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The 12 Days of Christmas: A Pop-Up Celebration
The timeless song of the The Twelve Days of Christmas springs to life in this lavish pop-up edition by award-winning author, artist, and paper engineer Robert Sabuda. Sure to be a classic, this elegant keepsake will be treasured by all, each and every holiday season.
12 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 1996
About the author
Robert Sabuda
125books151followersRobert Sabuda is internationally acclaimed for his stunning pop-up books, including America the Beautiful and The 12 Days of Christmas. He is also the illustrator of Chanukah Lights by Michael J. Rosen. Robert Sabuda lives in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
January 2, 2017
Reread (though this is more of a book to look at, rather than to read).
On this fifth day of Christmas, I was entranced once again by the beautiful, clever, curious and sometimes funny paper art: for example, the French hens are candle-holders (I don't know why); the calling birds pop out of a clock; the gold rings sit on the points of a deer's antlers.
I never read all the words with this 'story' (a rare occurrence for me); I don't want the song stuck in my head.
On this fifth day of Christmas, I was entranced once again by the beautiful, clever, curious and sometimes funny paper art: for example, the French hens are candle-holders (I don't know why); the calling birds pop out of a clock; the gold rings sit on the points of a deer's antlers.
I never read all the words with this 'story' (a rare occurrence for me); I don't want the song stuck in my head.
December 7, 2018
Two words: Robert Sabuda.
Don't miss it.
Don't miss it.
November 26, 2018
There are people who fold paper and there are people who create with it. Mr. Sabuda definitely falls into the latter category.
The cutouts are both from page turning and flap unfolding. Elaborate and seemingly impossible paper cutouts unfold with each turn of the page, illustrating the entirety of this famous Christmas song with artistry and subtlety. The paper cutouts require attention to detail not just from the illustrator but from the reader as well. The five golden rings decorate the horns of a reindeer and the eight maids a-milking are only seven cutouts with the eight maid…well, you have to see this for yourself.
This book is more than a child’s gift. This is a work of art, something to treasure and pass on from generation to generation. I for one will be on the lookout for more of Mr. Sabuda’s designs.
The cutouts are both from page turning and flap unfolding. Elaborate and seemingly impossible paper cutouts unfold with each turn of the page, illustrating the entirety of this famous Christmas song with artistry and subtlety. The paper cutouts require attention to detail not just from the illustrator but from the reader as well. The five golden rings decorate the horns of a reindeer and the eight maids a-milking are only seven cutouts with the eight maid…well, you have to see this for yourself.
This book is more than a child’s gift. This is a work of art, something to treasure and pass on from generation to generation. I for one will be on the lookout for more of Mr. Sabuda’s designs.
December 19, 2017
Robert Sabuda is a genius with pop-ups. Seriously. There's no one better. And this is a favorite of mine. I sing the whole thing for storytime, flipping back through the book to the beginning on each verse. It's tricky, yes, and does require practice, but it's SO worth it. Love!
August 11, 2009
Yet another beautiful book from Robert Sabuda. This is not a book to have around to read - this is a book to have around to admire.
December 31, 2009
A beautiful book - a marvel of engineering!
April 30, 2010
The pop-ups are absolutely FANTASTIC. They are so detailed and beautiful. Plus it's fun that a familiar song was used for the book.
November 2, 2010
This is a very enchanting pop-up book, most probably enjoyed more by adults than children! I don't want children "messing with it" too much! But it does stimulate a child's imagination.
December 29, 2012
Exquisitely crafted book celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas.
December 29, 2012
If you are going to read the 12 Days of Christmas instead of just singing about it then this is your book. Creative and detailed pop ups even kept this adult interested!
December 3, 2013
Amazing pop=up book ofThe 12 Days of Christmas.I am in awe of the paper engineering. This is absolutely gorgeous.
March 14, 2016
Gorgeous book given to the boys from my mom. A keepsake.
April 12, 2016
Beautiful pop-ups! Nice gift present.
January 3, 2017
What a stunningly beautiful, magical book.
December 16, 2023
Incredible 3d pop-outs. Final page is a full Christmas tree w all 12 day items represented.
Easy 5*
Easy 5*
October 25, 2019
This is why I need to fix my rating scale. This is a 6*
Immaculate/complex pop-up: Partridge in a Pear Tree.
Odd 'days' get full 2-page pop up. Even days pop up via a 1/2 page on the right side of the odd 'days'.
I wish I could put a picture of the very last page Christmas Tree pop-up in this review. Tree actually has twinkling lights that work!
Immaculate/complex pop-up: Partridge in a Pear Tree.
Odd 'days' get full 2-page pop up. Even days pop up via a 1/2 page on the right side of the odd 'days'.
I wish I could put a picture of the very last page Christmas Tree pop-up in this review. Tree actually has twinkling lights that work!
November 26, 2018
Beautifully done, a treasure to keep.
October 21, 2020
If you love art, engineering, books, good stories, and Christmas, this is the book for you. Robert Sabuda is the best engineer of pop-up books, an item that I collect. This one is my overall favorite and delights everyone. It remains on my coffee table all winter season to amaze and delight everyone who picks it up. "The 12 Days of Christmas: A Pop-Up Celebration," will become a generational favorite.
November 29, 2008
Robert Sabuda's pop up work is amazing and makes this incredibly repetitive song enjoyable and engaging. Such a fun way to celebrate the season, ending in a flashing light Christmas tree depicting all twelve gifts, including the obviously enjoyed pie that displayed the seven geese-a-laying:D
December 2, 2016
Although I am going to be sick of the song pretty quickly now that I have all 3 of my children singing it over and over, Sabuda is a master artist! This is clever and engaging. I love Sabuda's work!
April 8, 2008
Beautiful pop-art, a piece of artwork in itself. Definitely need to keep it away from Garrett for a few years.:)
Read
November 8, 2008Sabuda's work is amazing and endlessly fascinating. I've given this as a gift many, many, many times.
Jackie
Jackie
April 12, 2009
I don't understand the appeal of an all white pop-up book--espcially for the Twelve Days of Christmas.
December 20, 2009
A visual treat of a book.
So much fun to read and sing with your child.
So much fun to read and sing with your child.
December 31, 2010
This is a stunning pop-up book of the 12 days of Christmas (obviously) and the final page is a Christmas tree with working fairy lights. This is worth several stars all on their own:-)
December 13, 2013
Every page is beautiful and great. The children at kindergarten loved it when I read to them, especially the last page on which a big christmas tree is really twinkling.
December 17, 2015
This cut-paper pop-up book is over-the-top gorgeous. The “12 days” song has never looked prettier. Just need to keep toddler hands away from it so the pages pop and delight year after year.
December 17, 2017
Wonderful! The christmas tree on the last page didn’t work unfortunately.
December 31, 2018
Beautiful Pop-Up book!
December 24, 2020
I've had this book for many years but never tire of the white beauty and construction of Robert Sabuda's creations in "The 12 Days of Christmas."
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews