Tuesday, December 21, 2010

World's Best Origami book review and giveaway!

World's Best Origami
by:  Nick Robinson

ISBN: 9781615640539, Alpha Books
Published: November 2010
Retail price:  $19.95 hardcover
$9.99 in ebook format


When I received World's Best Origami, I never expected my children to swipe the book before I even got a chance to crack the cover.  My children had gotten a taste for origami last summer at Vacation Bible School, where we made doves to represent the Holy Spirit. To be quite honest, I wasn't confident in my origami skills and begged my husband to take some personal time off from work to assist me with helping 40 kids fold their papers into glorious representations of the Holy Spirit.  


The main reason I begged him to help me was because I couldn't follow the diagram of the origami model I had found online.  It took me a long time to fold my paper to look like the diagram and even longer to have my dove look beautifully folded.  That is one thing that is so nice about World's Best Origami is that the diagrams are easy to follow.  It even says things like "this is how your model should look" meaning if it doesn't look exactly like that, you did something wrong!  Finally an origami book for paper folding dummies like me.


I also like the way World's Best Origami is organized.  Each chapter is divided into items that you can fold.  For instance, Chapter 4 shows how to fold various flowers and Chapter 6 deals with containers.  The whole first chapter is devoted to how to fold and what various symbols mean while reading diagrams.  Don't skip the first chapter!  You'll be lost and you want to be sure that you are following the directions correctly.  There's even an index in the back if you are looking for a specific origami model to fold for a project.


Another convenient aspect of the book is that you can choose origami diagrams based upon difficulty.  Of course, as you fold through the models, you gain skills that only build upon each other for more difficult models later.  


My husband and kids made a water lily.  Even my 5 year old!  They really enjoy origami and I love that this book provides so many different models to fold.  It is an educational boredom buster on a rainy or snowy day.  There's a Difficulty 5 Angel that I think would be fun to try to fold.  I'm sure she'd look beautiful on our tree. 

Buy it:  World's Best Origami is available via Penguin Group USA's website for $19.95 hardcover and $9.99 ebook (Epub or Adobe  Reader).


Win It:  Want to win a copy of World's Best Origami by Nick Robinson?  I know you do!  This contest will run through January 1, 2011 at 11:59 PM and the winner will be chosen via Random.org on January 2.  Open to US residents only who are 18 or older.   Winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email asking for shipping information.  If winner does not respond within that time frame, I will have to choose a different winner.  Shipping will be the responsibility of the sponsor. 


Mandatory Entry:  Tell me if you are an origami folding pro or if you are a novice like me.  Leave a comment indicating your paper folding abilities.  You must complete this entry for extra entries to count and you must either leave your email or let me know that your email is available in your Blogger profile.  I can't contact you if I can't find you!


Extra entries:  There are four ways to get extra entries - 1 entry each action.  Please leave a comment for each entry.


  •  Follow me via Twitter (right side bar) and tweet about this contest.
  • Follow me via Google Friend Connect (right side bar)
  • Subscribe via email (right side bar)


If you already follow or subscribe, just let me know in a comment.   Please share this contest since this book would be a great resource for a teacher or homeschooler.



Disclosure:  I was provided with a complimentary copy of World's Best Origami by Nick Robinson for the purposes of review.  I was not compensated for this blog post.  The opinions are 100% my own or are derived from my family's experience with this book. 



99 comments:

Chris said...

I once made an origami Yoda, it was a big hit with my boys. Thank goodness it was very simple, my folding skills are poor.

butghamilton@hotmail.com

Chris said...

What I learned form Nick's web site, I never knew there was such thing as a "professional origami artist" and blown away that he created hundreds of his own designs.

bughamilton@hotmail.com

Stacy Tilton said...

I learned he was a member of the British Origami Society for over 25 years.
smtilton @ comcast.net

Stacy Tilton said...

I follow you on twitter @smtilton
smtilton @ comcast.net

Stacy Tilton said...

I Subscribe via email
smtilton @ comcast.net

Michelle said...

I'm a novice, for sure...I can barely make a paper airplane! LOL

Michelle said...

I follow you on GFC.

Michelle said...

I subscribe to your emails.

Michelle said...

Following you on Twitter and just Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/momchelle/status/18267914008264704

Michelle said...

I learned that he has written more than a couple dozen books on origami, including one in the "for Dummies" series of books. Oh, and he has my same last name, of course (no relation, though, LOL).

Anonymous said...

I'm a total novice but my ten-year-old has been mad keen on it ever since his art class at school introduced the kids to it. I got him a basic book and some paper for his birthday last month and last week he spent two whole weeks allowance on a book he found in a second-hand bookshop, so he must be serious!

jodza@bellsouth.net

Anonymous said...

I learned that in addition to origami there is a related craft of "kirigami" which appears to involve cutting as well as folding paper. Sounds fun!

Anonymous said...

I am following you on Google Friend Connect

jodza@bellsouth.net

Anonymous said...

