"Creatures of the Desert" A National Geographic pop-up action book, pictures by Barbara Gibson, paper engineering by John Strejan and James Roger Diaz, published by National Geographic Society. First Edition, stated Second Printing, 1989. Stunning pop-up book of six desert life scenes with lush colorful artwork and amazing paper engineering by the greatest American paper engineers John Strejan and James Diaz.

Illustrated hard boards [a little edge wear: see photos]; 9" x 9.1/2"; 6 double page multi-functional pop-up panoramas, signs of usage, a few very small issues, very good condition for such fine and highly complex pop-up engineering.

James Diaz is an award-winning paper engineer that has created hundreds of pop up books over his decades long career.

John Strejan (1933-2003) was an American illustrator and paper engineer. Compared to earlier pop-ups, Strejan's work was noted for a dynamic use of motion, using the unfolding of the mechanism to animate the design.

"This National Geographic Action Book takes readers through a day in the Sonoran Desert, starting with the kestrel’s morning flight and ending with night prowlers hunting under a full moon. The story bounces around from animal to animal with the large cast including mountain lions, roadrunners, and rattlesnakes. As children learn about these creatures and their arid yet beautiful habitat, they are given the opportunity to use pull tabs to make birds fly, snakes slither, and pack rats play. The text also prompts readers to seek out hidden animals like foxes and Gila monsters taking refuge from the hot sun. Look closely under rocks and plants to find the shade seekers." [a review]

"All the kids love this book, it's so fantastic. The animals come alive when you move the tabs. For younger kids you have to be careful they don't break them, but it is good for a lot of squealing enjoyment. Great artwork...
The intricacy, large size and detail of the pop-up art is impressive and unmatched by any other nature pop-up books that I've seen. Unlike most books where the 3-D element is really small or solitary, the art in these books fills the full spread. There's lots of dimension to the pages including stunning 3-D layers, animals in motion, tabs to pull to create action and lift tabs to reveal hidden animals. The images are detailed, colorful illustrations printed on both sides of the dimensional elements. The text is unexciting, but it's a minor complaint when faced with such an amazing book. My toddler is obsessed with these books, although she requires a lot of supervision and reminders to keep her grubby, little hands off the animals." [from a private review]

US: Priority (c.2-4 days) --------- $12.50
Canada: 1st Class (c.2-4 weeks) -- $28.50
World: 1st Class (c.2-5 weeks) --- $42.50