In the Beginning: The Art of Genesis: A Pop-Up Book
*Starred Review* Fischer, the author and designer of four previous pop-up books, including Christmas around the World (2006), presents an impressive, three-dimensional view of the Book of Genesis for older children. Inspired by both a vintage copy of The Golden Children’s Bible and a trip to Rome, Fischer and his collaborators offer a Garden of Eden scene executed in an artistic style that recalls ancient tile work; a huge Noah’s Ark landed atop a mountain; and a Tower of Babel that climbs impressively high, even for a pop-up. The text, more commentary than story, is hidden in inset mini-books and is accompanied by reproductions of biblical masterpieces; those sophisticated elements will be of most interest to adults. The stained glass–like Jacob’s Ladder, and the finale, Pharaoh’s household from the Joseph story, show how this book becomes more amazing as pages are turned. Grades 5-8. --Ilene Cooper