Nguyen presents thirteen zombie-centric origami projects (fifty sheets of origami paper are included). Novices may be frustrated by having to look up specific folds and interpret each step's cryptic directions; working with a partner helps. Those with strong stomachs--check out "Seymour Guts"--and lots of patience will enjoy putting their paper-folding to the test. Copyright 2010 of The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved.

Gr 5-8-Featuring both a detachable photo gallery of folded ghouls placed in atmospheric settings and a package of origami paper in suitably ominous colors and patterns, this collection of 13 undead figures may not survive intact for long but offers experienced paper folders hours of creepy fun. Nguyen opens with a tutorial of creases and folding symbology then, giving each of his figures an evocative name like "Suzie Gravemaker" or "Abominable Deadman," goes on to show how each figure is folded with plenty of carefully drawn and clearly labeled step diagrams. Nonetheless, most of these models are challenging projects, made from more than one piece of paper and with hands or fine details that involve finicky folding. Many also involve a dab or two of glue and-particularly in the case of the aptly named "Seymour Guts"-scissors work. The completed models may be more impressionistic than realistic, but their difficulty makes them all the more satisfying to create, and children will have no trouble envisioning rousing zombie attacks and other graveyard horrors with them. "Fold at your own risk," the author warns. "Possible side-effects of Zombigami include drooling, stiff joints, thirst for blood, hunger for brains, loss of speech, and unexpected loss of limbs." Take heed!-John Peters, formerly at New York Public Library (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Origami takes a grave turn in a fun and ghoulish spiralbound craft book that explains how to make 13 spooky characters from paper. Using basic folding techniques, which are visually displayed in step-by-step instructions, readers can create elaborate figures like a rising corpse, "Suzie Gravemaker," a cross-shaped gravestone, and the headless "Abominable Deadman." Fifty sheets of patterned origami paper are included in a back pouch. However, due to the complexity of some of the constructions, origami novices may want to start with ordinary paper before moving on to the good stuff. Ages 8-up. (Aug.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.