Robert Sabuda facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Sabuda
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Sabuda in 2014
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| Born | Robert James Sabuda March 8, 1965 Wyandotte, Michigan, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
Robert James Sabuda (born March 8, 1965) is a famous American artist. He is known for creating amazing pop-up books for children. He is often called a "paper engineer" because of his clever and detailed designs. Many people say he is the "king of pop-ups" because his books are so special.
Contents
Early Life and Inspiration
Robert Sabuda was born on March 8, 1965, in Wyandotte, Michigan. He grew up in Pinckney, Michigan. His father was a builder, which taught Robert to appreciate careful construction. His mother worked for Ford Motor Company and brought home manila folders. Robert used these folders to make his own pop-up cards and books.
He went to the Pratt Institute in New York City. In 1987, he earned a degree in communications design. His interest in pop-up books began when he was a child. He read a version of Cinderella that had pop-up pictures. He made his very first pop-up book when he was only eight years old!
Creating Pop-Up Books
Robert Sabuda started his career in book illustration with an internship. This was at Dial Books for Young Readers while he was still at Pratt. At first, he designed packages. Then, in 1987, he illustrated his first children's book series.
He became well-known in 1994. This was when he designed his first pop-up books for children. One of his first famous pop-up books was The Christmas Alphabet.
Unique Art Techniques
Robert Sabuda uses many different art styles in his pop-up books. He makes the pictures come alive in special ways. Some of the techniques he has used include:
- Making pictures look like stained glass (in Arthur and the Sword, 1995)
- Using a style like batik (in Blizzard's Robe, 1999)
- Creating illustrations that feel like papyrus (in Tutankhamen's Gift, 1994)
- Designing large, detailed scenes like murals (in Saint Valentine, 1992)
Awards and Recognition
Robert Sabuda works from his studio in New York City. He creates many different projects using movable paper. He has won the Meggendorfer Prize for Best Paper Engineering three times. This award is given by the Movable Book Society.
His books are often on The New York Times best-seller list for children's books. More than five million of his books have been printed. They are published in over 25 different languages around the world.
Book critics have praised his work. One critic called him a "master of the pop-up book." Another said he was "something of an artistic and engineering genius." The Wall Street Journal said he is "a master at making books come to life." They also called him "the reigning prince of pop-up books."
His versions of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (2000) and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (2003) are very popular. A graphic designer said that the "intelligent paper trickery" in Alice was "awesome."
