Making Origami Toys

by Michael LaFosse

Making Origami Toys by Michael LaFosse is a good origami book catering to the very young. The origami models within are easy to make and can capture the imagination of those 5 years old or younger. In today’s high tech world, paper toys of this type will not wow the older crowd. Check it out:

The first model in Making Origami Toys is a Spinner. This is not an actual toy in itself; rather it is a tool that can be used in subsequent projects. This model can be made in 3 steps and its sole function is to spin around either to look pretty or as a pointer to designate whose turn is next. It’s a warmer-upper project.

The second model is the Tower Puzzle. Each Tower is made from 8 pieces of paper and can be done in 4 steps. The game here is to stack the towers and the one who has the highest tower wins. You can use the Spinner to designate who adds another Tower. Perhaps more interesting is the ability to make different shape towers using the same pieces of paper. Depending on the type of paper used, you may need tape or glue to keep the pieces together.

Ten Pins is a game of origami bowling. The pins can be made in 4 steps and the bowling ball can be a crumpled piece of paper. The value in this “toy” is the tactile experience of folding the pins. Otherwise, anything else can be used as pins (toilet paper tubes, yogurt containers etc.)

The Dart is a classic paper airplane that many of us have learned when we were in grade school. This classic origami model is timeless and will delight children of all ages. To this day, impromptu paper airplanes will get everyone up and running. Done in 6 steps.

The Scoopy Ball is cleverly designed and is fun to fold. It pries open into a 3 dimensional scoop. You can use it like a baseball mitt to catch and throw paper ball. Scoopy Ball can be made in 4 steps.

Stacking Wings are meant to be thrown up in the air. They flutter and glide down forming confetti like atmosphere. Each model takes 7 steps to complete.

The Jumping Frog is a classic! This is my favorite model in the entire book. Sure- it doesn’t really look like a frog – but it sure does jump! You can have races to see how far the frogs jump or see how many you can jump into a Tower Puzzle made earlier. It can be made in 7 steps.

The Fishing Game requires that you fold a fish with an elastic band attached to its mouth. The game is then to use string & paper clips to fish up an origami fish. A classic game using the unique art of paper folding.

Summary of Making Origami Toys
Making Origami Toys will surely delight young children but will not satisfy older children. The origami models are fine – they are perfect – but the “toy” aspect of the book does not deliver. I value this book because it allows young children to appreciate the paper arts and allows parents to entertain children without electronic gadgets, computers, or TV.

• see other book review in Kid’s Guide to Origami series
• see other book reviews