10+ Best Pop Up Books for 7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to dazzle your seven-year-old's reading time? Pop Up Books for 7-Year-Olds offer an enchanting blend of fun and learning, bringing stories to life with exciting, interactive elements that leap off the page! Keep reading to discover our curated lists of pop-up books that promise to captivate and educate, making every page turn a magical adventure for your child.

Fun Pop Up Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland: A Pop-up Adaptation by Lewis Carroll, illustrated by Robert Sabuda
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This pop-up version of the classic tale follows Alice as she falls down a rabbit hole into a fantastical world full of peculiar creatures and endless surprises.
  • Why we recommend this book: The intricate pop-ups bring this beloved story to life, offering a magical and interactive reading experience that captivates the imagination.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy and adventure, and anyone who appreciates artistic book design.

• The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: A Commemorative Pop-up by L. Frank Baum, illustrated by Robert Sabuda
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Join Dorothy and her friends as they journey through the magical Land of Oz, seeking the Wizard and encountering various challenges along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: The pop-up elements add a new dimension to the story, making the journey through Oz even more enchanting and engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy magical adventures and those who are new to the Oz series.

• Star Wars: A Pop-Up Guide to the Galaxy by Matthew Reinhart
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Explore the iconic Star Wars universe through stunning pop-ups featuring famous scenes, characters, and spacecraft from the beloved film series.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides an interactive way to learn about the Star Wars galaxy, appealing to both visual learners and fans of the franchise.
  • Perfect for: Young Star Wars fans and anyone interested in a dynamic and visually stimulating reading experience.

• The Pop-Up Book of Nursery Rhymes: A Classic Collectible Pop-Up by Matthew Reinhart
  • Genre(s): Nursery Rhymes, Classic
  • Synopsis: This collection brings to life popular nursery rhymes with beautifully crafted pop-up scenes that will delight and surprise with each page turn.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to classic nursery rhymes in a fun and interactive format, helping to develop a love for rhymes and rhythmic storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers and early readers who enjoy singing along and watching stories come alive.

• Encyclopedia Prehistorica Dinosaurs: The Definitive Pop-Up by Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart
  • Genre(s): Educational, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: Dive deep into the world of dinosaurs with intricate pop-ups and detailed information about different dinosaur species and their environments.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines educational content with the excitement of pop-up art, making learning about prehistoric creatures an engaging and memorable experience.
  • Perfect for: Young dinosaur enthusiasts and any child who loves learning about the natural world through interactive books.

Educational Pop Up Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Creatures of the Deep: The Pop-Up Book by Ernest Haeckel, illustrated by Maike Biederstaedt
  • Genre(s): Science, Nature
  • Synopsis: This pop-up book brings to life the intricate drawings of marine biologist Ernest Haeckel, showcasing the diverse and often hidden creatures of the ocean depths.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Marine biology, environmental awareness, artistic appreciation
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines stunning artwork with educational insights, making it a captivating and informative read for young minds interested in marine life.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are fascinated by the ocean and its mysterious inhabitants.

• The Honeybee & the Robber: A Moving/Picture Book by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Nature, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Follow a honeybee as she goes about her day, from collecting nectar to escaping a hungry bear, in this interactive pop-up book.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of ecology, animal behavior, and environmental interaction
  • Why we recommend this book: Eric Carle’s distinctive art style and the engaging, movable pop-up elements create a fun and educational experience.
  • Perfect for: Young nature lovers and fans of Eric Carle’s other works.

• Pop-Up Facts: Human Body by Richard Walker, illustrated by Rachel Caldwell
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: Explore the human body like never before, with intricate pop-ups and detailed facts that cover everything from the brain to the toes.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Anatomy, health science, biological understanding
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes learning about the human body interactive and exciting, encouraging curiosity and detailed exploration.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young scientists and children curious about how their bodies work.

• Trail: Paper Poetry Pop-Up by David Pelham
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Nature
  • Synopsis: This book combines poetry with stunning pop-up art to take readers on a journey through enchanting landscapes and moments in nature.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Poetry comprehension, appreciation for nature, artistic expression
  • Why we recommend this book: It uniquely blends visual and poetic arts, offering a multi-sensory reading experience that inspires imagination and creativity.
  • Perfect for: Young poets and artists, or any child who enjoys the beauty of words and pictures.

• The Color Monster: A Pop-Up Book of Feelings by Anna Llenas
  • Genre(s): Emotional Learning, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Explore emotions like happiness, sadness, anger, fear, and calm through the adventures of the Color Monster as it learns to sort out its mixed-up feelings.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, color recognition, vocabulary
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps children understand and articulate their emotions in a simple and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are learning to express their feelings and anyone who enjoys creative approaches to emotional education.

