Origami in Action : Paper Toys That Fly, Flap, Gobble, and Inflate Paperback – May 15, 1997

Got my hands on this book a few years back. Was a fresh beginner then, and thought, how hard could folding paper be, right? Well, let me tell you, there's more to it than meets the eye.The author lays out a pretty impressive spread. You got everything from a butterfly that flaps its wings to a wolf that barks - all made of paper. The book's full of step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and photos of the finished crafts. So it gives you a real good sense of what you're working towards.When I first started, though, it felt like trying to assemble a jigsaw puzzle with no picture on the box. Yeah, the book looks neat and all, but getting those origami critters to actually do their tricks, that's another ballpark. The stuff you end up making looks cool even if it doesn't move the way it's supposed to.It's not all rocky roads, though. Once you spend a good chunk of time with the book, things start to click. I guess it's like learning to ride a bike. Once you've got the hang of it, you're off to the races. Now, I can fold up most of the projects in the book, and it's pretty satisfying to see a hunk of paper turn into a flapping bird.It's a fun challenge, and when you finally get that paper wolf to bark, it's worth every bit of effort. Just remember, you gotta put in the time, and don't be discouraged if your origami dragon doesn't start talking right off the bat.

I bought this for my youngest (around 13 years old) and he loved it! The projects were, to use his words, “really cool,” and the instructions were easy to read and follow. Great to do together as a family or on your own. Either way, it will provide you with hours of fun and lovely keepsakes that are great conversation pieces.

I bought the two books toghether: Easy Origami by John Mntroll, and this one. They are both very very good. They only have, I think, one figure in common, so they are both worth buying toghether. I am no expert at origami, except for the few things we all knew as a kids. The Easy Origami book is easy. This book is fun! Many of the figures are a challenge, but by no means impossible for the lay person. It takes a little patience, but the end product can be lots of fun. The Catapult actually works, the birds flap, the otter swims, etc...I'm glad I wasn't put off by comments of this being too difficult. It is more advanced, but the explanations are very clear, and especially the pictures are very well done, so that if you look at the picture of how the model is supposed to look after the instruction, you can figure out what you are supposed to do.The book is pretty much arranged from easiest to hardest, which makes it easy to warm up slowly toward the harder models.I have spent some fun time with my child working on these, they are definately not for small children to do, but he has just as much fun watching while I figure each model out.

This book is based on a handful of designs, and then there are a bunch of variations on that design. However, they're all fun to make and well illustrated.My son's were able to make the simplest figures on their own with no instructions. The older of the two is 7.I made some of the harder models and had to look up a few things on the internet to supplement the instructions, but that may have just been me.

We have 6 origami books at home so far, and this is the second one from Robert Lang. His models and books stand out. Models are very sophisticated, even a simple cube is different from other common designs. This book is an expansion of one chapter in his "the complete book of origami". Different chapters emphasize different elements of the designs. As all his books, models start from simple ones, and goes up to very complicated ones. This book has relatively more easier ones compared to his other books, yet complicated ones still have about 100 steps. My 6-year-old boy enjoys first half of the book, I enjoy second half of the book. Both of us like this book.

I purchased this for my 8 year old who has been obsessed with Origami for the last year or so. He has grown bored with the basics and I was thrilled when I found this book, it's right up his alley! He spends hours a week creating masterpieces in motion with this book. I don't know if it would be suitable for most 8 year olds, like I said he is really into Origami, Art and creating things. Most of the pieces in this book are for those with some Origami experience and patience. That being said, the instructions and pictures are wonderful!

We gave this book to my 11 year old for Christmas along with some paper. It was easy enough for her to follow along. she loves it and teaches her sister and cousins all the time. Great origami book

This was a gift for our 10 year old son and he loves the book and all the different things he can make. He has even taken the book to school and taught his classmates and friends how to make things from the book. He says that the directions are pretty easy to follow.