Following you on email. Alas, I do not twitter, so I can't get the last extra entry.

jodza@bellsouth.

Anonymous said...

I'm not a pro at origami but I would like to be! I know how to make a few things but I always forget unless I have instructions. I really love the look of the origami paper with the traditional patterns on it, I saw a big pack of it at Michael's! I'm an artsy person so I'd just love to win this. =] I think folding origami is very relaxing because you have to concentrate.

suzy_darling@hellokitty.com

Anonymous said...

I learned that Nick Robinson has been making origami for 25 years and has been a member of the British Origami Society for over 25 years!

suzy_darling@hellokitty.com

Anonymous said...

Following you on twitter and tweeted!

http://twitter.com/suzy_darling/status/20473462409662464

suzy_darling@hellokitty.com

Anonymous said...

I'm subscribed via GFC!

suzy_darling@hellokitty.com

Anonymous said...

I'm subscribed to your emails!

suzy_darling@hellokitty.com

Ruth Cox aka abitosunshine said...

I visited Robinson's site, was there quite awhile, in fact. I discovered he spent a day teaching origami to teenagers in a secure unit for young offenders. Now, that is a great thing to do!

I'd love to win this book, thank you!

ruthcox at abitosunshine dot net

Ruth Cox aka abitosunshine said...

I now follow YOU ON GFC!

Oh, and please feel free to add this book giveaway to my B-Y-G-B linky list: http://ruthireads.blogspot.com/2010/12/b-y-g-b-january-linky-list.html

ruthcox at abitosunshine dot net

smilekisses said...

I'm a novice at it but my daughter is pretty darn good.

dolniaks[at]consolidated[dot]net

Ruth Cox aka abitosunshine said...

I follow you on Twitter @abitosunshine and tweeted this giveaway: http://twitter.com/#!/abitosunshine/status/20590426369032192

ruthcox at abitosunshine dot net

Ruth Cox aka abitosunshine said...

OOPs! I almost forgot the mandatory entry! I'm a novice, not a pro, although I've played with origami through the years.

ruthcox at abitosunshine dot net

Ruth Cox aka abitosunshine said...

Email Subscription Confirmed!
ruthcox at abitosunshine dot net

BowieTip said...

The closest I've gotten to origami is folded paper airplanes.

Hope to win!

BowieTip said...

I follow via GFC...

xxbowietipxx@gmail.com

slb3334 said...

I am novice except for paper airplanes.

slb3334@gmail.com

lkvoyer said...

I used to be fairly decent at paper folding, however, that was many year ago. I would love to win this to share with my daughters. I think they would really enjoy learning to fold. LKVOYER at aol dot com

lkvoyer said...

Following on GFC. LKVOYER at aol dot com

lkvoyer said...

Email subscriber. LKVOYER at aol dot com

Renee G said...

I am definitely a folding novice.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(dot)com

Renee G said...

I follow as Renee G on GFC.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(DOT)com

Catherine said...

I am sorry to say I am a very unskilled origami folder. It's too bad, since my boys think it's so amazing to look at. My email is in my profile.

Catherine said...

After visiting the author's website, I was impressed to know there was a British origami society, and magazine. That's neat.. Who knew?

Catherine said...

I'm following on Twitter (@OurVillageIs)

Catherine said...

I'm following with GFC

Aisling said...

I'm a novice (although I once made a peace crane with some help from my granddaughter). I'd love to learn how to fold Origami.
mcgillrmcgill(at)charter(dot)net

Aisling said...

I learned that Nick Robinson regularly teaches origami in schools, arts centres and many other venues. mcgillrmcgill(at)charter(dot)net

toughturtles said...

total novice

Nicole C. said...

I am a novice.

choateorama(at)gmail(dot)com

Nicole C. said...

I follow on gfc.

choateorama(at)gmail(dot)com

mlswin@triad.rr.com said...

I am definitely a novice but my granddaughter wants to learn.

Sharon Harmon said...

I am a beginner. I can do the kite fold and inside fold and outside fold. ;)
Clownscrytoo@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I am an origami novice!

theyyyguy@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Growing up my sister and I mastered origami but it has been over 30 years since I've done it. I have trouble making a paper airplane these days. I'd say I'm a pro gone bad :)
gtc831(at)yahoo(dot)com

Tomi C said...

I've gotten better at it since my oldest son did a presentation on it at school.

Tclarkusa at gmail dot com

Tracy Allen said...

I am an oragami novice, but I always wanted to learn!
tallen0104 at yahoo.com

Tracy Allen said...

Nick is also a web designer
tallen0104 at yahoo.com

Gblogger said...

I'm certainly not a pro, but I do do it regularly. It's a great way to make holiday decorations - reindeer, turkeys, etc. It's also really relaxing.

greislercorbett at gmail.com

lezanac said...

I am not great at origami but it is easier than folding napkins to me. I am terrible at that. lezanac@yahoo.com

lezanac said...

I learned the Author is a member of the British Origami Society. lezanac@yahoo.com

lezanac said...

