Best Pop-Up Books of 2026 | Collector’s Guide
Best Pop-Up Books of 2026
A curated watchlist of the most beautiful new pop-up books, paper-engineered editions, interactive classics and collectible preorders coming in 2026.
Last updated: 8 July 2026.
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Collector highlights:
For 2026, I’m particularly looking forward to the fairy tales Cinderella (this has been a fantastic series so far), the optical illusions in Pop-Op (David Carter is a master engineer), more Moomin fun in the Moomins and the Comet, and popular science title The Incredible Octopus. MinaLima’s interactive books are always excellent and this year we have two – Treasure Island and The Little Prince. I’m also a sucker for removable letters so Cackle Crackle is right up my alley. The re-release of the Deluxe edition of Encyclopedia Prehistorica: Dinosaurs is also a great addition to your shelves if you don’t already have it.
Do share in the comments if there’s a title you’re particularly loving this year ツ
Encyclopedia Prehistorica: Dinosaurs Deluxe Edition
“A gorgeous deluxe edition of the best-selling paleontological opus with a gold-foiled dinosaur and special pop-up embedded in the cover.” ISBN: 9781536255188.
A fantastic series by two pop-up masters, this deluxe edition is a reprint of the the 2005 classics that adds an additional pop-up mounted on the cover.
Paper Engineer: Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart
Publisher: Candlewick
Publication Date: Oct 27, 2026
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
Pop-Up Oceanarium
“With six exciting pop-ups, dive into the Pop-Up Oceanarium and come face to face with the wonders of the deep.” ISBN: 9781835879146.
Paper Engineer: [not stated], illustrated by Teagan White, text by Loveday Trinick
Publisher: Big Picture Press
Publication Date: Oct 22, 2026
➤ Find it at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells
☞ See the Welcome to the Museum guide for more in this series (most are not pop-up books though)
Cinderella: An Enchanting Pop-Up Classic
Follow Cinderella’s journey from the cinders of her stepmother’s home to the dazzling royal ball, where a glass slipper holds the key to her destiny. ISBN: 9781835871867.
Paper Engineer: Richard Ferguson, illustrated by Meghann Rader, text by Rachel Elliot based on Charles Perrault’s fairy tale
Publisher: Templar Books
Publication Date: Oct 8, 2026
➤ Find it at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells
☞ Check out the Enchanting Pop-Ups Classics for more books in this delightful pop-up book series
Star Wars: The Mandalorian: Adventures With Grogu
Follow Grogu’s adventures from his first meeting with Din Djarin to his studies among the Jedi and ultimately his determination to learn the Way of the Mandalore and become Din Grogu. ISBN: 9798337403359.
Paper Engineer: Matthew Reinhart, text by S. T. Bende
Publisher: Insight Editions
Publication Date: Oct 8, 2026
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells
The Moomins and the Comet: A Pop-Up Adventure
A pop-up adventure based on Tove Jansson’s second Moomin story, Comet in Moominland. ISBN: 9781035076987.
Paper Engineer: Elena Selena, based on text by Tove Jansson
Publisher: Macmillan Children
Publication Date: Oct 6, 2026
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells
☞ Check out the Moomin collector’s guide for more Moomin books
Pop Op: A Pop-Up Book of Optical Illusions
“A playful 3D gallery of optical illusions for children and adults alike.” ISBN: 9783791376905.
Paper Engineer: David A. Carter
Publisher: Prestel Junior
Publication Date: Oct 6, 2026
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
Barbie: Pop-Up Fashion
“Seven elaborate pop-up scenes celebrating Barbie’s iconic fashion moments.” ISBN: 9781761218576.
Paper Engineer: [not stated], illustrated by Megan Hess
Publisher: Hardie Grant
Publication Date: Sep 29, 2026
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells
Saw: The Ultimate Pop-Up Book: Jigsaw's Traps Come Alive
“Jigsaw’s twisted games come alive in the ultimate interactive tribute to the legendary horror franchise.”
Six spreads with over 20 pop-ups, plus wheels, tabs, and levers featuring the Reverse Bear Trap, Angel Trap, and the bathroom set. ISBN: 9780789346674.
