The Most Beautiful Pop-Up Books
The Most Beautiful Pop-Up Books & Paper Engineering: A Collector's Guide
Introduction
Where do I find collectible pop-up books?
Pop-up books are in a second golden age right now, with incredibly clever and intricate designs. But because pop-up books are actually still put together by hand, the labor and transport costs are fast making them cost more to buy than the reasonable person can afford.
I’ve been collecting pop-ups and paper engineered books for over 20 years now. I’ve found that many titles only have a single print run, and are very difficult to find in mint condition from the second hand market due to their delicate nature – so missing out on a beautiful title while it’s still in print can be very costly. Thus, to help you find latest and greatest, this list includes what I think are the most beautiful, collectible, and/or likely to be future prize winning pop-up books published over the past couple of years.
As always, please do share in the comments if there’s a title you’re particularly enjoying right now ツ
Latest Pop-Up Books
Prizewinning Pop-Ups
Meggendorfer Prizewinners
A celebration of the Meggendorfer Award Prizewinners from its origins to the present.
2023 Finalists
An illustrated list of all the pop-up books shortlisted for the 2023 Meggendorfer Prize.
2021 Finalists
An illustrated list of all the pop-up books shortlisted for the 2021 Meggendorfer Prize.
2018 Finalists
An illustrated list of all the pop-up books shortlisted for the 2018 Meggendorfer Prize.
2016 Finalists
An illustrated list of all the pop-up books shortlisted for the 2016 Meggendorfer Prize
2014 Finalists
An illustrated list of all the pop-up books shortlisted for the 2014 Meggendorfer Prize
Individual Book Reviews
Diagon Alley Pop-up
Harry Potter Fun
An enomous fold-out pop-up Guide to Diagon Alley and beyond. Published 2020.
Zahhak the Serpent King
From the Shahnameh
An Iranian folktale - and one of my favourite pop-ups from my very large collection. Published 2018.
Boticelli's Bed & Breakfast
Artistic Treasure Hunt
A highly entertaining carousel book by Jan Pienkowski, full of famous artworks and references. Published 1997.
Series Reviews
Heller's Letters
Removable Letters
Authentic period style letters, expanding on missives mentioned in the original text. First released 2021.
Marjolein Bastin
Removable Ephemera
Classics with delightful removable period ephemera including maps, sheet music, postcards and family trees. First released 2021.
Nature Pop-Up Series
A series from Martiniere jeunesse with two paper engineering teams working on nature themes. First released 2018.
MinaLima's Classics
Interactive children's classics
A collector's guide and complete illustrated bibliography of the interactive children's classics by the renowned illustrators of the Harry Potter universe. First released 2015.
Thematic Pop-Up Guides
Literary Pop-Ups
Beautiful adaptations of classic literature and celebrations of author's lives - find it all here.
Holiday Pop-Ups
A selection of the most beautiful pop-up books that celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, and other festivities around the world.
Best Chinese Pop-Up Books
Some incredible pop-up books are coming out of China, come check them out!
Valentine Pop-Ups
Delightful love-themed pop-ups for a partner, a child, or to treat yourself.
Easter Pop-Ups
Fun Easter-themed pop-up books make the perfect calorie free gift.
Guides in progress (coming soon)
I always have a bunch of pages on the go that I update as whimsey takes me, but if you see something here you’re keen to know more about just let me know and I’ll bump it to the top of the list!
Vintage Pop-Ups
The history of pop-up mastery - with titles by pop-up legends Meggendorfer, Kubasta, and more.
Fairy Tale Pop-Ups
A curated list of the most beautiful pop-ups based on classic fairy tales.
Pop-Up Myths & Legends
A curated list of the most beautiful pop-ups based on folklore and mythology.
Pop-Up Pop Culture
Popular culture in pop-up, ranging from movie and tv-show tie-ins, to your fave manga characters, and more.
Mother's Day Pop-Ups
Some beautiful classic pop-up gifts to give on Mother's Day.
Flora & Fauna Pop-Up Books
Fauna and flora lend themselves to the very best of inspiring pop-up artistry.
Beautiful Pop-Up Books for Adults
Adult collectors are interested in a variety of topics and are happy to invest in delicate construction.
Beautiful Pop-Up Books for Kids
Pop-up books for kids need to be sturdy for little hands, but with moving parts that are capable of filling them with wonder and delight.
Mother's Day Pop-Ups
Some beautiful classic pop-up gifts to give on Mother's Day.
Pop-Up Doll's Houses
A collection of the best carousel books that turn into doll's houses, castles, and other exciting locations.
4 Comments
Lori · 16 May 2024 at 3:12 am
I’d love to see the literary pop up page!
Daisy · 10 June 2024 at 7:57 am
I’ve made a start here: https://beautifulbooks.info/pop-ups/literary-popups 😀
Kacey · 29 January 2024 at 7:35 am
Hello, I am a writer. I have a series of children’s books that I want to be made as a Pop-up Book. Looking for someone to help me create my pop-up book. I need an artist and a paper engineer. I have my manuscript ready to go. Any recommendations?
Walter Raemisch · 14 January 2024 at 10:20 pm
Any news on Janet and Anne Grahame Johnstone. Wilhelm Busch or Arthurian Legends please point me in the right direction. Also vintage and contemporary pop up books please.