GFC follower lezanac@yahoo.com

lezanac said...

email subscriber lezanac@yahoo.com

Storm, The Psychotic Housewife said...

I am a total novice! I remember doing some as a little girl, but it's been a LONG time.

stormraven at gmail dot com

Heather B said...

I think the furthest I ever went with paper folding of any sort was love notes in highschool! I am a total novice!

Queen Nut said...

I'm a novice, but loved doing origami as a kid!

squirrelkarma at gmail dot com

Queen Nut said...

I follow on GFC

squirrelkarma at gmail dot com

Melissa B. said...

I have only done origami once or twice. Email is in profile.

Screw Lucy said...

I think I made one of those things kids make once where you put the answers to questions in different folds--and that's the extent of my knowledge!

Bani said...

I'm definitely a novice! Used to have slightly better skills when I was little. Could make cranes or planes but now nothing much.

wakeupangel at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I have never tried origami, but i would love to learn. My friends are into it. They like to make frogs

jim.coyne2@verizon.net

Anonymous said...

I follow you via twitter and tweeted

http://twitter.com/#!/JCoyne1031/status/21259327406874624

jim.coyne2@verizon.net

Anonymous said...

I follow via GFC

jim.coyne2@verizon.net

Unknown said...

I am a novice but would love to learn some new techniques Thanks for the giveaway
tanyainjville at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

I learned that he has been folding paper for over 25 years
tanyainjville at yahoo dot com

degood said...

I used to be a origami pro and then I went to middle school :) Since it has been 20 years since I have tried, I don't know that I could do it anymore. My 8 year old daughter was talking about it the other day and wants to learn so maybe I should get this book to give us a place to start.

kerrie@mayansfamily.com

degood said...

I follow your blog with gfc as degood.

kerrie@mayansfamily.com

Unknown said...

I am a novice, and my origami skills are limited to those I picked up in gradeschool - the box, the airplane, the "decision maker." My brother, however, can make all kinds of amazing stuff, and I'd love to give him this book.

susansmoaks said...

i am a novice
susansmoaks at gmail dot com

cpage2323 said...

I am absolutely abysmal at origami but my 12 year old son is quite the pro...He is also really into kirigami which is the art of cutting a piece paper....He would love to win this! Thanks for the chance!
trixie420247 at yahoo dot com

cpage2323 said...

gfc follower(cpage2323 christine page)
trixie420247 at yahoo dot com

cpage2323 said...

twitter follower and tweeted

http://twitter.com/trixie420247/status/21353512310931456

trixie420247 at yahoo dot com

cpage2323 said...

i learned the author has created several hundred ORIGINAL designs! That is something I am so envious about!
trixie420247 at yahoo dot com

js22 said...

I love origami - I'd gone to a party as a child where we learned to make the flapping bird! I took a bunch of books out of the library to learn more!
So I'm not 'new' but my repertoire is extremely limited!
Thanks for the giveaway!
email in blogger profile.

js22 said...

wow, he's got a bunch of great videos showing him making designs, some quite complicated.
email in blogger profile.

js22 said...

i follow you on twitter - js22222222 .
tweet: http://twitter.com/js22222222/status/21362744045342720
email in blogger profile.

js22 said...

I follow your blog on google friends connect- Joanne Schultz .
email in blogger profile.

mail4rosey said...

I'm a novice buy my oldest child is a pro, so his tween sister, of course, is very interested in it. I'd love to give her the book.

msurosey@yahoo.com

hiann88 said...

A novice would be an overstatement. Paper folding skills almost non-existant.

hiann88 said...

I learned that he has regularly taught origami in schools, arts centres and many other venues and has a clean enhanced CRB check.

hiann88 said...

GFC follower

hiann88 said...

Email subscriber

hiann88 said...

I Follow you via Twitter and tweet about this contest:
http://twitter.com/hiann88/status/21405314804879361

hity88 said...

I am a novice. Not very good, but I want to learn.

hity88 said...

I learned that he has been a member of the British Origami Society for over 25 years and edited their magazine as well as maintaining their website since 1996.

hity88 said...

GFC follower

hity88 said...

Email subscriber

hity88 said...

I Follow you via Twitter and tweet about this contest
http://twitter.com/hity88/status/21405042611331072

maryjaco1 said...

I am a novice.
mary@cire.com

maryjaco1 said...

Email subscriber.
mary@cire.com

maryjaco1 said...

GFC-Mary J.
mary@cire.com

maryjaco1 said...

He also designs websites and provide illustration skills for commercial projects.
mary@cire.com

Dawn Reid said...

I'm a novice also.
mightynaynay(at)cs.com

Dawn Reid said...

I learned he was a member of the British Origami Society for over 25 years.
mightynaynay(at)cs.com

cman said...

I'm a novice.. best I can do is a cootie catcher LOL.

cman said...

The author has been folding paper for 25 years.

cman said...

I'm a GFC follower.

cman said...

I'm an email subscriber.