Paper Engineer: David Hawcock, text by Britt Hayes. illustrated by Vance Kelly
Publisher: Rizzoli Universe
Publication Date: Sep 22, 2026
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
The Incredible Pop-Up Octopus
“Come and explore the deep ocean, one of the most mysterious habitats on our planet. In its dark depths live some of the most bizarre and beautiful creatures, from the dumbo octopus and the gulper eel to beautiful deep-sea corals.” ISBN: 9781835873526.
Paper Engineer: Richard Ferguson, written by Ben Hoare, illustrated by Jasmine Floyd
Publisher: Templar Books
Publication Date: Sep 3, 2026
➤ Find The Incredible Pop-Up Octopus at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells
☞ Part of the educational Incredible Pop-Up Animals series
Avatar: The Last Airbender
“Water. Earth. Fire. Air. Explore the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender in this pop-up experience that brings the elements off the page like a true airbending master.”
Includes 5 pop-up spreads. ISBN: 9798337402284. Details TBC.
Paper Engineer: Matthew Reinhart, illustrated by Sora Medina
Publisher: Insight Editions
Publication Date: Sep 1, 2026
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Pop-Up Carousel Book
“The best-selling classic by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, beautifully reimagined in a carousel gift edition with peep-through pages, gold foil, and a ribbon tie.”
5 peep-through scenes. ISBN: 9781536256413 (US) 9781529537451 (UK)
Paper Engineer: [Not stated], text by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
Publisher: Candlewick/Walker
Publication Date: Sep 1, 2026
➤ Find US edition at Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
➤ Find UK edition at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells
Pop-Up Life Stories for Kids
A collection of pop-up board book children’s introductions to the life and work of famous artists. These are the first American editions of a longer UK series that first started publishing in 2024.
Paper Engineer: [not stated], text by Susie Hodge/Alice Harman, illustrated by Teresa Bellón
Publisher: Boxer Books
Publication Date: Sep 1, 2026
Day of the Dead: The 3D Interactive Pop-Up Book
“Flowers bloom, candles glow, and skeletons dance in this lively pop-up celebration of Día de los Muertos.”
Six pop-up spreads with candlelit festivities, decorated altars and rhyming text. ISBN: 9783791376936. Details TBC.
Paper Engineer: Dominique Ehrhard, text by Anne-Flore Lemasson
Publisher: Prestel Junior
Publication Date: Aug 25, 2026
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
Harley-Davidson Pop-Up: An American Legend
“Ride along side the century-old history and evolution of one of America’s most famous motorcycle brands: Harley-Davidson. Learn all about the various Harley models, from their racing machines to essential everyday wheels.”
Five pop-up spreads. ISBN: 9781497106345.
Paper Engineer: David Hawcock
Publisher: Fox Chapel Publishing
Publication Date: Aug 25, 2026
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
Los Angeles Central Library POPS: Celebrating a Century of the Light of Learning
“A 3D adventure through the 100-year history of the iconic Los Angeles Central Library.a 3D adventure through the 100-year history of the iconic Los Angeles Central Library.”
ISBN: 9781626401105.
Paper Engineer: Matthew Reinhart, words by Christina Rice, illustrated by Mirelle Ortega
Publisher: Angel City Press
Publication Date: Jul 7, 2026
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
Frida Kahlo
“Step into the world of Frida Kahlo through 5 of her most celebrated works reimagined as three-dimensional scenes.”
ISBN: 9783791376783.
Paper Engineer: Maike Biederstädt, illustrated by Annabelle von Sperber and Frida Kahlo
Publisher: Prestel
Publication Date: Jul 7, 2026
Pop-Up Dinosaurium
“With six exciting pop-ups, enter the Pop-Up Dinosaurium and come eye to eye with history’s most incredible prehistoric beasts.” ISBN: 9781835874721.
Paper Engineer: [not stated], illustrated by Chris Wormell
Publisher: Big Picture Press
Publication Date: Jun 4, 2026
➤ Find it at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells
☞ See the Welcome to the Museum guide for more in this series (most are not pop-up books though)
The FIFA World Cup Pop-Up Book
“A gloriously fun, interactive pop-up journey through the FIFA World Cup—bringing to life the drama, players, and unforgettable moments of the world’s most popular sporting event.” ISBN: 9780789346650.
Paper Engineer: David Hawcock, edited by Daniel Melamud
Publisher: Rizzoli Universe
Publication Date: May 19, 2026
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells
Beautiful Bugs (Nature Pop-Ups)
“From a shimmering, glimmering dragonfly to a slow and steady snail, little ones will love watching bugs pop up from the pages of this appealing board book.” ISBN: 9781664351981.
Paper Engineer: Yoojin Kim, words by Patricia Hegarty, illustrations by Xuan Le
Publisher: Tiger Tales (US)
Publication Date: May 12, 2026 (published as Minibeasts by Little Tiger Press in the UK, Apr 3, 2025)
➤ Find US edition at Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
➤ Find UK edition at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells
Pop-Up Life Stories for Kids
A collection of pop-up board book children’s introductions to the life and work of famous artists. These are the first American editions of a longer UK series that first started publishing in 2024.
Paper Engineer: [not stated], text by Susie Hodge/Alice Harman, illustrated by Teresa Bellón
Publisher: Boxer Books
Publication Date: Apr 14, 2026
Fashion Unfolded series
“A new series of pop-up books bringing legendary fashion brands to 3D life”.
Pop-Up Louis Vuitton – Uncover the history of Louis Vuitton, from signature trunks to the iconic Speedy bag.
Paper Engineer: [not stated]
Publisher: Fashionary
Publication Date: April 14, 2026
➤ Find Pop-Up Louis Vuitton at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
➤ Find Pop-Up Prada at Amazon | Blackwells
Previous titles:
➤ Find Pop-Up Dior (2025) at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
➤ Find Pop-Up Chanel (2025) at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
World of Birds (Nature Pop-Ups)
“This beautiful pop-up book showcases a menagerie of magnificent birds. Each spread is brought to life by a pop-up scene featuring birds ranging from peacocks to parakeets and flamingos to hummingbirds.” ISBN: 9781838916398.
Paper Engineer: Yoojin Kim, words by Patricia Hegarty, illustrations by Xuan Le
Publisher: Little Tiger (UK)
Publication Date: Mar 5, 2026
➤ Find UK edition at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells
Oceans: A Pop-Up Book
“Lift the flaps and dive in to discover all kinds of wonderful creatures that live under the sea.” A simple board-book style pop-up for children, ISBN: 9781529516265 (UK) / 9781536251654 (US).
Paper Engineer: Ingela P. Arrhenius
Publisher: Walker (UK) / Candlewick (US)
Publication Date: Feb 6, 2026 (UK) / May 26, 2026 (US)
➤ Find UK edition at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells
➤ Find US edition at Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
Previous titles in the Interactive Creature Cultures series:
➤ Find Dinosaurs (2024) at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells
➤ Find Animal Atlas (2023) at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells
Let's Explore Dinosaurs Pop-Up
“Touch the teeth of a T. rex or swing an armored dinosaur’s tail with amazing pop-ups and flaps”. ISBN: 9781588348180.
Paper Engineer: Mi Tong
Publisher: Smithsonian Books
Publication Date: Feb 6, 2026
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
Avatar: The Ultimate Pop-Up Book
“Explore the world of Pandora in this lavishly illustrated pop-up book, and celebrate the alien and beautiful biomes and Na’vi Clans of the beloved Avatar films”. ISBN: 9798337400501.
Paper Engineer: Matthew Reinhart, illustrated by Rodrigo Tannes
Publisher: Insight Editions
Publication Date: Feb 6, 2026
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
Apocharta (books with removable artifacts)
For the “big” guide to books with removable ephemera, check out the full guide to apocharta books.
Cackle Crackle: Letters from the Witch - Annie Atkins, illustrated by Taryn Knight
An interactive picture book in which five witches prepare for a big convention. Includes 10 pullout paper props featuring handwritten letters, spells, and scientific diagrams straight from their kitchens and laboratories. (Note: originally marketed as Hocus Pocus.)
