Encyclopedia Mythologica: Gods & Heroes

Encyclopedia Mythologica: Gods & Heroes
 (A Pop-up Novelty book)
by Matthew Reinhart, Robert Sabuda


Mythology being an ever-fascinating topic, the 7-year old zoomed in on this book at Powell's where she hoped to use the gift cards her friends had given for her birthday several months ago.

(And, rather than splurge it all on herself, I was glad to note that she bought something for Oggie, something he'd like - a DK Ultimate Sticker Book of Space.)

With just 6 pages, Encyclopedia Mythologica: Gods & Monsters might seem like a quick read, but the book has been entertaining her for hours, over days, on and off. [Much like the How To Find Flower Fairies book did does]

From Ancient Egypt, Greek, Norse, Eastern and Polynesian to relatively modern Native American, the powerful deities conjured up and revered by the various civilizations are presented in quite a dramatic manner that easily arrested the attention of the young reader.

The paper cut-out centerpiece on each page is surrounded by text on fold-out/pull/pop-up novelties. The text flows in a direct narration sharing some intriguing stories from mythology, qualifying clearly enough that these were the beliefs of the time.

There are a few other books in this series by the same team: Encyclopedia Mythologica: Dragons & Monsters, Encyclopedia Prehistorica: Sharks and Other Sea Monsters, Encyclopedia Prehistorica: Mega Beasts.

[image source: amazon.com]

How To Find Flower Fairies

How To Find Flower Fairies
Pop-up Novelty book
by Cicely Mary Barker


When Nana gave this huge volume to Ana for her birthday, the five year old just could not believe it. Here was book of her dreams!

"If you are walking by a tree, you may hear a sudden twittering of birds. This could be a warning signal to let the fairies know of your presence. Fairies do not like humans venturing too close to their homes, and their feathered friends know to alert them if we are nearby."

"Can you see any remnants of nutshells or berries on the ground? These are signs that a fairy feast has recently taken place."

With cute tid-bits like these, the book has kept the resident fairyphile absorbed and amazed for many hours, many days.

Just as the title promises, each page tells us how to find flower fairies In the Tree Tops, Forest Floor,  Garden, By the wayside, In the Marsh.

This huge book (approx. 10x12x2 inches), is packed with novelties - flaps, maps, pop-ups, pull-outs, plus huge paper structures that are absolutely magical and soothing. Most pages have the charming cursive writing which added to the appeal.

I must admit I love this book! The little details, the dainty illustrations, the gorgeous pop-ups all add up to a dreamy, enchanting experience.

[image source: photo of personal copy of the book]