Paper-mechanics have been around for centuries but the phrase ‘pop-up book’ was only copyrighted in 1932 (by Blue Ribbon Press, Chicago). You can find out more about the history and makers on the excellent The Popuplady
So here are a few images from my collection. I’ve chosen some fairy-tales on this occasion because of the time of year – just right to open these pages to read and find the surprises hidden in them when it’s cold and rainy outside. Enjoy!
Petals closed 
Thumbelina emerges from flower 
it is bitter cold and Thumbelina discovers the mouse’s burrow 
The mouse invites Thumbelina to stay with her 
mole invites Thumbelina to visit 
….and here she is at the top of the stairs 
Thumbelina discovers a swallow left for dead 
Thumbelina helps the swallow to recover 
In turn the swallow helps Thumbelina escape the moles’ tunnels 
elves celebrate the arrival of Thumbelina
The images above are from “Thumbolina’ (yes, with an ‘o’ instead of an ‘e’), published by Malysh Publishers. I think they no longer exist – since the collapse of the USSR – at least I can only find references to this company up to 1986.
Cinderella crying – but help is at hand! 
Cinderella transformed 
Your carriage awaits 
Awaiting the arrival of the prince 
Oh dear, the prince has found his favourite already.. 
midnight strikes 
Wedding celebrations – dog with bone 
Wedding celebrations – with cat
Both the above (Cinderella) and the below (The brave tin soldier) were illustrated by the master of the pop-up book, Vojtech Kubasta ( a Czech architect and illustrator)
toys and box of tin soldiers 
box opened 
goblin emerges from snuff-box 
ballerina – the tin soldier’s love interest – the main reason he goes on adventures! 
having fallen out of the window the tin soldier is put on a paper-boat -and confronted by a water-rat 
oh dear – a hungry fish 
The fish has swallowed the tin soldier! 
A large fish has been caught 
tin soldier emerges from fish
Magnificent!!
Thank you 😊
Wonderful images, thanks for sharing 🙂 Was always pleased to see a pop up book as a kid and good to see they’re still popular judging by some of the books my youngest son had.
Thank you!
Beautiful. RE-posted on twitter @trefology
Thank you so much- very kind of you 😊