Librarian Chris Culp celebrates pop-up books and the joy they create for readers. This post is part of 805 Lit + Art’s “My Home Library” blog series that features writers and artists enjoying their home libraries during the COVID-19 pandemic. 805 is proudly published by the Manatee County Public Library System, and we hope this series will help people show off their home libraries, find comfort in books, and feel a connection to the library during this difficult time.
Like most book lovers, I have many collections on my shelves: reference books, picture books, gothic, art, history, antique, and more. But one of my favorite collections has to be my pop-up books. I was always fascinated by them. How the illustrators create these intricate pages that spring into 3-D works is nothing short of magic. I love to share them with children and watch their faces fill with wonder.
One of my favorites has to be a pop-up book by Edward Gorey. The book opens into a long accordion foldout with a peephole that takes the reader down a long hallway through many rooms.
One illustrator, David Pelham whose pop-up book is all in white, lets the dimensional works of art speak for themselves. He called his work “Paper Poetry.” Each book is a small journey into imagination.
Christine Culp is going on her 11th year with Manatee County Libraries. Her passion is working with youth, developing programs, inspiring imagination, and instilling a love of reading. She has worn many hats on her journey to librarianship, including a designer for Hallmark Cards, a free lance illustrator and sculptor, an art teacher, a storyteller, and a mom.
Florida is her third home base, having been raised in Pittsburgh, Pa., then working and raising a family in Kansas City. Both spots are still dear to her heart. "Mr. Rogers was a big inspiration to me growing up. If I can bring smiles to the face of a child, I have done my best."