Review: A Christmas Carol -- A Pop-Up Book

Summary: This beautiful re-imagining of Charles Dickens's timeless fable, A Christmas Carol: A Pop-Up Book features artist Chuck Fischer's richly painted depictions of the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, brought to life in intricate pop-up scenes by paper engineer Bruce Foster. The entire text of A Christmas Carol is reproduced in five removable, illustrated, keepsake booklets. An introductory booklet provides a biography of Dickens and an illustrated feature on the enduring appeal of this beloved story.-- Little, Brown

I have heard so many wonderful things about Chuck Fischer and his pop up books, but I have to admit that I had no idea how absolutely amazing they are until I received a copy of CHARLES DICKENS' A CHRISTMAS CAROL: A POP UP BOOK. I am just blown away by how beautiful this book is -- I can't stop looking at it!

Probably what amazes me the most about this book is just how detailed and intricate the pop up creations are. It truly is a credit to both Chuck Fischer and Bruce Foster, the paper engineer. The book starts with a pop up image of the town and continues with images of Scrooge and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Future. Each page is more beautiful than the next, but I most adored the very last page. It's another picture of the town; however, the top of the page has a banner saying "God Bless Us, Everyone!" and there is an image of Scrooge holding Tiny Tim.

Another wonderful thing about this book is that the entire story of A Christmas Carol is included within the pages of the pop up book. This was such an added bonus for me because I don't think I've ever read the entire story before! The text of A Christmas Carol has been reproduced into five mini books that are kept in small pockets on each page spread. Each booklet can be removed and read to further enhance the entire experience of this pop up book.

This book is one that deserves to be read over and over again! Every time I look at it, I find another special thing on each page. For example, there is a pull tab on the first booklet which changes the scene on the cover. In addition, there is actually a hidden panel on the scene that features the Ghost of Christmas Past. When the reader opens this panel, Scrooge moves back and forth and there is also an image of Tiny Tim. I can assure you that A CHRISTMAS CAROL: A POP UP BOOK is chock full of wonderful surprises.

It's so hard to describe just how exquisite this book is. Just take a look at this video and you'll see what I mean:



CHARLES DICKENS' A CHRISTMAS CAROL is absolutely perfect to get you in the mood for the holidays. The book is an absolute treasure to look at, and I also think it appeals to people of all ages. I know my kids love it (although I am not exactly willing to let them play with it because I'm afraid that they will break it!), but I also think my grandparents would be equally thrilled while "playing with" this book. It truly is an ideal gift for this Christmas season.

Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy of this gorgeous book.