Since my oldest daughter started first grade last week, we made it to the library to get new books on Friday. We managed to get a bunch of books, but my three and a half year old’s favorite, by far, is The Origami Master, by Nathaniel Lachenmeyer and illustrated by Aki Sogabe.
I found this book on the new children’s books shelf at our local library. The illustrations caught my eye and then when I saw it involved origami, I put it in my bag. I am glad that I did since my three and a half year old has had me read it at least five times since Friday and has also been seen “reading” it herself.
In the story, the main character is a man who likes to do origami. A bird decides to build a nest outside his door and watches him create animals from origami. The bird then comes in at night to make its own origami creations. The man is impressed and curious about the origami animals that show up overnight. He discovers the creator and captures it. Of course, this leads to no more origami and the feared loss of a new friend. All turns out okay in the end.
The book also features the directions to make an origami bird at the end of the book. I will be trying this out, perhaps tomorrow, for my three and a half year old.
Laura's Left Hook 
