What’s better than a book with lots of pictures? A book with pictures that explode right off the page! Here's why these feats of paper engineering are great for readers:
They’re interactive
With tabs and flaps that turn ordinary illustrations 3-D, pop-up books will have even the most reluctant reader eagerly turning pages to catch a glimpse of the next scene. They’re a great way to add some extra incentive and rewards to reading, especially for kids who get bored quickly, says Frank J. Sileo, Ph.D., children’s psychologist and author. Plus, touching the images gives little ones the feeling that they’re inside the story, which makes it all the more engaging.
They help build vocabulary
Reading a pop-up book once just won’t cut it for kids — they’ll want to experience it again and again. (Don't worry, that's a good thing!) You can feel good about encouraging repetition because rereading is an important part of strengthening a child’s vocabulary skills. Learn more about how rereading books has big benefits for kids.
They teach the value of visualization
As kids transition to books with fewer pictures (or no pictures at all!), visualizing the characters, setting, and plot will become a key part of understanding the text. Pop-ups are perfect for training kids’ imaginations to picture what’s happening in the story and getting them ready for a lifetime of richer reading experiences.
And if your kids love reading pop-up books, they may enjoy creating one! Learn how to help them create their own pop-up paper projects.
Photo Credit: Aaron Dyer