Customer Reviews

Origami in Action : Paper Toys That Fly, Flap, Gobble, and Inflate

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Robert Lang is one of the most prolific and innovative origami model creators around. Many of Lang's books, however, are composed mainly of more difficult models appropriate for intermediate and advanced folders. But *Origami in Action* offers lots of fun model building for folks at every skill level. The diagrams and instructions are wonderfully clear and presented on big pages surrounded by lots of calming white space.

I've been teaching origami to 20 third graders (an interesting volunteer experience!). *Origami in Action* is one of my top suggestions when a parent asks me to recommend an origami book for an eight or nine year old.

But this book is also great fun for grownups -- even origami-addicted grownups and other advanced folders. The otter lying on its back is absolutely wonderful!

Thanks Mr. Lang!

For the origami purists, this book appeals in that none of the models require cutting or glueing. With a wide range of difficulty levels, there is something for everyone. And of course with a title like that, the greatest appeal is to make the model "move" once you complete it. Some models "move" better than others (as I had expected) so you'll find some more satisfying than others. Nevertheless, it's always an added thrill to have your paper model do more than lie flat on the table. Beginners will find themselves easily hooked on origami because of this. What I like about the tougher models are the innovative designs that are unique to this book, like the musicians and the boat-rower. This is a nice change from the more traditional designs commonly seen in Japanese origami books. The down side of this book lies in its folding instructions. The illustration is not comprehensive enough so it is unclear what happens to the in-between layers not shown in the disgram. Also, there's too much creasing and unfolding that makes the eager enthusiast feel impatient, wondering if all that is necessary. I also encountered a lot of steps require the paper to "wrap-around" in the opposite direction, which in reality will cause the paper to tear if the maker does exactly as he was told (i.e. to "wrap"). Paper sizes vary according to the level of difficulty and type of paper recommended also varies with the model. 80% of the models use square paper.

If you're just starting out in origami, I really suggest averting from this book. No, really. Unless you start off taking origami very seriously and have your steel resolve handy, this book will only serve to discourage. There aren't a lot of easy designs in this volume, and there's plenty of designs towards the end that are obvious expert-level pieces. I'd go get a book that had a sizable section of traditional origami designs first, then I'd go pick a copy of this up. It's terribly fun once you have any idea what you're doing !

The challenge (and pro) in this book is that you can make the completed model "move" by pull or push the model. And it contains some wonderful models, like the boat rower and the guitarist. However there are too many easy models here, and most of them can be found in other origami books. It's a good idea to make the model come to live, but I'm afraid some quintessential qualities of origami will be lost. A new and good try, but I hope this isn't Lang's new style. From the very beginning Mr. Lang's models are always highly expected and appreciated and adored by folders around the world, and always a challenge. So,fold us more super complex models.....

What a great book! The author explains how to accpomplish the different types of folds used in the ' Introduction.'
So when you go to make one of the models, you'll understand the directions better, than if you just tried it on your own.
Also, all the origami models in this book perform an action.
It has all skill levels of difficulty.
An awesome book to get to learn from and practice with. Besides, you get to make some neat models.
FYI - Just remember to read the Intro.

My grandson loves this book as he loves to make things with his hands and this has so many things to make it might just take him forever to make them all. It was delivered in a timely fashion even though it was Christmas and was exactly what I was looking for.

There are a lot of models in this book that don't necessarily interest me, although there are some really interesting ones. I bought this specifically for the swimming otter model, which I love! I like that the models are dynamic. There are some fun and complex models at the end.

I BOUGHT THIS BOOK FOR MY ONE NIECE, SHE HAS THE OTHER ONE BY: ROBERT J. LANG. THIS WAS WHAT SHE WANTED FOR EASTER. SO ALL I CAN SAY IS: FROM LISTENING TO HER, SHE HAS ALOT OF FUN WITH THE BOOK SHE HAS, THE PROJECTS ARE EASY, ALL YOU NEED IS PAPER. I THINK IT IS GREAT BECAUSE, A CHILD HAS TO USE THEIR MINDS, & NO BATTERIES, NOTHING TO PLUG IN, ONE OF THE FEW ITEMS OUT THERE, WHERE A CHILD CAN LET THEIR IMAGINATION GO WILD & THEY DO IT THEMSELVES.