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Christmas Alphabet
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of THE CHRISTMAS ALPHABET, Sabuda has created a brand new pop-up to include in this special edition, which also has a brand new cover and is covered in green foil.
Celebrate Christmas with this beautiful pop-up alphabet book by award-winning author Robert Sabuda.
"The Christmas book of the year. Twenty-six dazzling, magical pop-ups commemorate holiday sights and symbols in unforgettable ways....Most of the pop-ups themselves are white, which gives them an elegant look, and Sabuda...has designed them all to move gracefully when the flaps are opened....Besides being an imaginative paper designer, Sabuda uses form, color, and space expertly....Just terrific. "
-- Pointer, KIRKUS REVIEW
Book Details: Format: Hardcover Publication Date: 10/1/2004 Pages: 16 Reading Level: Age 4 and Up
Celebrate Christmas with this beautiful pop-up alphabet book by award-winning author Robert Sabuda.
"The Christmas book of the year. Twenty-six dazzling, magical pop-ups commemorate holiday sights and symbols in unforgettable ways....Most of the pop-ups themselves are white, which gives them an elegant look, and Sabuda...has designed them all to move gracefully when the flaps are opened....Besides being an imaginative paper designer, Sabuda uses form, color, and space expertly....Just terrific. "
-- Pointer, KIRKUS REVIEW
Book Details: Format: Hardcover Publication Date: 10/1/2004 Pages: 16 Reading Level: Age 4 and Up
16 pages, Hardcover
First published October 26, 1994
1 person is currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Robert Sabuda
117 books160 followersRobert Sabuda is internationally acclaimed for his stunning pop-up books, including America the Beautiful and The 12 Days of Christmas. He is also the illustrator of Chanukah Lights by Michael J. Rosen. Robert Sabuda lives in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
December 9, 2022
Delicate and intricate paper cut art pop-ups depicting symbols of the Christmas season. I am impressed by the artistry and the design choices in this otherwise simple book. But don't let the simplicity deter you from reading it, these holiday pop-ups are sure to stimulate conversation and memory. I could see this becoming an annual tradition to gather round, browse, and reminisce over past memories while making new ones too.
August 10, 2016
In this book each letter of the alphabet is portrayed with a popout. The popouts are intricate and beautiful! I really appreciated that the words/objects associated with each letter of the alphabet communicated the true meaning of Christmas and didn't just focus on Santa Clause and presents.
December 16, 2023
K. Kiss. Two 3-d reindeer pop out and kiss.
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December 5, 2021This is another book I've had since my childhood and one I love every time I open it.
This is just a little pop up book of Christmas things in the form of the alphabet. On each page there are three little window pages you open that have little pop up figures that represent Christmas or winter and the creations are so intricate and beautiful and I adore them.
It's hard to really talk about this book, but it's one I love revisiting every year.
This is just a little pop up book of Christmas things in the form of the alphabet. On each page there are three little window pages you open that have little pop up figures that represent Christmas or winter and the creations are so intricate and beautiful and I adore them.
It's hard to really talk about this book, but it's one I love revisiting every year.
December 11, 2024
A straight-up alphabet book with impressive pop-up engineering.
My daughter gave it a bit of a shrug when she was four, probably since there is no through story or rhymes and all the pop-ups are plain white instead of incorporating any eye-catching color.
My daughter gave it a bit of a shrug when she was four, probably since there is no through story or rhymes and all the pop-ups are plain white instead of incorporating any eye-catching color.
October 16, 2014
As simple as this book is, it was by far my favorite. This edition obviously includes each letter of the alphabet, but unfold each flap and you will find a beautiful paper cut out of an object that starts with the letter. The cut outs were what makes the book so unique, they are each very delicate and intricate yet very simple at the same time. My favorite pop-up was "Joy" because the cut out was of beautiful birds flying towards the sky. I highly recommend this book.
December 11, 2025
My first Robert Sabuda pop up experience...all those years ago 💜
December 1, 2015
Gorgeous alphabet book with tiny "books" that unfold to show an example of each letter.
December 29, 2023
Another picture book I enjoyed for myself this year. The pop-outs are beautiful.
December 20, 2024
If you love children's books but you haven't discovered the amazing Robert Sabuda, I urge you to go today and buy one or two or all of his books. It's like buying an art masterpiece for the price of a nice lunch.
I found this book in my Little Free Library some months ago. It's a little worn, but all the lovely 3D art pieces still pop boldly up. How fun this is!
I found this book in my Little Free Library some months ago. It's a little worn, but all the lovely 3D art pieces still pop boldly up. How fun this is!
December 24, 2020
Sabuda books never disappoint and "The Christmas Alphabet" is no exception. Besides the pop-up, white creations being stunning it's fun to guess what is under each flap. It will be a Christmas favorite.
January 1, 2022
This book is so cool. Every letter has its own "door" and behind it is an intricate pop-up cutout that represents the letter. It's so well done that if you move some of the doors back and forth, it animates the cut out (eg. the clapper in the bell for "B" will move back and forth). The book is also very Christmas-y--and, therefore, has some suggestions of religion--but it remains pretty non-denominational. Eliza's favorite this season.
