Just as falling snow is a sign of Christmas, pop-up books seem to fall even more ubiquitously on book store shelves at Christmastime.
With Disney’s new live-action movie “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” opening in theaters this month, the companion Center Stage Pop-Up Book (Studio Fun International; ISBN: 978-0794442033; Hardcover $12.99; Ages 6-8) should stand out from most of the others. Not only will the movie name be a hook, but kids and parents eyes will be attracted to the tastefully colorful cover art.
Designed by Kara Kenna with illustrations by Marco Bucci and Brent Ford, each page evokes a classic artistic style of late 19th century Europe but with a timeless holiday sensibility.
In addition to different pop-ups depicting lands of flowers, snowflakes, sweets, and amusements on each of five double-page spreads, the beautiful and elegant dark-skinned ballerina remains poised center stage, guiding the viewer through each realm along with the engaging narrative adapted by Courtney Acampora.
— By Scott Hettrick