 40 sheets of 6” x 6” paper, and 30 sheets of 8” x 8” paper so that each animal can be crafted to scale. The 112-page book is perfect for both Bible students and animal lovers, with easy-to-follow instructions for folding Noah, his wife, and ten pairs of animals. Plus, die-cut board pieces create a 3-D ark, perfect for housing your origami menagerie.

Secular parents can even use extra sheets of paper to make a gigantic zoo. So it’s a win-win for everyone!

These terrific kit/books from Thunder Bay Press can provide hours of entertainment and family bonding, which is not so easy to come by these days. You can order these through you local bookstore (such as Taylor Books, here in Charleston) or your favorite online bookseller.