May 4, 2022
Beautiful and pop ups with simple colour scheme.
December 17, 2024
There is no story here, but it is enjoyable for the details and fun of the paper art.
December 9, 2025
Beautiful pop-ups illustrate Christmas words in this Alphabet book.
December 23, 2025
A beautiful book with pop ups for each letter of the alphabet. Using words that are not typical, and holiday themes, it makes the book even more special.
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October 14, 2015Title: The Christmas Alphabet
Author: Robert Sabuda
Illustrator: Robert Sabuda
Genre: Alphabet Book, Concept book
Themes: Christmas, Alphabet
Opening line/sentence:
A (open flap)
ANGEL
B (open flap)
BELL
C (open flap)
CANDLE
Brief Book Summary: The book is a pop up book on the theme of Christmas. It goes in A to Z order, having two letters per page. Each letter is listed on colorful paper, where readers open up the flaps and a Christmas related object that starts with that letter will pop out (EX: L is a letter to Santa).
Professional Recommendation/Review #1:
Susie Wilde (Children’s Literature)
Sabuda’s Christmas Alphabet is a wonderful representation of the season’s symbols, magic and spirit. Twenty-six elegant pop-up paper constructions will surprise and delight readers. Sabuda’s skill and vision are sometimes breathtaking and always make one pause and remember the glories the symbols really hold recipient of numerous awards, this book is a paper- engineering masterpiece.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2:
Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews)
The Christmas book of the year. These 26 dazzling, magical pop- ups commemorate holiday sights and symbols in unforgettable ways. Each effect(there are four per spread) with its one-word label, is hidden behind a flap of undecorated colored paper, glued onto a plain white background. Most of the pop-ups themselves are white, which gives them an elegant look, and Sabuda has designed them all to move gracefully when the flaps are open. The “Angel” rises up reverently; a halo spins behind the “candle” flame; a pair of snow “Friends” wave cheerily; ribbon swirls around a “Gift”; the “Snowflake” and “poinsettia” seem to explode out; and, at the end, Santa is seen catching a few Zs. Besides being an imaginative paper designer, Sabuda uses form, color and space expertly: a rare combination. Just terrific.
Response to Two Professional Reviews: Both of these reviews agreed that Subuda did a wonderful job with the design of his book. They both state that it is very appealing to young children and really grabs and holds their attention. They both also mention that this is a very popular and an award-winning book. I agree with review number two that Subuda does an amazing job with the form, color and space throughout the book.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: This book is designed specifically for young learners who are ready to learn alphabet letters. There are many colors through out the book and the pop-up pictures are very detailed and well done. The pictures are well spaced out and easily to follow along with.
Consideration of Instructional Application:
This book is ideal for children preschool through second grade. With the early elementary grades, you could come up with a theme as class, each student could get a letter, then they can create their own word and pop up for their given letter. For the more advanced students, you could challenge them to create their own alphabet book. For the preschool age, this is a great book to keep in the classroom library as children are becoming familiar with the alphabet. You could create a simpler alphabet book as a class and each child could simply draw something to do with a theme and the teacher could write the letter it starts with and the word.
Author: Robert Sabuda
Illustrator: Robert Sabuda
Genre: Alphabet Book, Concept book
Themes: Christmas, Alphabet
Opening line/sentence:
A (open flap)
ANGEL
B (open flap)
BELL
C (open flap)
CANDLE
Brief Book Summary: The book is a pop up book on the theme of Christmas. It goes in A to Z order, having two letters per page. Each letter is listed on colorful paper, where readers open up the flaps and a Christmas related object that starts with that letter will pop out (EX: L is a letter to Santa).
Professional Recommendation/Review #1:
Susie Wilde (Children’s Literature)
Sabuda’s Christmas Alphabet is a wonderful representation of the season’s symbols, magic and spirit. Twenty-six elegant pop-up paper constructions will surprise and delight readers. Sabuda’s skill and vision are sometimes breathtaking and always make one pause and remember the glories the symbols really hold recipient of numerous awards, this book is a paper- engineering masterpiece.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2:
Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews)
The Christmas book of the year. These 26 dazzling, magical pop- ups commemorate holiday sights and symbols in unforgettable ways. Each effect(there are four per spread) with its one-word label, is hidden behind a flap of undecorated colored paper, glued onto a plain white background. Most of the pop-ups themselves are white, which gives them an elegant look, and Sabuda has designed them all to move gracefully when the flaps are open. The “Angel” rises up reverently; a halo spins behind the “candle” flame; a pair of snow “Friends” wave cheerily; ribbon swirls around a “Gift”; the “Snowflake” and “poinsettia” seem to explode out; and, at the end, Santa is seen catching a few Zs. Besides being an imaginative paper designer, Sabuda uses form, color and space expertly: a rare combination. Just terrific.
