The 13 Best Pop Up Books That Will Amaze Readers in 2025!
Last Updated on May 14, 2025 by Beth Martin
Pop! Swoosh! Gasp! That’s the sound of readers, young and old, experiencing the magic of pop-up books. Did you know that the first true pop-up book was created way back in 1855?
Fast forward to 2024, and these literary marvels have come a long way. Today, we’re diving into a world where paper becomes art, stories leap off the page, and imagination knows no bounds.
As a designer, I love collecting books, and pop-up books are some of my prized possessions. These pop-ups are created by talented paper engineers who transform ordinary paper into extraordinary paper art through ingenious folds, tabs, and mechanisms.
These books are endlessly cheerful, and whenever I’m stuck in a design rut, they always find a way to jolt me out of it. I even designed a pop-up-themed window display for Hermès a few years ago!
Get ready to be wowed as we explore the most jaw-dropping pop-ups that are taking the literary world by storm this year. Whether you’re a collector, a parent, or just someone who appreciates the extraordinary, these pop-up book masterpieces are guaranteed to make your eyes pop!
And don’t worry – I’ve included titles for both children and adults in this comprehensive pop-up guide.
What Are The Best Pop-Up Books Of This Year?
Here are the top pop-up books for your collection:
- Encyclopedia Prehistorica Dinosaurs
- 600 Black Spots
- Stranger Things: The Ultimate Pop-Up Book
- The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
- The Wide-Mouthed Frog
- Shells: A Pop-Up Book of Wonder
- Hermès Pop Up
- In The Forest
- Flora: A Botanical Pop-up Book
- ABC3D
- Hokusai Pop-Ups
- Believe: A Pop-Up Book of Possibilities
- The Elements of Pop-Up
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1. Encyclopedia Prehistorica Dinosaurs
Reading Age: 3-7
Your favorite dinosaur lover will be truly enamored with this thrilling and fantastically detailed pop-up book. Created by the legendary paper engineer Robert Sabuda in collaboration with Matthew Reinhart, it doesn’t scrimp on facts. Paired with amazing pop-up paper sculptures, the dinosaurs practically jump off each page before your eyes.
The text features lots of interesting information about prehistoric creatures, while the book features beautiful spreads where the paper dinosaurs seem to come alive. The construction is delicate, so young readers may need help folding the pop-ups back into place properly. But this extra work is worth it because these impressive paper creations are absolute show-stoppers.
If sharks and other monsters are more your style, check out the equally impressive pop-up book Encyclopedia Prehistorica: Sharks and Other Sea Monsters. It’s just as fun as the dino version, but for deep-sea enthusiasts! The series also includes titles about mythical creatures and more.
2. 600 Black Spots
Reading Age: 3-7
Mondrian-inspired primary colors and Memphis-style paper shapes will take you on a journey that will mesmerize you as you search for all 600 black spots. The craftsmanship from paper engineer David A. Carter is excellent, and this entertaining modernist art book is as perfect for little kids as for the most discerning art lover in your life.
The cool metallic cover on this beautiful pop-up book makes it just as impressive closed as it is open. Every time you turn the page, you’ll find a large, gorgeous paper structure that seems impossible to create. It is an excellent gift for any artist and is one of my favorite pop-up books because everyone finds delight in this clever design.
3. Stranger Things: The Ultimate Pop-Up Book
Reading Age: 16+
This paper art interpretation of Stranger Things by Simon Arizpe and Reinhart Pop-Up Studio that will amaze any hardcore fans. The book features bits from each season, and the paper engineering gives a whole new dimension to characters like Eleven and magical creatures from the series.
The number of surprises is impressive, and the journey makes you want to rewatch the show pronto. With each spread designed as a mind-blowing diorama, this pop-up book is a treat for both fans of the show and pop-up enthusiasts.
Amazingly, the Demogorgon jumps off the page and feels just as terrifying as it does on screen!
4. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Reading Age: 4-10
Robert Sabuda is an absolute classic paper engineer in the pop-up book world, and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a perfect example of his work. His beautiful pop-ups, matched with stunning illustrated text, make the actions feel like they are genuinely coming to life – the twister spins, the poppies bloom, and the hot air balloon looks like it will float off the pages.
This pop-up book version is the original telling (the slippers are silver!), and so many little book features make this creation feel extraordinary whenever you pick it up. Every time you turn a page, there’s another beautiful pop-up to discover.
I received this book as a gift in high school, and it’s been one of my favorite books in my collection ever since! It’s magical how Sabuda creates such realistic movements with just paper and glue.
5. The Wide-Mouthed Frog
Reading Age: 2-4
This colorful and cute book is perfect for toddlers because the pop-ups are sturdy while still being playful. The text is simple enough for young readers to follow, and the accompanying story is a classic folk tale about a wide-mouthed frog who eats anything and everything in sight!
Kids will laugh at the silly antics of the frog, and they might even learn a valuable lesson or two along the way. The large, simple pop-ups make this an easy book for little hands to explore, and the high-quality construction means it will withstand multiple readings.
6. Shells: A Pop-Up Book of Wonder
Reading Age: 3+
This delightful pop-up book by author Anne Jankeliowitch shows a world under the sea that is packed with tons of magical creatures. From hermit crabs to beautiful gardens of coral to tropical islands and even a sneaky octopus, this entire pop-up book will make you feel as though you have gone on a real deep-sea voyage to Earth’s most fascinating underwater landscapes.
The vibrant illustrations will draw you in, and the fold-out pages with pull tabs and flaps are full of surprises that will keep your little ones coming back for more. The spreads feature stunning shadow effects that add depth to the underwater scenes, making it a perfect way to share your love of marine life with children.
7. Hermès Pop-Up
Reading Age: 13+
If you are looking for a delightful luxury gift without the luxury price tag, look no further than this beautiful pop-up book. This interactive book brings the fairy tale world of Hermès silk designs to life with intricate paper sculptures and gorgeous illustrations.
Each scarf pop-up is a work of art with impressive details and vibrant colors, and the book playfully features the history of Hermès silk. The book features high-quality paper engineering that will impress even the most discerning adults in your life.
8. In The Forest
Reading Age: 4-7
The striking illustrations by Louis Rigaud and Anouck Boisrobert in this beautiful book bring the forest to life with the turn of each page. The pop-up guide to forest life features a journey through different forest landscapes where readers can tilt the book to find hidden creatures and discover new surprises.
The beautiful pop-ups are seamlessly integrated into the tale, and it’s impossible not to let this book bring your imagination to life. This pop-up book entertains and educates children about the importance of forest conservation through its informative text.
9. Flora: A Botanical Pop-up Book
Reading Age: 3+
Go on a journey with the pollinators in this lovely book filled with gorgeous illustrations and beautiful pop-ups created by paper engineer Yoojin Kim. Little wonders are hidden under almost every paper leaf and petal, and kids will be delighted to discover the unique creatures that call Flora home.
Children will see the world from pollinators’ perspectives and learn about the importance of preserving biodiversity in our environment. The pop-up spreads feature incredibly detailed paper art of various flowers, making it an excellent gift for gardening enthusiasts of any age.
10. ABC3D
Reading Age: 2-4
This selection may look like a simple book about the ABCs, but it’s so much more.
Typography enthusiasts will adore the gorgeous simplicity of the design by Marion Bataille, and kids will be thrilled to follow along with the amazing pop-ups and lift flaps as they advance through the paper alphabet.
Each letter is bold and three-dimensional, making it a great tactile experience for young readers. Just be careful with little hands because some of the pop-up pages are fragile. The clever mechanical elements in this book make it stand out from other alphabet books.
I love to gift this book to all my friends who love typography and graphic design. The pop-ups are just too cool, and you will be shocked that the humble alphabet could be so amazing.
