Last Updated on 14 June 2023 by Colette
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I knew as soon as I saw Make and Move Minibeasts I knew that this was going to be one for Ben. He loves building and creating things and has recently discovered the joy of Origami – don’t get me wrong he’s not a Japanese paper master by any stretch but he loves being able to follow the instructions and create a 3D model out of paper.
Make and Move Minibeasts by Sato Hisao contains twelve paper puppets for you to press out and play with. The models are all ready to make so don’t need any cutting or sticking – no scissors or glue required (hurrah!).
The book is set out so that the simplest model (a grasshopper) comes first meaning you can steadily build your skills and confidence as you work your way through to the trickiest (a stag beetle).
The first half of the book comprises of clear, colourful, step by step instructions on how to make each model with the second half of the book being made from a thin card and holding each of the models. It is bound in such a way as to ensure the whole book doesn’t just fall apart the first time you try to use it – though if your child is anything like Ben they will just want to build the full set of 12 minibeasts as soon as they can!
The book is aimed at age 6+ making it ideal for upper KS1 studying minibeasts as a topic this summer term! Because the diagrams are supported with written instructions you might find you need to support younger children with this. Ben is 7 and a half and had no trouble whatsoever with following the instructions and making the first few models in the book. I’m sure his experience of LEGO building probably had something to do with that!
We found the models to be of really good quality, Ben was able to press the parts out without damaging them and put them together to create surprisingly sturdy minibeasts with moving parts.
Ben loves the Make and Move Minibeats so much he’s decided he’s going to buy himself Make and Move Robots too!
I love the look of this, it would be perfect for one of our farm activity sessions here #TriedTested
Oh I would love one for my son. I love the idea of not needing a scissor and a glue so it’s perfect, as my boys were too messy with glue and can be dangerous with scissors lol
They do look brilliant, and I like the no gluing feature! Fun books.
Me too! No mess!!
Looks good, my 8 yo would love this
How cute is this?! Ben looks so chuffed with himself. can’t wait to get D involved in bits like this!
He’s really enjoying working his way through the book but they’re definitely getting harder as he goes on!
These look really fun to make and most kids love mini beasts! I like the way that you start with a simple creature and that the activities get more complex as you go through the book 🙂
#TriedTested
This looks like an activity that my boys would enjoy
Ohhh.. Lily is bug crazy and loves a good craft. She would love this! #TriedTested
This looks great fun, I Think Monkey would love it… Though at not yet 5 I think it may be a bit advance for him! Xx
I would have loved this as a kid as I always found origami interesting.
I also love that it’s unisex as I have found a lot of activity books to gender stereotypical.
Jodie x
#TriedTested
This sounds lots of fun, my eldest would love it! great giveaway too, good luck everyone!
Ah this looks fantastic. My daughter loves craft and making things, so this looks right up her street! #TriedTested
We’re a bit rubbish at Origami but this book looks fantastic and we love the results! Well done x #TriedTested x
These look great fun, perfect for this sort of age. Would make a lovely birthday gift too #TriedTested
This looks great. My niece is 6 years old and she would love this. x
What a brilliant activity book, well done Ben, those minibeasts are great x
I love the look of this and I think our 7 year old would have the patience with the trickier parts. They look great!
These look so much fun, I might have to remember them for birthday gifts!
Great giveaway, something that I think both my little boy and girl would love equally!