LAIKA: The Magic Behind a Stop-Motion Dream Factory: Two Decades of Groundbreaking Animation from Coraline to Wildwood

by Ozzy Inguanzo, Mark Salisbury (Foreword)

An unprecedented look behind the curtain of the preeminent stop-motion studio, this comprehensive volume is brimming with exclusive artwork, photography, and interviews with key creatives.

In this rare glimpse at LAIKA’s 500,000-square-foot dream factory, read how the visionaries of the renowned stop-motion studio bring LAIKA’s handcrafted films to life one frame at a time. Stunning new puppet photography, never-before-seen artwork, and interviews with the studio’s community of storytellers take readers on an unforgettable tour through the studio’s key people, places, and processes, from script development to production design, puppet fabrication, 3D face printing, animation, and visual effects. Featuring a double-page gatefold measuring nearly three feet wide, this expansive illustrated publication on the illustrious studio reveals LAIKA’s innovations in stop-motion filmmaking over the last two decades, from Kubo and the Two Strings to ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls, Coraline, Missing Link, and Wildwood.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art

240 pages, Hardcover

First published March 10, 2026

Reviews

[LG (A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions) · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

This looks at Laika, a stop-motion animation studio based in Portland, Oregon, and several of the people who work there. There are chapters on development and design, pre-production and construction, puppet fabrication and rapid protoype, animation and production, post-production and visual effects, and archives and exhibitions.

The photographs, of which there were many, were fabulous. I knew Laika was responsible for the movie Coraline and the upcoming movie Wildwood, but I hadn't realized they were also responsible for several other stop-motion movies (which have now been added to my "to be watched" list, along with Wildwood). I mostly started reading this because my current student worker is studying animation and is particularly into stop-motion animation. I didn't actually know anything about Laika going in, but it did occur to me, while reading this, that stop-motion animation overlaps nicely with my love of the work that goes into making miniatures.

I particularly enjoyed the various employee spotlight sections, as well as all of the little "making of" details about Laika's various movies sprinkled throughout the book. All in all, this was an engaging read in addition to being fabulous just to look through.

(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐ because everything is delightful, insightful, and beautiful.

[Boyce McClain · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first experience with stop-motion animation was the old Gumby and Pokey shorts and the Christian Davey and Goliath episodes.

Both were crude, used limited animation and despite their low production values I loved watching both.

Then there was of course the science fiction and fantasy films that featured stop-motion animation by George Pal and Ray Harryhausen.
Years later I was introduced to Wallace and Gromit, then Tim Burton’s various animated features beginning with Frankenweenie, A Nightmare Before Christmas, The Corpse Bride and then there was Coraline.

Coraline, in my mind, really pushed the envelope when it came to stop-motion animation. It was moody, dark, compelling, spooky and yet it was charming and compelling.

In Laika, the new book by author Ozzy Inguanzo and Rizzoli Universe, readers discover the magic behind a stop-motion dream factory that was responsible for Coraline and many other stunning stop-motion features and shorts.

The deluxe hard-cover book features Coraline on the cover surrounded by the various tools responsible for making the stop-motion puppets, a fellow puppet and a gallery of character designs.

What a treat! Inside this stunning book that is filled with behind-the-scenes color photos of the various departments, creators and stop-motion sets and characters readers are swept through an incredible journey accompanied by in-depth text, studio commentaries, staff bios and interviews and a visual mind-blowing tour of every aspect of Laika’s incredible stop-motion animation facilities.

I am absolutely blown away by the scope of this book with full-page and double-page photo-spreads, sketches, art, puppet construction, lighting, special effects and absolutely every aspect of stop-motion animation.

So much information and photos in a single book! How is it even possible!?

I am in stop-motion animation Heaven! Come join me in a visual treat that will leave you begging for more!

Psalms 37:4 - Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

[Alysha Billett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book review 📖
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

What a magical, creative and beautiful read.
Being able to step behind the cameras and see everything I adore come to life was simply perfect.

So much work goes into these movies, more than me and you could ever imagine.
From small details to the biggest of characters.
Every aspect matters and is lovingly crafted and executed.

Such amazing photos were included along with clear and detailed explanations.
I will ramble on for days about everything I have learnt and be even more insufferable when I watch a Laika production.

If you’re a fan of stop motion or simply interested in how these movies come to life, then I highly recommend this immersive read.

[Debbie Best · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything to do with stop motion animation and Laika keeps my imagination running (even at my age). This book shows the creative process and all the work that goes on behind the scenes. I loved every page of this book and I am so pumped for the new movie Wildwood coming out this fall (October 23rd 2026 to be exact!). Definitely read the books behind some of their movies and you will be so happy with the storytelling they do!

[Zoe Lipman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Laika. The literal dream job. This had such great photos and explanations. I would highly recommend to any Laika or stop-motion fan. As a production design major, I especially appreciated the focuses on the different departments, you don't see that sort of highlight in the film industry.

[Samm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ❤️ Laika

[Callie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful coffee table type book.

[keira olsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

where was the chapter on spencer’s stop motion film from that one episode of icarly?

[S46354595 · Rating 5 out of 5]

So now I have to watch the rest of their movies. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.