A Roundup of Pop-Ups

Despite not actually owning any, I'm a big fan of the pop-up books of Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart (they don't always work in tandem, but many of the following suggestions are their joint publications). I know, you're probably thinking that pop-ups are just for kids, but no. I would only entrust very trustworthy, very careful kids with these books. The pop-ups are phenomenal—sometimes there are pop-ups within pop-ups within pop-ups. Here's a roundup of some of the best.

This one's for the Star Wars fans (and, frankly, anyone who appreciates extreme coolness): Star Wars: A Pop-Up Guide to the Galaxy. Dude, it contains working lightsabers. Tiny illuminated lightsabers.

If your bent runs more to classic children's stories, check out Alice's Adventures in Wonderland: A Pop-up Adaptation, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: A Commemorative Pop-up, and Cinderella: A Pop-Up Fairy Tale.

Less stereotypically girly—but no less intricate—are the Encyclopedia Prehistorica books, a set of three: Dinosaurs, Mega-Beasts, and Sharks and Other Sea Monsters. I've only seen the one about dinosaurs in person, but it was quite impressive. The trio would make a great present.

For the Narnia fan, there's The Chronicles of Narnia Pop-up: Based on the Books by C. S. Lewis.

And, on a darker note, there's always The Pop-up Book of Phobias. I don't recommend it, but

Reading Rainbow (Literally)

You know, I'd never thought of arranging my books by color before—probably because it's not a terribly logical way of doing things. However, that photo's giving me severe bookcase envy. Wonder if I can get away with rearranging all of our books before someone (who happens to be notoriously neurotic, er, particular about his books) has a coronary.

It's a Boontjeful World

Ever since I first saw a photo of Tord Boontje's gorgeous Swarovski blossom chandeliers, I've been completely besotted. Here's a chance to find out a bit more about the man himself. Okay, only a teeny bit, but watching the video has now whetted my appetite for the book.

Not Just Pulp Fiction, But Pulp Art

Such an awesome collection of pop-up/cut-out pulp novel art. I know that's a strange description, but I really can't think of a better one. Trust me, though, it's neato. Now I want to dig up some cheap old books and mutilate their covers for the sake of art. All you'd need is a steady hand and a sharp scalpel. (Via Boing Boing.)

For Your Easter Basket

Since it's nearly Easter, I figured some of you might want some last-minute suggestions if you need to get someone a present or otherwise want to celebrate the Great Bunny Day. (Jesus who?)

If you're one of those Peeps people (Peeple?) take your love of the marshmallow creatures to a whole new level with Peeps: A Candy-Coated Tale. Which you can read while snuggling against these pillows.

For some reason Easter seems to bring out the cutesy crazies in us all. I've never been one of those people who enjoys dressing up my iPod, but wouldn't it look awfully cute in a bunny suit? Along similarly illogical lines, why not deck the tea kettle and your eggs as well?

Oh yeah—and buy me one (or more) of these awesome little flop-eared chocolate bunnies. Awww...mmmmm.... Can't...fight...conflicting emotions...both good.

Wings and Things

Yeah, I know this might sound stereotypical and all, but some stereotypes just hold up. Real men (and women) love their BBQ and wings. Hence, if you truly love the man in your life, you will get him this book: Wings Across America: 150 Outrageously Delicious Chicken Recipes for Valentine's Day. And a grill. Unfortunately, some of us live in a studio and have no place to put a grill, hence we are deferring the purchase of said book until we have the room for a grill.