From Publishers Weekly
Those who are interested in learning more about the history and construction of the White House but who haven’t the time or the attention span to read a meaty book on the subject may enjoy Fischer’s (Great American Houses and Gardens: A Pop-Up Book) clever, beautifully illustrated pop-up book. The first panel features an accordion-like pull-out that, when fully extended, shows the National Mall in all its three-dimensional glory. A brief description of the Mall as a popular demonstration site and the cultural heart of Washington D.C. follows, along with some general information on the city and the architect who came up with the "immediately unpopular" idea to name it Washingtonople. The next two spreads feel scattershot. The first displays a photo of Gilbert Stuart’s famous portrait of George Washington, which opens like a card to reveal headshots of the nation’s past presidents, and the second contains elementary-level information about the Constitution and the three branches of government. Readers would do best to skip to the book’s pièce de résistance—a three-dimensional model of the White House surrounded by a striking illustration of the gardens and grounds. Here readers learn that the Oval Office was the brainchild of William Taft and that Andrew Jackson was an "enthusiastic gardens supporter." Although the text can be general and perfunctory, the book’s artful and inventive construction makes this a fun, interactive reading experience.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Book Description
Colorful, interactive, and fun, The White House Pop-Up Book illustrates the history and architecture of the White House with pop-up elements, die-cut images, booklets, pull-outs, photographs, models, illustrations, and more. More than 100 photographs capture the people, places, and events that are part of this famous building's past and the story of the United States.
Highlights from the book include a movable diorama of the Mall with all of the monuments; a removable map of Washington, D.C.; a gallery of all the presidents; a pop-up of an exact replica of the White House with an exact replica floorplan; the Oval Office in three dimensions; a fan that pops open to reveal portraits of the First Ladies; a standing "carousel" that reveals five rooms-the Red Room, Cross Hall, Blue Room, Green Room, and Lincoln Bedroom and an accordion of inaugural gowns worn by the First Ladies.
The White House receives an average of one million visitors annually, and there is perennial interest in the President's house. From those who have visited repeatedly to those who wish to go, this three-dimensional tour serves as a great gift, souvenir, or keepsake that will make them feel as if they're stepping into the White House every time they open the book.
Highlights from the book include a movable diorama of the Mall with all of the monuments; a removable map of Washington, D.C.; a gallery of all the presidents; a pop-up of an exact replica of the White House with an exact replica floorplan; the Oval Office in three dimensions; a fan that pops open to reveal portraits of the First Ladies; a standing "carousel" that reveals five rooms-the Red Room, Cross Hall, Blue Room, Green Room, and Lincoln Bedroom and an accordion of inaugural gowns worn by the First Ladies.
The White House receives an average of one million visitors annually, and there is perennial interest in the President's house. From those who have visited repeatedly to those who wish to go, this three-dimensional tour serves as a great gift, souvenir, or keepsake that will make them feel as if they're stepping into the White House every time they open the book.