Challenging Pop Up Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Moby Dick: A Pop-Up Book by Herman Melville, illustrated by Gérard Lo Monaco
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Classic
  • Synopsis: This pop-up adaptation of Herman Melville's classic novel recounts the thrilling and perilous adventures of Captain Ahab as he pursues the elusive great white whale, Moby Dick.
  • Why this book is challenging: The original text's complex themes and vocabulary are preserved in this adaptation, providing a challenging read for young advanced readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a visually engaging way to experience a classic piece of literature, enhancing understanding through dynamic illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in epic tales and classic stories, as well as those who appreciate intricate pop-up art.

• The Little Prince: A Pop-Up Book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, illustrated by Arnaud Nazare-Aga
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: This pop-up edition brings to life the story of the Little Prince who travels the universe gaining wisdom about life, love, and the importance of looking beneath the surface.
  • Why this book is challenging: The philosophical undertones and abstract concepts presented in a visually stimulating format challenge young readers to think deeply.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the timeless wisdom of the original tale with the magic of pop-up art, encouraging both imagination and introspection.
  • Perfect for: Thoughtful young readers who enjoy stories with deeper meanings and those who love visually stunning books.

• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: A Pop-Up Book by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This pop-up version of Dahl’s famous story unfolds the magical and bizarre adventures of Charlie Bucket inside Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.
  • Why this book is challenging: The intricate pop-ups paired with Dahl's rich, imaginative storytelling create a complex sensory experience that goes beyond simple reading.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a fun and engaging way to experience a beloved story, encouraging creativity and a love for reading through interactive elements.
  • Perfect for: Fans of fantasy and adventure, and children who enjoy engaging, hands-on reading experiences.

• The Jungle Book: A Pop-Up Adventure by Rudyard Kipling, illustrated by Matthew Reinhart
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Classic
  • Synopsis: This pop-up book vividly brings to life the stories of Mowgli, a boy raised by wolves in the Indian jungle, as he learns the laws of the wild and battles the fearsome tiger Shere Khan.
  • Why this book is challenging: The complex pop-up mechanisms add a layer of interactive complexity to Kipling’s already rich narrative and intricate characters.
  • Why we recommend this book: It enhances the classic jungle adventure with stunning pop-up visuals, making the story more immersive and memorable.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and readers who appreciate wildlife and classic storytelling.

• Peter Pan: A Classic Collectible Pop-Up by J.M. Barrie, illustrated by Robert Sabuda
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This pop-up adaptation of J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan takes readers to the magical world of Neverland where children can fly and exciting adventures await around every corner.
  • Why this book is challenging: The detailed pop-ups and the classic nature of the text encourage deeper reading comprehension and engagement.
  • Why we recommend this book: It brings the enchantment of Neverland to life, providing a magical and interactive reading experience that captures the essence of childhood wonder.
  • Perfect for: Young dreamers and anyone who loves a story where imagination takes flight.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 7-year-old develop great reading habits while enjoying the magic of pop-up books, here are some fun and effective exercises. These will not only enhance their reading experience but also boost their comprehension and enjoyment.

• Create a Story Map
  • What it is: Draw a map that outlines the story's progression using the pop-up elements as landmarks.
  • How it helps: Encourages understanding of the narrative structure and reinforces memory.
  • Tips: Use colorful markers and stickers to make the activity more engaging.

• Character Puppet Show
  • What it is: Create simple puppets representing characters from the pop-up book to reenact the story.
  • How it helps: Enhances retention and understanding of character actions and motivations.
  • Tips: Use craft sticks and construction paper for puppet-making and encourage creativity.

• Question Hat
  • What it is: Write questions about the story on pieces of paper and put them in a hat to draw and answer after reading.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and encourages critical thinking.
  • Tips: Include questions that vary in difficulty to keep it challenging and fun.

• Read and Teach
  • What it is: After reading, the child explains the story to another person as if they are the teacher.
  • How it helps: Reinforces what they've read and helps with information recall and narrative skills.
  • Tips: Let them use the pop-up book as a visual aid during their explanation.

• Story Sequencing Cards
  • What it is: Create cards that depict scenes from the book, and mix them up to be reordered.
  • How it helps: Aids in understanding the chronological flow and logical sequencing of events.
  • Tips: Use large index cards and drawings or printed pictures from the story.

These exercises are not just educational, but they're also a lot of fun. They can turn reading time into an interactive adventure that your child looks forward to. Plus, engaging with pop-up books in these ways can really bring stories to life, making reading a habit your child loves to keep. Have fun popping up those books!