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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to keep your 10-year-old engaged and excited about reading? Look no further than pop up books! Pop up books for 10-year-olds offer a unique interactive experience that brings stories to life, captivating young minds with stunning visuals and creative storytelling. Keep reading to discover our curated lists of pop up books that are sure to enchant and entertain your young reader.

Fun Pop Up Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland: A Pop-up Adaptation by Robert Sabuda
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This pop-up book brings Lewis Carroll's classic tale to life with stunning three-dimensional scenes. Follow Alice as she navigates a whimsical world filled with bizarre characters and puzzling adventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: The intricate pop-ups and engaging story make it a fantastic way to keep young readers captivated while encouraging imaginative thinking.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love fantasy and adventure, and those new to the world of Alice.

• The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: A Commemorative Pop-up by L. Frank Baum and Robert Sabuda
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Classic
  • Synopsis: Experience the magic of Oz in a new dimension with this beautifully crafted pop-up book. Join Dorothy and her friends as they embark on a journey to meet the Wizard, facing various challenges along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the classic story with extraordinary pop-up art, making it an engaging read that also enhances visual perception skills.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy classic stories with a twist and those interested in artistic book design.

• Star Wars: A Pop-Up Guide to the Galaxy by Matthew Reinhart
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Explore the Star Wars universe like never before with intricate pop-ups and detailed illustrations. This book provides a new perspective on the beloved Galaxy, featuring famous scenes and characters.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling way for fans and new readers to discover the Star Wars saga and its characters in a fun, interactive format.
  • Perfect for: Star Wars enthusiasts and young readers who enjoy immersive, interactive experiences.

• Encyclopedia Prehistorica Dinosaurs: The Definitive Pop-Up by Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book offers a detailed exploration of the world of dinosaurs with pop-ups of various dinosaur species. Learn about the giants that once roamed the Earth through engaging, three-dimensional paper engineering.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides educational content in a fun and engaging way, perfect for encouraging a love for learning and paleontology.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring paleontologists and any kid who is fascinated by dinosaurs and prehistoric life.

• The Little Prince: A Pop-Up Book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and Arnaud Valois (Illustrator)
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: This pop-up edition of the timeless story tells the tale of the Little Prince's journey across the universe, exploring themes of loneliness, friendship, and love.
  • Why we recommend this book: The pop-up elements add a magical touch to the profound narrative, making it accessible and engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy philosophical stories and those who appreciate innovative book designs.

Educational Pop Up Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Creatures of the Deep: The Pop-Up Book by Ernst Haeckel and Maike Biederstädt (Illustrator)
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Science, Nature
  • Synopsis: Dive into the depths of the ocean with this pop-up book featuring the intricate artwork of Ernst Haeckel. Discover the fascinating creatures that inhabit the deep sea through stunning three-dimensional illustrations.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Marine biology, environmental awareness, artistic appreciation
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines breathtaking artwork with educational content, providing a captivating learning experience about the ocean's mysterious inhabitants.
  • Perfect for: Young marine biologists and art lovers.

• The Pop-Up Book of Spacecraft by Heather Couper and David Pelham (Illustrator)
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Science, Space
  • Synopsis: Explore the universe with this dynamic pop-up book that features various spacecraft used in space exploration. Each spread offers detailed information about different spacecraft, their missions, and the technology behind them.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Space science, technology, engineering
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides an interactive and educational look at space exploration, making complex topics accessible and exciting.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring astronauts and young space enthusiasts.

• The Human Body: A Pop-Up Guide to Anatomy by Richard Walker and Rachel Caldwell (Illustrator)
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Science, Human Biology
  • Synopsis: Take a fascinating tour of the human body with this pop-up book that details our anatomy in three dimensions. From the skeletal system to the workings of the human brain, each section is carefully crafted to educate and engage.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Human biology, anatomy, health education
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique and interactive method to learn about human anatomy, making complex information easy to understand for young learners.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in science and medicine.

• Amazing Animals: A Pop-Up Safari by Robert Crowther
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Wildlife, Nature
  • Synopsis: Embark on a safari adventure with this pop-up book that brings some of the world's most amazing animals to life. Learn about different species, their habitats, and behaviors through engaging pop-up features.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Wildlife knowledge, ecological awareness, species diversity
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging way to learn about wildlife conservation and the importance of biodiversity in a fun, interactive format.
  • Perfect for: Young nature enthusiasts and animal lovers.

• The Colorful World of Street Art: A Pop-Up Book by James Diaz and David Hawcock (Illustrator)
  • Genre(s): Art, Culture, Urban Studies
  • Synopsis: Explore the vibrant world of street art through pop-up reproductions of famous murals and graffiti from around the globe. This book offers a glimpse into the cultural significance of street art and its impact on urban aesthetics.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Artistic appreciation, cultural awareness, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces readers to the dynamic and colorful world of street art, encouraging appreciation for diverse forms of artistic expression.
  • Perfect for: Young artists and anyone interested in urban culture and creativity.

