The Movable Mother Goose (1999) – Robert Sabuda
The Movable Mother Goose is a dazzling pop-up book by Robert Sabuda, one of the world’s foremost paper engineers. Published in 1999, this interactive reinterpretation of classic Mother Goose nursery rhymes brings timeless verses like “Humpty Dumpty”, “Little Miss Muffet”, and “Jack and Jill” to life through intricate, three-dimensional paper sculptures. Each spread features Sabuda’s signature precision and whimsy, with pull-tabs, rotating elements, and dramatic pop-ups that surprise and delight readers of all ages.
The book’s vibrant colors and kinetic designs pay homage to traditional children’s literature while showcasing Sabuda’s innovative craftsmanship. Its playful engineering transforms simple rhymes into immersive experiences—such as Humpty Dumpty’s tragic fall unfolding in a dynamic collapse of paper or a spider startling Miss Muffet with a sudden leap from its page.
For Fans of Pop-Up Art and Classic Tales:
- Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: A Pop-Up Adaptation (Robert Sabuda, 2003) – A surreal, layered take on Carroll’s masterpiece.
- The Jungle Book: A Pop-Up Adventure (Matthew Reinhart, 2006) – Lush, wild spreads celebrating Kipling’s stories.
- Encyclopedia Prehistorica: Dinosaurs (Sabuda & Reinhart, 2005) – A prehistoric pop-up spectacle.
