Quite a lot of books about how to make pop-up books are available in the market, but I select 5 books with 4-star above reviews on Amazon for your reference. These how-to books surely cover popular topics, including pop-up book techniques and pop-up book templates. (updated on 8 April 2023)
1. The elements of pop-up
By James Diaz and David A. Carter (1999)
A must-have for any one interested in making pop-up books or cards. This title, to my best knowledge, is the best-selling of its kind. For pop-up books lovers, this book gives you knowledge of how paper engineering work so that you may enjoy appreciating pop-up books.
James Diaz and David A. Carter teach you 44 techniques of paper engineering in 3 categories: folds, wheels and pull-tabs. Every technique is informatively illustrated and physically demonstrated in a flip-flap. You will see the kinetics of the technique and how it works. (photo: Amazon)
David A. Carter just updated his website by adding up dielines of this book. Download here .
2. Pop-Up Design and Paper Mechanics
By Duncan Birmingham (2019)
The sub-title to this book is "How to make folding paper sculpture." In which case, this book provides 14 project templates for you to put 18 foundation shapes and 9 building techniques into practice. (photo: Amazon)
Ducan Birmingham has got a YouTube channel with step-by-step of pop-up tutorials.
3. Cut and Fold Techniques for Pop-Up Designs
By Paul JacksonAs shown as the title of this book, it aims to unveil the combination of CUT and FOLD creates various pop-up techniques and effects. Templates of pop-up ideas are well illustrated to follow. (photo: Amazon)
4. Paper Engineering for Designers
By Finch Keith (2013)
This book is very similar to "The Elements of Pop-Up", which may teach you a great number of pop-up techniques. Having said that, this book offers a pack of cardboard spare parts for you to physically assemble every single pop-up mechanism. (photo: Amazon)
5. More Designs of Paper Folding for Pop-Up
By Miyuki Yoshida
It is rare to find a how-to book for pop-ups written by Japanese paper engineer. This is the 2nd book about pop-up techniques by Miyuki Yoshida. 15 pop-up works are bond together by two screws for easy removing. All templates of those works are available in the attached DVD. (photo: Amazon)
