The Christmas Alphabet [Hardcover]

Robert Clarke Sabuda (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2001 | Age Level: 4 and up

Far more than a pop-up alphabet, this unusual book combines the magic of Christmas with what can only be called paper sculptures. Letter by letter, each image unfurls to reveal one of twenty-six seasonal surprises.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Who can resist opening a door or lifting a flap just to see what's inside? No one. And that's why this seasonal, alphabetical pop-up book has become such a Christmas favorite. Beneath each lettered flap is an intricate three-dimensional paper cutout of a holiday-related object that starts with the same letter (A for angel, B for bell, C for candle). The cutouts, emerging from colorful squares, are all made of crisp white paper--creating an origami elegance. Yet the paper sculptures are decidedly joyful and unpredictable, like the exploding shreds of paper beside the title "unwrap" under the letter U. Robert Sabuda made his first pop-up book when he was 8 years old, but abandoned the art when he failed to figure out how to make the cyclone twirl in The Wizard of Oz. Apparently, he's finally mastered the art of motion, since many of the pop-ups feature movements such as flight for the angel, and the tender joining of lips for the kiss of two reindeer. Sabuda has also mastered the art of whimsy, making The Christmas Alphabet, The 12 Days of Christmas, and Cookie Count seasonal staples in households of children young and old. (All ages) --Gail Hudson

From Publishers Weekly

A marvel of paper engineering, this paper-over-board alphabet book transcends the usual connotations of "pop-up." Four large flaps per spread-each representing a letter of the alphabet-open to reveal sophisticated 3-D images, some with parts that move in uncommonly inventive ways. Many of the pop-ups are obvious Christmas symbols: the Manger, a Nutcracker and a Poinsettia (the last-mentioned blooms majestically when the flap is lifted). Others have ambiguous-but resourceful-ties to the holiday: a Kiss is portrayed by two reindeer, face-to-face; and two frolicking snowmen are Friends. Representing the final letter is an obviously tuckered-out Santa ("Zzzzzzz"), asleep on his pillow. A yuletide gem. All ages.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 16 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic (November 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0531068579
• ISBN-13: 978-0531068571
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.7 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #516,247 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

ROBERT SABUDA is the co-creator of the first book in this series, ENCYCLOPEDIA PREHISTORICA: DINOSAURS. And he is the force behind many stunning best-selling pop-up books, including America the Beautiful, Alice in Wonderland, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and Winter's Tale: An Original Pop-up Journey. MATTHEW REINHART is the co-creator of ENCYCLOPEDIA PREHISTORICA: DINOSAURS. And he has created many other award-winning pop-up books, including the Young Naturalist's series, The Ark, Animal Opposites, and Cinderella: A Pop-Up Fairy Tale.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sabuda's Masterpieces, October 28, 2001

By 

"templeyoung" (Germantown, Tennessee United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Christmas Alphabet (Hardcover)

I discovered Robert Sabuda's books while researching Amazon for children's books.We have 5 grandchildren , all under the age of 2 with the exception of l; she turned two in July! Not only do I plan on ordering this exceptional book for them all, I'm getting one for myself. I am 62 years old!!! I plan on collecting ALL of Sabuda's works of art. That's how highly I recommend The Movable Mother Goose. You will be highly pleased with this book!

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Magical!, December 12, 2004

By 

E. S. Will "a new leaf" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Christmas Alphabet (Hardcover)

[This review was first published in the Ephrata (Pa.) Review."]

If you missed this marvel of paper engineering when it first came out in 1994, now's the chance to get a copy of a 10th-anniversary edition.

The format is simple. Seven two-page spreads of white cardboard, each with four modest little folders, or "doors," labeled with letters of the alphabet. But prepare to be dazzled by Sabuda's magic. Open one of the folders and ta-da! a live dove flies out. Well not quite... but almost.

Behind each of the 27 "doors" lies a white pop-out surprise that illustrates a Christmas-related word. Open "Door C" for example and glimpse a candle's halo whirr into place behind the flame. Open "G" to flamboyant swirls and a box. Lift the box's lid to discover what the gift is. Lift "Q" to a bouncy quartet of singers.

The mechanically inclined will immediately set about trying to figure out how the pop-ups "work." Others will simply enjoy the shapes and the creativity behind them.

Because of the book's fragile nature, I wouldn't hand this book off to a toddler. But with supervision and assistance, this is a visual treat all ages can enjoy.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jean's review, November 22, 1999

By 

"jeanelittlebit" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Christmas Alphabet (Hardcover)

Not only is this the MOST beautiful and intriguing book I've ever given to my children, the story of how it came to be is an important reminder to hang onto our dreams. It's perfect for anyone of any age. I gave it to my boss last year (someone who "has everything") and she loves it.