ABC3D: the best pop-up book in the world

I've just acquired the single most beautiful book I've ever owned.

It's called ABC3D, and it is an unbelievably witty and well-made pop-up ABC book, produced by Marion Bataille. It's one of those books that could only be a book -- there's no way this could be an ebook or a movie (though the little video above gives you an idea of the thing, it's a poor substitute) or an audiobook or whatever. This is the apotheosis of book, something you have to put between covers to really, really appreciate.

You can see the transitions in the video above. I'm especially fond of the sheet of tracing paper that turn O and P into Q and R; of the tension-bridge U, the mirror page that turns a V into a W, and the hypnotic S.

At $20, this is a serious steal. I don't care if you've got a baby or not -- if you love books as artifacts, you will love this book. Link

I write books. My latest is a YA science fiction novel called Homeland (it's the sequel to Little Brother). More books: Rapture of the Nerds (a novel, with Charlie Stross); With a Little Help (short stories); and The Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow (novella and nonfic). I speak all over the place and I tweet and tumble, too.

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Anonymous

Just reminds me of my current favourite TV series — “Pushing Daisies” One of the leads is a connoisseur of pop-up books (and knitting)
Waltb555

Robert Sabuda has also done “The Wizard of Oz” and “The Chronicles of Narnia” as well as a number of beautiful Christmas themed books. Check them out. They are all amazing.
Anonymous

A new song for this video was created for the launch party. It’s equally “olde-timey”, but extra catchy.

Article:
http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6606038.html?nid=2788

Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEATEFO4TSI

Last but not least, the page for the band who wrote the song:
http://www.myspace.com/wavingdrowning
EH

The song is “Roll On Mississippi Roll On” by The Boswell Sisters. Sweet cut!
dero

Can I put my vote in for Mommy? Popups plus Maurice Sendak (author of Where The Wild Things Are)! Again, a popup book my two-year-old has yet to actually see…
Tordelback

Nope, can’t see the appeal for a kid, beyond its value as a piece of art. There’s no semantic context for any of the letters, in relating them to sounds, words or images. They’re just a clever – and rather confusing – set of abstract shapes.
kittyfarts

I’ll be buying the book for my 6 year old(that’s actually a lie, it’s all for me) and in the meantime my 2 year old was loving the video. Best part is, he can’t rip it!
Sekino

I bet many toddlers would be excited by that book if a parent shares it with them. What a great way to introduce letters with fun and clever art. But I bet Cory totally usurped it from his daughter ;)

If I would have had that book when I was 3 or 4, I would have seriously believed that these were the actual letters of the alphabet; as if I had been entrusted with the real, original set and all other representations of letters were borrowed copies… My mind was all the fun I needed back then.
Madmolf

Thanks for sharing, i bought it instantly.
BrendanLynch

This is great. In fact, I bought 4 copies of it on my way home from work. Should make for some nice gifts!

It was funny – the bookstore was wondering why so many people were buying this title today. I’d suggest picking up a copy while you can.
EtaWat

As previously mentioned, its flimsy enough to not survive the average toddler looking through it.

Of course it also has the serious drawback of being A-Z instead of A-Ã–, in the process missing out on the wonders of ÃÃÃ‰ÃÃ“ÃšÃÃžÃ†Ã–.
MichaelRN

Very nice! If you like pop-up books, you should seek out Nick Bantock‘s work. His take on Jabberwocky is one of my favorites.
Joel Johnson

It’s only $14 on Amazon right now.
Dangerpants

What is that song? I need it. To live.
DEEPEYES

In fact, this is more one of those ‘adult’ toys. There’s no way that a toddler (the normal audience for an ABC book) wouldn’t rip the hell out of that if she got a chance. So unless you only have story time with the kid in a straitjacket, I’d just keep that one for the grown-ups.

And frankly, it is beautiful enough to be an objet d’art for the over-5 set…
Secret_Life_of_Plants

I too wish to know the song.
Cool Products

What a cool pop-up book. I need this for my coffee table.
Simeon

Boswell Sisters – Roll on Mississippi, roll on.
Anonymous

I would point you to this popup for Alice in Wonderland. It is absolutely stunning.

http://www.amazon.com/Alices-Adventures-Wonderland-Pop-up-Adaptation/dp/0689847432
nanner

Very nice, my entire family will love that one.

Have you ever seen “Blue 2″ ? That’s a favorite of ours. (and it’s only about $14 on amazon)
heydemann3

love love love pop-ups. The only thing better than playing with one is making one.
And nifty books, even abcedaria can be for an audience older than toddlers. But many 4 and 5 year olds can be taught not to rip things apart.
ksdrg

What I love, is when I go the the amazon link, there is a box saying “Please tell the publisher: I want to see this book on Kindle.” A pop-up ebook? Huh.
jeffjonez

wonderful book, but it would make a toddler’s head explode… which is unwonderful.