Paper Engineer: [not stated], text by Annie Atkins, illustrations by Taryn Knight
Publisher: Black Cat
Publication Date: Sep 3, 2026
➤ Find UK edition at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
➤ Find US edition at Amazon | B&N | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
Treasure Island, illustrated by MinaLima
A full-color illustrated edition of Robert Louis Stevenson’s timeless swashbuckling tale with interactive elements including the black flag of piracy, ready to be hoisted up a ship’s flag pole; a map of Skeleton Island unfurling to reveal the island’s secrets; the skeleton of a bone-chilling buccaneer pointing to treasure ahead, and more. ISBN: 9780063452084.
Paper Engineer: MinaLima, text by Robert Louis Stevenson
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: Sep 1, 2026
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells
☞ Part of MinaLima’s delightful Interactive Classics series
The Little Prince - Antoine de Saint-Exupery & MinaLima
The cherished classic text takes readers on an ever more fantastic journey from planet to desert, with eight interactive elements ranging from watering the prince’s blossoming rose to feeling the embrace of the snake. ISBN: 9780063497009.
Paper Engineer: MinaLima
Publisher: Clarion Books
Publication Date: Apr 7, 2026
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells
☞ Part of MinaLima’s delightful Interactive Classics series
Dracula: The Evidence (Archive/Immortal Edition)
Stoker’s novel reimagined as a briefcase/box of artifacts – the entire original text of Dracula, presented through reproduced maps, letters, diaries, newspaper clippings, and telegrams.
Paper Engineer: [not stated]Publisher: Beehive Books
Publication Date: 2026
➤ Find it at Beehive Books
Pop-up novelty books
Disney Princess Magical Worlds Pop-Up Play Set
Includes three pop-up scenes reflecting Cinderella’s kingdom, Aurora’s forest, and Jasmine’s world from the Disney movies, along with 12 character play pieces. ISBN: 9781835874417.
Paper Engineer: [not stated] art by Walt Disney team
Publisher: Studio Press
Publication Date: Nov 5, 2026
➤ Find UK edition at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells
Pop-Up and Play Spaceship
A four-quadrant carousel pop-up book, created by a rocket scientist. ISBN: 9781684496303 (US), 9781917069083 (UK).
Paper Engineer: Renee Jablow, text by Joalda Morancy, illustrated by Paul Boston
Publisher: Neon Squid
Publication Date: Oct 6, 2026
➤ Find US edition at Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
➤ Find UK edition at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells
Gilmore Girls: Christmas in Stars Hollow: The Official Pop-Up, Light-Up Advent Calendar
“Celebrate the holidays Gilmore Girls-style by decorating a pop-up Stars Hollow Christmas tree”. Single spread tree and gazebo with real lights and daily paper ornaments inspired by the show. ISBN: 9798337405407.
Paper Engineer: [not stated]Publisher: Insight Editions
Publication Date: Sep 1, 2026
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
Elton John: Step Into Christmas! Pop-Up Advent Calendar
“Build a glam Elton John holiday display.” Single pop-up piano and tree spread with daily paper ornaments inspired by his music and life. ISBN: 9798337403663.
Paper Engineer: [not stated]Publisher: Insight Editions
Publication Date: Sep 1, 2026
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
This Book Is a Camera
“A playful activity book that functions as a working 4×5″ analog camera, complete with detailed instructions, photo paper and a companion lightmeter app.” ISBN: 9780997175905.
Note: first published by MOMA in 2015.
Paper Engineer: Kelli Anderson
Publisher: Katherine Small Gallery
Publication Date: Aug 27, 2026
➤ Find it at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells
Reprints
A Year in the Moominhouse: A Carousel Book of the Seasons
A delightful carousel book, featuring pop-up scenes from the Moominhouse throughout the seasons, that can be tied off with a ribbon to make a 360° carousel. ISBN: 9781509853595.