Response to Two Professional Reviews: Both of these reviews agreed that Subuda did a wonderful job with the design of his book. They both state that it is very appealing to young children and really grabs and holds their attention. They both also mention that this is a very popular and an award-winning book. I agree with review number two that Subuda does an amazing job with the form, color and space throughout the book.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: This book is designed specifically for young learners who are ready to learn alphabet letters. There are many colors through out the book and the pop-up pictures are very detailed and well done. The pictures are well spaced out and easily to follow along with.
Consideration of Instructional Application:
This book is ideal for children preschool through second grade. With the early elementary grades, you could come up with a theme as class, each student could get a letter, then they can create their own word and pop up for their given letter. For the more advanced students, you could challenge them to create their own alphabet book. For the preschool age, this is a great book to keep in the classroom library as children are becoming familiar with the alphabet. You could create a simpler alphabet book as a class and each child could simply draw something to do with a theme and the teacher could write the letter it starts with and the word.
January 15, 2026
This is one cool pop up book. The various items that fit with each letter of the alphabet are exquisite.
December 7, 2008
This was a gift from one of my husband's aunts to our son last year and it is amazing. There are little pop outs for each letter which have to do with Christmas. Some are pretty detailed and while most are white, some have some color which really brings out the object (like Stained Glass). This year I was sure to remind my almost 3 yr old that it is a special book and must be handled carefully because last year his busy fingers happened to tear the head off of Baby Jesus in the Manger. I was concerned we were all getting lumps of coal or worse for that one! I was glad to open it up this year and find that I'd performed successful surgery before packing it away.
December 22, 2018
This is a wonderful pop-up book with Sabuda's intricate paper pop-ups. Each letter has it's own flap, like a small book inside the larger book. Each flap opens up to reveal an all white pop-up: "A" for angel, "B" for bell, "C" for candle, and so on. The letter is printed on the outside of the flap, and the word printed somewhere on the inside of the flap. The outside of the flap is one color, such as blue, and the inside has 2 more colors, such as 2 shades of pink. Each page has 2 flaps, so 4 flaps across a double page spread. Exquisite.
November 30, 2012
Found this gem at Vromans on sale. It is a beautiful book and my daughter adores it! It contains a card with a letter and you open it, and it turns into a beautiful pop up. A for angel and an angel pops up, etc. There are two letters per page. The only one I did not like is X. It is X-mas and I am not a fan of cutting Christ out of Christmas. I remember first learning that in elementary school and the wonderful teacher who taught me. God bless you Miss Van Fleet and Merry Christmas!
February 9, 2010
A simple format with one pop-up for each letter hidden behind a flap. The white cutouts contrast beautifully with the colored backgrounds. Our family likes to cover the word and guess what the pop-up image represents. I love that Sabuda has included some religious images to remind us of the nativity.
November 23, 2013
I found this book in the lower level of my children area while my 2 1/2 year old played.
I wish I could say she enjoyed this book as much as I did but she had no idea what almost everything was and wanted to play with toys by the letter P.
W for Window was my favorite of all the alphabet letters.
I wish I could say she enjoyed this book as much as I did but she had no idea what almost everything was and wanted to play with toys by the letter P.
W for Window was my favorite of all the alphabet letters.
April 2, 2014
This book was really cute, and pretty awesome. I love pop up books, and this one was a really cool one. I liked it a lot. This would be a fun book to use in a classroom around wintertime to talk to students about Christmas. Then you could use other books to talk about other holidays that are celebrated in December.
February 22, 2014
The pop-ups that are included in this book are incredible. They have so much detail and help to identify the symbols of Christmas. The only thing that I didn't like about this book is that some of the items listed in the alphabet are verbs and some are nouns. As a result, it probably would not be the best book to teach during language arts in the classroom.
December 1, 2015
I have no idea what age to recommend this for as it is an ABC far too fragile for preschoolers. On the other hand, this is enjoyed by two year olds and adults alike. The joyful surprises of the intricate art made all of us ooh and ahh. So enjoy it with your kiddos... And hide it when you can't supervise.
April 10, 2020
Read for The Material Culture of Childhood. Sabuda does something really interesting with this pop-up book, which is that he makes it more of a gallery viewing than an experience. Interesting also his depiction of "joy," though I found it to be a bit lackluster. Perhaps with more context and a narrative, this book would have been more intimate.
November 27, 2011
Incredibly beautiful pop up pictures which illustrate symbols of Christmas.
My grandsons (3 and 5) loved opening the doors to the letters and discovering what was behind them.
Must use some care with the little ones, as the pops ups are intricate and somewhat fragile.
Highly recommended!
My grandsons (3 and 5) loved opening the doors to the letters and discovering what was behind them.
Must use some care with the little ones, as the pops ups are intricate and somewhat fragile.
Highly recommended!
December 13, 2012
I absolutely adore all of his books. I wasn't sure about this one because it looked so simple in the photos, but I should have known better! As always, his genius is in the movement and life (as well as creativity) he brings to his creations. Simply beautiful.
February 14, 2014
I usually don't like pop-up books but this one I could definitely add to my home and classroom collection. It was cute and so well done. I loved the simplicity the words were but the popups were clear and simple. I still think pop-ups are fragile but this one was so unique and cute.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews