Origami For Everyone: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced. Didier Boursin. Richmond Hill, ON: Firefly Books, 2011. 157 pp., pbk. & hc., $19.95 (pbk.), $29.95 (hc.). ISBN 978-1-55407-792-2 (pbk.), ISBN 978-1-55407-958-2 (hc.). Subject Heading: Origami. Grades 3 and up / Ages 8 and up. Review by Gillian Richardson. **** /4

excerpt:

Creating a book of paper folds takes time – and lots of it. Few people understand that it sometimes takes several months to adjust a model and its step-by-step instructions. The models are worked out meticulously, down to the smallest details.

Creating a very simple fold is actually quite complicated because I try to use a minimum of material for maximum expression. Every fold is a humorous wink at life. For each model, I invite you to appreciate the subtleties of its construction, its beauty and its gracefulness.

Raise your hand if you've ever made a paper airplane. Did you think of this simple craft as origami? In Origami For Everyone, you'll find over a dozen styles of planes, including a helicopter and a squadron of jets, along with other projects such as animals, birds, decorations and toys. The art of creating paper sculpture through folding has been around since the 17th century, originating in Japan, and then becoming a popular art form everywhere in the 1900s. Purists feel origami should not include cutting or gluing, but this collection of projects puts a modern spin on an ancient art.

      Origami For Everyone combines subjects from three of the author's earlier titles. It offers basic tips for standard folds, how to follow the diagrams, and the type and sizes of paper to use. The projects are grouped as Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced levels of difficulty. Each double-page spread shows a completed model and clear, easy-to-follow instructions for creating it. The level of attention to detail attests to the author's personal dedication to this art. Aware of the popularity of airplanes, he has included reproducible "Designs for Airplanes" to dress up the completed models.

      Following the author's advice to "begin with the easier projects first," both children and adults will enjoy the delights of creating intricate designs from a square of plain paper. Go ahead and fold that basic 'Dart,' and then have fun challenging your skills and imagination. Along with a packet of paper, it would make a great gift.

Highly Recommended.

Gillian Richardson is a freelance writer living in BC.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

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Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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