'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Saturday 4 May 2013

Review: Art2-D2's Guide to Folding and Doodling

Stick figures to the Dark Side lead! To doodle like a Jedi you must learn!

Since today is Star Wars Day (May the 4th be with you!), it seemed appropriate to review a Star Wars themed book.

If you have any Stars Wars fans in your home, Art2-D2’s Guide to Folding and Doodling is the perfect activity book.  With more than 75 things to fold, draw and do, this ‘origami Yoda activity book’ encourages kids to experiment with simple drawings and paper folding techniques.

Activities include how to draw Darth Vader’s helmet, how to create an origami Yoda or C-3PO, and tips on how to draw speedy sketches of R2D2 and a Wookiee. There is a 16-page colour insert with 10 pages of coloured pull-out origami paper (plain colours), a section on photographing your origami creations, and two Star Wars backgrounds to photograph them against.

Although the book has numerous Star Wars-related activities, it really is a general guide to cartooning, doodling and basic paperfolding. There are instructions on how to draw easy facial features, arms and legs, completing one-line drawings, creating paper finger puppets and creating pictures from basic shapes such as numbers and letters, which encourage readers to try out their new skills and ideas in a variety of ways.

With plenty of space for practicing, a definite element of humour and easy to follow instructions, Art2-D2’s Guide to Folding and Doodling is a great way to engage children, especially boys, in drawing activities. The book is supported with further ideas and activities at the Origami Yoda website.

Title: Art2-D2's Guide to Folding and Doodling
Author/Illustrator: Tom Angleberger
Publisher: Abrams, $11.95 RRP
Publication Date: 1 April 2013
Format: Soft cover
ISBN: 9781419709593
For ages: 8 - 12
Type: Junior non-fiction, Activity book