Robert Sabuda’s The 12 Days of Christmas: A Pop-Up Celebration is a dazzling reimagining of the beloved Christmas carol through the art of paper engineering. First published in 1996, this book marked a milestone in the pop-up genre, showcasing Robert Sabuda’s groundbreaking ability to combine elegant design with complex paper structures.
Each page features an intricate three-dimensional tableau corresponding to a verse from the traditional song—beginning with the partridge in a pear tree and culminating in a riotous scene of all twelve gifts. Sabuda uses crisp white paper with occasional bursts of color and metallic accents to heighten the sense of wonder and sophistication. The craftsmanship is both playful and refined, making the book a festive experience for both children and adults.
This edition helped redefine what a modern pop-up book could be, blending holiday nostalgia with high-art paper construction. Its timeless appeal and collectible nature have made it a seasonal favorite for over two decades.