Paper Engineer: Filippa Widlund, inspired by Tove Jansson
Publisher: Macmillan Children’s
US Publication Date: Nov 10, 2026
➤ Find it at Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
Released in the UK in 2025.
☞ See the “Welcome to Moominvalley” video for a peek into this book
Mr. Tickle’s Post - Roger Hargreaves
An interactive picture book with Mr Stamp, the Happyland postman, delivering Mr Tickle lots of post. Includes six envelopes to open, with letters, postcards and pictures of Mr Men Little Miss friends.
Paper Engineer: [not stated]Publisher: Farshore
US Publication Date: Jul 7, 2026
➤ Find US edition at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
UK edition released 2024.
➤ Find UK edition at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes
Harry Potter: A Pop-Up Guide to Hogwarts
Spectacular pop-up re-creations of key locations inside and outside Hogwarts castle, and it opens flat to form a pop-up map of the castle and its grounds. ISBN: 9781683834076.
Paper Engineer: Matthew Reinhart, illustrated by Kevin M. Wilson
Publisher: Insight Editions
US Publication Date: Jun 6, 2026
➤ Find US edition at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
UK edition released 2024.
➤ Find UK edition at Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes
2027 Anticipations
The Goonies Ultimate Visual History - Steven Awalt
Goonies never say die! Behind-the-scenes story of the iconic movie, with removable inserts like production stills, storyboards and other memorabilia TBC. ISBN: 9781647221799.
Paper Engineer: [not stated]Publisher: Insight Editions
Publication Date: Aug 3, 2076
➤ Find it at Amazon | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
The Biggest Story Easter
“Intricate 3D illustrations by Don Clark depict key events in the Easter story, starting with Palm Sunday and continuing to Jesus’s ascension.“
ISBN: 9781433599552. Details TBC.
Paper Engineer: [not stated]. Written by Kevin Deyoung, illustrated by Don Clark
Publisher: Crossway
Publication Date: Feb 28, 2027
➤ Find it at Waterstones | Blackwells
Fairies: Meadowcroft's Field Guide for Mythic Explorers
“The eccentric professor has collected some of the most mischievous Fairies known to humankind and magically stored them within these pages for cataloging. Six actual Fairies have been collected from around the world, including a misbehaving Pixie, the deceptive YÅkai, a mysterious Will-o’-the-Wisp, and more.“
A pocket-sized fairy compendium. ISBN: 9798337401096. Details TBC.
Paper Engineer: Matthew Reinhart
Publisher: Insight Kids
Publication Date: Feb 23, 2027
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells
Dragons: Meadowcroft's Field Guide for Mythic Explorers
“Risking life and limb, the professor has collected some of the most dangerous dragons in legend and magically stored them within these pages for cataloging. Six dragons from around the world crouch in the pages, ready to strike.”
A pocket-sized dragon compendium. ISBN: 9798337401102. Details TBC.
Paper Engineer: Matthew Reinhart
Publisher: Insight Kids
Publication Date: Jan 12, 2027
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells
FAQ
Are pop-up books worth preordering?
Sometimes. Preordering can help secure copies of expensive or short-lived paper-engineered books, but not every title becomes scarce. However, you can often save a few dollars by preordering (and support the authors and artists at the same time) so if you’re confident you want it, it makes sense! So to help you find the latest and greatest at the best possible price, this list includes details of the most beautiful pop-up book and paper engineering releases and pre-orders on my radar. I’ve included those upcoming titles I think will be the most collectible, beautiful, and/or likely to be future prize winners.
What are the best new pop-up books of 2026?
This all comes down to personal opinion. The list on this page is curated by me, so I’ve included details of what I think the most beautiful pop-up book and paper engineering releases and pre-orders are on my radar. I’ve included those upcoming titles I think will be the most collectible, beautiful, and/or likely to be future prize winners, and there’s a paragraph on my top picks for the year that I periodically update as new books are released.
What’s the difference between a pop-up book and an interactive book? A true pop-up book uses paper engineering to create three-dimensional structures when the pages are opened. Interactive books may use flaps, envelopes, wheels, letters or removable pieces without necessarily containing pop-up mechanisms.
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