The Christmas Alphabet - Robert Sabuda

by Lauri Griffin | More from this Blogger

19 Dec 2007 10:05 PM

Today I want to share a special Christmas book. I love pop-up books, this book though is more like a work of art. The Christmas Alphabet by Robert Sabuda has twenty-six miniature pop-ups, one for each letter of the alphabet. Each double page spread has four different color flaps to open. Inside the flaps are elaborate three dimensional white cut-outs. The white-only paper against colored backdrops is elegant and timeless. The only cutouts that have color are "W" which shows a Madonna and Child stained glass window, and "X" which is for "Xmas" that shows two red and white stripped candy canes.

I love to give this book as a present. It's great for all ages, for children learning the alphabet, for adults to put on their coffee tables, and even for older people in retirement homes. I find it hard to express how charming the book is. You can see some of the pages at the Amazon link above. I've never seen anyone be able to resist turning the pages and opening up the flaps. Everyone is fascinated by how it works. Our own copy has held up to years of wear. The "G" page tore a little, but was quickly mended. The "G" is for "gift. Under the lid of a three dimensional box is a tiny cat.

Some of the letters stand for expected Christmas items. "A" is for angel, and "O" is for ornament. Other letters aren't so expected. "I" is for icicles hanging off a housetop. "Q" is for a caroling quartet that are wearing Santa hats. "V" shows a Bethlehem-like village. "Y" is for Yule log. "L" is for a letter to Santa. "F" is for snowman friends. My favorite is "J" for Joy. This page shows doves circling a Christmas tree. Sometimes we forget about joy.

This is a calming and charming pop-up book. It makes a great present for just about anyone. It's also great sick day entertainment, even for older children.

Also See:

Arthur's Christmas Cookies - Lillian Hoban

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever - Barbara Robinson

Christmas in the Big Woods - Laura Ignalls Wilder

Learn more about Lauri Griffin

Lauri lives in Colorado with her husband and three sons. Amidst all the laundry and packing of lunches, she tries to keep parenting fun.

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