The ancient Japanese art of folding paper can be used to create tiny representations of innumerable objects, but here's something new: an instruction folding guide to recreate trappings of a military encampment, with a special focus on the oldest branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. A two-page introduction tells us that the Army dates back to the inception of the Continental Army during the American Revolution in 1775, and it employs more than one million people today. OK, now the main event: the step-by-step directions for basic origami folds, complete with clearly drawn illustrations and thoroughly explained directions. Bolitho utilizes a clear system of symbols based on standard origami notation, and many of the steps are depicted in color photographs. With a little bit of patience (and some camouflage paper), kids can create their own encampment complete with tents and army officers, or a battlefield with tanks and artillery. A rather nice break from swans.

BOLITHO, Mark . Fold Your Own Origami Army . ISBN 978-1-4777-1317-4 ; ISBN 978-1-4777-1473-7 . LC 2013005111. BOLITHO, Mark . Fold Your Own Origami Navy . ISBN 978-1-4777-1318-1 ; ISBN 978-1-4777-1474-4 . LC 2013005112. BOLITHO, Mark . Fold Your Own Origami Weapons . ISBN 978-1-4777-1320-4 ; ISBN 978-1-4777-1476-8 . LC 2013012876. ea vol: 32p. (Origami Army Series). diag. further reading. glossary. websites. Rosen / PowerKids Pr . 2013. lib. ed. $26.50; ebk. $26.50. Gr 4-8 Each of these books begins with a basic introductory spread, While the other three introductions offer general information, Weapons can be uncomfortably specific given the age of the target audience. Each book proceeds with six identical pages that provide a list of materials and diagrams of basic techniques, followed by between five-and-seven projects that result in items such as a long-range bomber, battleship, or tank. Again, there are some uncomfortable statements. In Army , the preface to "Artillery" states, "Take aim with this great looking artillery piece." Weapons refers to an automatic pistol as a "neat little weapon" and a missile as "real fun to have around."