10+ Best Origami Books for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect creative outlet for your ten-year-old? Look no further than origami! Our latest blog post dives into the best origami books for 10-year-olds, offering a variety of picks that are sure to captivate and challenge young minds. Whether your child is a beginner or looking to tackle more complex folds, keep reading to discover our top selections that promise hours of folding fun!

Fun Origami Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Easy Origami by John Montroll
  • Genre(s): Crafts, Hobbies, Instructional
  • Synopsis: This book introduces the art of origami with simple, straightforward instructions and diagrams. Projects range from animals to inanimate objects, offering a variety of fun creations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great starter book for beginners, providing easy-to-follow steps that help build confidence in young crafters.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love hands-on activities and are new to origami.

• Origami Magic by Steve Biddle and Megumi Biddle
  • Genre(s): Crafts, Magic, Interactive
  • Synopsis: This unique book combines the fun of origami with the thrill of magic tricks. Each project concludes with an action that appears magical, surprising viewers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It adds an element of surprise to the traditional origami craft, making it more engaging and entertaining for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young magicians and craft enthusiasts who enjoy performing and sharing their creations with others.

• The Joy of Origami by Margaret Van Sicklen
  • Genre(s): Crafts, Art, Interactive
  • Synopsis: Filled with a variety of designs, this book encourages creativity and experimentation in origami. It includes traditional models as well as new, innovative designs.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a mix of classic and contemporary projects, fostering creativity and providing endless entertainment.
  • Perfect for: Creative kids who enjoy mixing art and craft and are looking for a challenge beyond basic folds.

• Origami Zoo by Robert J. Lang and Stephen Weiss
  • Genre(s): Crafts, Animals, Instructional
  • Synopsis: This book teaches how to create a range of animal origami, from simple models suitable for beginners to complex ones for more advanced folders.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps develop patience and precision through progressively challenging projects, all while exploring the animal kingdom.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and aspiring zoologists who enjoy crafting and learning about different species.

• My First Origami Kit by Joel Stern
  • Genre(s): Crafts, Instructional, Starter Kit
  • Synopsis: Designed specifically for beginners, this kit includes a book with easy-to-follow instructions, colorful origami paper, and fun projects.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides all the materials needed to start and succeed in origami, making it an ideal gift for curious young minds.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are just starting out with origami and prefer a complete set that guides them through the basics.

Educational Origami Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Origami for Kids by Mila Bertinetti Montevecchi
  • Genre(s): Crafts, Educational
  • Synopsis: This engaging book offers a step-by-step guide to creating origami models that are fun and appealing to children. It includes a variety of projects from simple to intermediate levels.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Fine motor skills, following instructions, spatial awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It's specifically designed for young learners, with clear instructions and illustrations that make folding fun and easy.
  • Perfect for: Children who are eager to learn origami and parents looking for educational craft activities.

• Fun with Origami by Barbara Lucas
  • Genre(s): Crafts, Interactive
  • Synopsis: This book provides 17 easy-to-do projects with simple folding instructions, accompanied by explanations of the math and science involved in each project.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Mathematical thinking, scientific understanding, manual dexterity
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces basic concepts of geometry and physics through the interactive medium of origami, making learning both fun and practical.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in both science and crafts, who enjoy learning how things work.

• Origami Adventures by Nick Robinson
  • Genre(s): Crafts, Cultural
  • Synopsis: Featuring origami projects inspired by different cultures around the world, this book takes young readers on a global journey through folding paper.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, creativity, attention to detail
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a creative way to explore world cultures while honing origami skills, enriching both craft and knowledge.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers who love to learn about different cultures and express their creativity through crafting.

• Origami Art Projects For Kids by Robyn Hardyman
  • Genre(s): Crafts, Artistic
  • Synopsis: This book combines the art of origami with practical art projects, encouraging children to create and display their work.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Artistic skills, creativity, presentation skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps children develop a sense of accomplishment and pride in their creations, while also improving their artistic abilities.
  • Perfect for: Young artists who enjoy displaying their work and those who appreciate a tactile approach to art.

• The Origami Garden by Mark Bolitho
  • Genre(s): Crafts, Nature
  • Synopsis: This book teaches kids how to fold paper flowers, trees, and other garden-inspired models, bringing the beauty of the outdoors inside.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of natural forms, patience, precision
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a peaceful, creative way to connect with nature through the art of paper folding.
  • Perfect for: Nature lovers and young gardeners who enjoy crafts and want to create a paper garden at home.

Challenging Origami Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Origami Master Class: Flowers by Marcio Noguchi and Sherry Gerstein (Illustrator)
  • Genre(s): Crafts, Art, Instructional
  • Synopsis: This book offers advanced origami techniques specifically focused on creating lifelike flowers. Each project is detailed, requiring precision and creativity.
  • Why this book is challenging: The techniques involve complex folds that go beyond basic origami, designed to create intricate and realistic floral designs.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps refine motor skills and patience, while also introducing the aesthetics of form and design in nature.
  • Perfect for: Kids who have mastered basic origami and are looking to tackle more complex projects.

• Advanced Origami: An Artist's Guide to Performances in Paper by Michael G. LaFosse
  • Genre(s): Crafts, Art, Instructional
  • Synopsis: Provides detailed instructions for creating advanced origami projects, including animals, insects, and birds, using unique folding techniques.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes sophisticated folding techniques and theories that are typically not addressed in children's origami books.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a deep dive into the artistic potential of origami, encouraging creativity and a greater appreciation for detail.
  • Perfect for: Ambitious young folders who are interested in exploring advanced techniques and complex models.

• Origami Design Secrets: Mathematical Methods for an Ancient Art by Robert J. Lang
  • Genre(s): Crafts, Mathematics, Instructional
  • Synopsis: This book combines the art of origami with mathematical theory, offering complex folding techniques and the science behind them.
  • Why this book is, challenging: It requires understanding of mathematical concepts and the ability to apply them to paper folding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It enhances mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills through a very creative and tangible form of art.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love math and are looking for a challenging application of their skills in a creative context.

• Origami Tessellations: Awe-Inspiring Geometric Designs by Eric Gjerde
  • Genre(s): Crafts, Geometry, Instructional
  • Synopsis: Explores the technique of folding tessellations, complex geometric patterns that repeat themselves, creating stunning paper art.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book requires an understanding of geometric principles and precision in folding, which can be quite complex.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces readers to a new dimension of origami, combining art with geometry in innovative ways.
  • Perfect for: Youngsters who are keen on geometry and enjoy detailed, meticulous craftwork.

• Origami from Angelfish to Zen by Peter Engel
  • Genre(s): Crafts, Philosophy, Instructional
  • Synopsis: This book delves into the philosophy behind origami and includes a variety of projects from simple to complex designs.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes philosophical insights and advanced folding techniques that require both cognitive and manual precision.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a thoughtful approach to origami, encouraging deeper understanding and mindfulness in crafting.
  • Perfect for: Those who not only enjoy folding paper but also appreciate the deeper, philosophical meanings behind the art.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of origami through books, it's a fantastic way to combine reading and crafting. To make the most out of this experience, especially for 10-year-olds, developing good reading habits is key. Here are some exercises that can help:

• Set Specific Reading Times
  • What it is: Schedule specific times of the day for reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading routine.
  • Tips: Try reading before bedtime or right after school.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner in the house for reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a special and enjoyable activity.
  • Tips: Decorate with comfy cushions and good lighting.

• Use a Reading Bookmark
  • What it is: Use a bookmark to track reading progress in the book.
  • How it helps: Keeps the place in the book and motivates to continue where left off.
  • Tips: Make a personalized origami bookmark to enhance the fun.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book's content with friends or family.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Try discussing what each origami figure might symbolize or represent in the story.

• Challenge Yourself With Reading Goals
  • What it is: Set goals for how many pages or books to read in a week or month.
  • How it helps: Encourages a sense of accomplishment and sets a clear target.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase the challenge.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine can make exploring origami books even more enriching. Not only will these habits enhance your reading skills, but they'll also deepen your understanding and enjoyment of the art of origami. Happy folding and reading!