Origami Paper Airplanes [Paperback]

Didier Boursin (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up

Origami is an ancient art, yet modern paper folders can still invent fascinating new folds. Origami Paper Airplanes is filled with new and outstanding folds that will delight, amuse, and inspire paper folders of all ages. They offer a wide variety of designs that are rated according to skill level. Everyone, from beginners to experienced folders, will find something here to delight the hand and eye.

Each book opens with four pages of instructions in basic folding techniques, the symbols used in the book and a discussion of the various papers you work with. Then come the specific folds - Origami Paper Airplanes offers 28 different designs of aircraft that include traditional planes, new creations, and other flying objects such as windmills and frisbees. Extremely detailed technical drawings, in color, accompany the reader every step of the way from the very first crease through to the remarkable finished creation.

With their elegant and fascinating folds, these are among the most innovative origami books available. They are suited for folders of all ages and skill levels. Thoroughly tested and carefully designed instructions make it possible for anyone to achieve results on the first try.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4 Up-In each of these titles, Boursin, a paper artist, offers more than two dozen models, rather arbitrarily rated for difficulty. With few exceptions, the constructions in Airplanes are all either original or variations on modern designs: winged fliers; display models; and flying objects, such as an eight-piece Frisbee. Instructions for creating a mix of birds, fish, mammals, and insects can be found in Animals. Both books open with instructions for several "base" folds; Boursin uses standard origami notation in his clearly drawn step diagrams, and also provides handsome color photographs of the intended results. Airplanes will please origami novices and veterans alike. Animals is likely to be less successful-not only because some models require delicate scissors work, but also because the dove looks as predatory as the eagle; the hen, the giraffe, and the sheep will require distinctively patterned paper for identifiable results; and, in general, Boursin's animals are so stylized as to be unrecognizable. Furthermore, even some designs rated "beginner" use challenging reverse folds or crimps. While Airplanes will fly out of any library, consider Animals only for deeper subject collections.
John Peters, New York Public Library
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Clearly drawn set diagrams, and also provides handsome color photographs of the intended results. (John Peters School Library Journal 20011201)

These books boast beautiful photograph, well written introductions, and topics of interest to all ages. (Beth Karpas VOYA [Voice of Youth Advocates] 20020401)

Fully illustrated with step-by-step color diagrams, easy-to-follow instructions, and a full-size color picture of the final product. (Science News 20010915)

The directions are generally clear and succinct, and stylish color photographs of the completed aircraft can often help. (Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books 20011201)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Firefly Books (September 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1552096165
• ISBN-13: 978-1552096161
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #719,082 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #54 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Origami

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great family fun!, January 6, 2004

By 

Mom's Little Bookstore (Chicago) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Origami Paper Airplanes (Paperback)

We borrowed this book from the library, and my 9-year-old son and I have had a blast folding and flying the airplanes. Most of them have taken off with no problems and have proven to be awesome flyers. One or two models have been a bit of a challenge to fold, but we simply started over and tried again!

The instructions in the book are clear and simple -- simple enough for my 9-year-old to fold on his own, as a matter of fact. I recommend practicing the introductory folds in the front of the book in order to prepare yourself for take-off. For paper, we've been recycling old catalogs and magazines and have some very colorful models flying around our house!

We ended up taking this book to a family reunion with us, and all of the kids had a blast folding and flying their airplanes. It was a great way for long lost cousins to spend some time together and get to know each other again!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great if you want to fold Airplanes, November 3, 2007

By 

R. Mapleson (Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Origami Paper Airplanes (Paperback)

I'm not sure why you'd buy this book if you didn't want to fold airplanes!

It's a great book, suitable for beginners, containing excellent airplanes to throw at your siblings and colleagues. The diagrams are easy to follow and everybody should be able to them