Challenging Pop Up Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Mysterious Islands: A Pop-Up Adventure by Matthew Reinhart
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Journey to uncharted territories with this pop-up book that takes you to mystical and hidden islands around the world. Discover secrets, treasure maps, and exotic creatures in stunning three-dimensional scenes.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features complex pop-up mechanics and intricate details that require careful handling and comprehension, enhancing spatial reasoning and cognitive skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks curiosity and imagination, encouraging readers to explore mythical stories and geographical wonders in a highly interactive way.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous young readers who love exploring new worlds and solving mysteries.

• Galactic Missions of Discovery: A Pop-Up Space Odyssey by Lucy Kee and Nick White (Illustrator)
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Space, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Embark on a thrilling space mission across the galaxy with this pop-up book. Navigate through alien planets, cosmic phenomena, and futuristic space stations with detailed pop-up art.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces advanced concepts of astrophysics and space technology through an engaging narrative and complex pop-up designs, which are both educational and challenging.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a hands-on approach to learning about space and science, making it a captivating educational tool that fuels the imagination.
  • Perfect for: Young space explorers and science enthusiasts who dream of cosmic adventures.

• The World of Ancient Civilizations: A Pop-Up Journey by Courtney Watson McCarthy
  • Genre(s): History, Educational
  • Synopsis: Explore the ancient worlds of Egypt, Rome, and Mesopotamia in this educational pop-up book. Each page brings to life historical landmarks, cultural achievements, and daily life of past civilizations.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book covers a range of historical and archaeological concepts, presented through sophisticated pop-ups and detailed narratives that require higher-level thinking and comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes learning history interactive and engaging, helping readers connect with the past in a vivid and memorable way.
  • Perfect for: History buffs and curious minds who love exploring ancient cultures and civilizations.

• Incredible Inventions: A Pop-Up History by Robert Crowther
  • Genre(s): History, Science, Technology
  • Synopsis: Discover the world’s greatest inventions in this detailed pop-up book. From the wheel to the internet, each spread features a major invention with interactive elements that bring the history of technology to life.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents complex engineering and scientific principles in a format that is both informative and visually stimulating, requiring readers to engage both intellectually and manually.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates human ingenuity and provides a tactile learning experience that enhances understanding of technological advancements.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and tech enthusiasts who are curious about how things work and the history behind them.

• Architectural Wonders: A Global Pop-Up Journey by Jennie Maizels
  • Genre(s): Architecture, Culture, Travel
  • Synopsis: Travel around the world and explore famous architectural marvels through spectacular pop-up designs. From the Eiffel Tower to the Taj Mahal, each landmark is recreated with attention to detail and historical accuracy.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book offers a complex look at architectural styles and engineering feats from various cultures, requiring readers to appreciate both the artistic and scientific aspects of architecture.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a visually stunning introduction to global architecture that encourages appreciation for cultural diversity and design excellence.
  • Perfect for: Young architects and travelers at heart who love exploring international landmarks and cultural heritage.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to make reading pop-up books more engaging and beneficial for 10-year-olds, you've come to the right place. Here are some fun exercises that can help develop good reading habits while keeping the joy in the journey. These activities are designed to enhance comprehension, encourage creativity, and build a lifelong love for reading.

• Create a Story Map
  • What it is: Draw a map that outlines the story's main events and characters.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize the plot and improves understanding of the story structure.
  • Tips: Use different colors or symbols to represent different types of events or characters.

• Character Diary Entries
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of a character in the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances empathy and deeper understanding of the characters.
  • Tips: Choose a character whose perspective seems intriguing or mysterious.

• Pop-Up Art Project
  • What it is: Create your own pop-up scene inspired by a favorite part of the book.
  • How it helps: Encourages artistic expression and a deeper connection with the book's content.
  • Tips: Use simple materials like paper, scissors, and glue to start with.

• Book Review Vlog
  • What it is: Record a short video reviewing the pop-up book.
  • How it helps: Develops critical thinking and public speaking skills.
  • Tips: Discuss what you liked about the book, your favorite pop-up element, and who else might enjoy it.

• Reading Out Loud
  • What it is: Read the book aloud to family or friends.
  • How it helps: Improves fluency and confidence in reading.
  • Tips: Try using different voices for different characters to make it more fun.

• Question and Answer Exchange
  • What it is: Come up with questions about the story and exchange them with a friend.
  • How it helps: Boosts comprehension and recall abilities.
  • Tips: Make sure some questions are open-ended to encourage deeper thinking.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about making reading a dynamic part of your daily life. By incorporating these activities, you'll help young readers not only understand what they read but also connect with it in creative and meaningful ways. So, grab your favorite pop-up book, and let's make reading a blast!