11. Hokusai Pop-Ups
Reading Age: 13+
This selection is part of a designer series of pop-up books, and here, you will learn about the exemplary artwork of Katsushika Hokusai. His stunning work jumps off the pages as beautiful 3D pop-ups created by paper engineer Courtney Watson McCarthy.
Not to be outdone by its beauty, this pop-up book also provides a detailed look into the life and work of Hokusai, as well as his influence on art and culture today.
This pop-up book is an ideal way to experience classic Japanese art firsthand and appreciate its magnificence in a new paper dimension. The text features interesting information about each artwork, making it perfect for adults interested in art history.
12. Believe: A Pop-Up Book of Possibilities
Reading Age: 3+
Believe by Robert Sabuda has a minimal aesthetic compared to some of the other pop-up books on this list, but it still packs a big punch. The all-white paper pop-ups are daydream-like, and the story will encourage kids to dream big.
The intricate pop-ups will captivate readers and learn that anything is possible if you just believe. This pop-up book is an excellent gift for graduating students, people starting new ventures, and anyone who needs a bit of inspiration.
13. The Elements of Pop-Up
Reading Age: 8+
If you have looked at all these incredible pop-up books and felt inspired to create your own, then The Elements of Pop-Up by David A. Carter and James Diaz is the ultimate pop-up guide to show you the way. It will teach you the basics of design, how to create pull tabs and lift flaps, and basic mechanics so you, too, can become a paper engineer.
Making your own pop-ups will add a whole new dimension to enjoying these cool books. This informative text features technical diagrams alongside working pop-up examples, making understanding the principles behind paper engineering easy.
With this book as your guide, you can create fantastic pop-ups that will wow your friends. Curious older kids and adults will enjoy constructing imaginative compositions, and maybe one day, your design will be on a bestseller list!
How to Choose the Right Pop Up Book for Your Needs
There are so many fun pop-up book options that you will not want to stop once you start collecting. The choices are seemingly endless, from cute tales for toddlers to interactive stories that will dazzle.
Interactive Elements
Modern pop-up books include interactive elements such as word searches or puzzles and fun activities, making them perfect for inspiring creativity in kids of all ages.
Some pop-up books even feature light-up elements, speaker components, or flashlight features that add another dimension to the storytelling experience. If you’re looking for classics, you will be thrilled that many books of your favorite tales come alive in 3D paper.
How Delicate is the Construction?
If you purchase a pop-up book for a child, you must consider how your little one will interact with the book. Some pop-ups are complicated, which means they are pretty delicate, and the paper may tear easily.
The listed age range is usually for children who can handle the book carefully, but someone younger might still enjoy the book if supervised while they explore. Many publishers now create sturdy pop-up books designed for smaller hands, so check product descriptions when buying.
Reading Level
I’ve included the suggested reading age for each book. Keep in mind that books with younger reading levels can still be very entertaining to an older audience because these pop-ups are so engaging.
Final Thoughts
Wow, what a journey through the pop-up universe! From child-friendly fantasies to sophisticated adult treasures, modern pop-up books are taking storytelling to dizzying new heights.
These incredible selections prove that pop-up books aren’t just for kids—they’re for anyone who wants to add a little magic to their bookshelf. Paper engineers like Robert Sabuda, Matthew Reinhart, and other talented artists continue to create mind-blowing works that push the boundaries of what’s possible with paper.
Pop-up books are an incredibly thoughtful idea for a present. So whether you are searching for a child’s birthday or need a great gift for an artist of any age, consider a pop-up book about their favorite topic. There’s a pop-up book for everyone, from legends of mythical creatures to heroes from popular culture to gorgeous renditions of Earth’s natural wonders.
So, why settle for flat when you can have fabulous?
Grab one of these pop-up wonders and watch your imagination unfold right before your eyes. Trust me, once you’ve experienced these 3D marvels, you’ll never look at a regular book the same way again.
Happy reading!
