Origami Finger Puppets, by Muneji Fuchimoto. Review.

Origami Finger Puppets

Fun Origami for Pinkies, Pointers, and Thumbs

By Muneji  Fuchimoto

Quarry Books 2016

Paperback: 64-page book with 25 pack of sheets of origami paper

£10.99 UK/$16.99 US/$21.99 CAN

ISBN 978-1-63159-272-0

Star rating: *****

Yay! Full marks to this genius origami title, guaranteed to bring a smile to all concerned – gifter, recipient, makers and puppet show audience. Fun factor: 100%! There are 24 origami finger puppets to make, characters grouped into familiar stories and displayed on puppet theatre "sets". The puppets can either be popped on to fingers (they are folded pockets) or mounted on to straws or sticks for display.

Here’s a list of the contents and the casts of characters: Little Red Riding Hood (Little Red Riding Hood, Grandmother, The Big Bad Wolf, Tulip); The Three Little Pigs (Pig, The Wolf, House); The Little Mermaid (The Little Mermaid, The Prince, Castle); The Wolf and the Seven Young Kids (this might be The Billy Goats Gruff to you...)(Goat, The Wolf, House); Town Mouse and Country Mouse (Mouse, Flower); The Frog Prince (The Princess, Frog, Tulip, Castle); Happy Halloween (Pumpkin, Bat); Merry Christmas (Santa Claus, Fir Tree). The imaginative mix of animate and inanimate puppets is a hoot.

Now  -  a child will need an assist in folding these puppets – it’s a fun “together” activity. Most of the puppets are cleverly designed using a 64-square starting grid. Modular variations make the individual puppet personalties – just crease the folds into place. It is a fab system, and easier than it sounds. All the origami moves are clearly shown photographically, with superimposed fold lines and directional arrows. Excellent step-by-steps. The papers, back-of-book, are plain brights. Just draw in the features with a felt-tip, where needed, on the completed puppet.

The author of the book, Muneji Fuchimoto, is the president and art director of graphic design firm SCOG Design Inc. His adventure in origami design was triggered by his son's kindergarten project - so his light bulb moment was a labour of love - and it shows.

This book makes a lovely gift, or could even provide the theme for a child’s handicraft party.

Note: I was supplied with a review copy of this title.