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There's an amazing book by Sam Ita. It's a 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea pop-up book. Here's the video of his process. Amazing!

The popup book is an old favorite in the kidlit world, but the latest iterations are so sophisticated that they’ve inspired a new term for (or is it from?) their makers: paper engineers. Recently a book not even out yet has generated lots of interest on youtube; check out Marion Bataille’s 3-D ABC. It’s due out in October by MacMillan’s Roaring Book Press, the first book by this French graphic designer to be published in the U.S.

I first encountered the engineered version of the popup genre at my nephew’s house in North Carolina. His 6-year-old had received Encyclopedia Prehistorica: Dinosaurs for Christmas and was thrilled. Paper engineers (and pioneers) Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart collaborated on the project, which was published by Candlewick Press in 2005, each book made entirely by hand in Thailand or China. Encyclopedia Mythologica is due out in May.

For the Encyclopedias, Sabuda created popups for Reinhart’s story and illustrations, but both talented artists are also working independently now. Here’s a Barnes & Noble interview with Matthew about his creative process, and here’s Robert talking with the Wall Street Journal about some of his work. These two are an innovative, iconic and prolific phenomenon, and their influence will be felt increasingly in the world of multicultural books, no question.

Pop’n Kimchee is an early example of the use of popups – and the first multicultural popup title we know of. It’s also an example of just how much the art of popups has developed since it was published in 2000.

Sam Ita’s Moby Dick, a state-of-the-art popup book published in November 2007, features many thrills, including the Pequod opening in full sail, almost a foot high. Ita’s next book 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea comes out in October 2008.

For more about the art and science of paper engineering, check out this list of how-to books on Robert Sabuda’s website. And for you teachers, here are some general tips on popups in the classroom, and here is more from Sabuda and Reinhart on classroom use, from the early days of their collaboration.

about today's writing.

Let's face it. Good impressions are important. Some people may claim it's superficial and unfair. Isn't it what's inside that counts anyway? To a certain extent, yes. It is what is inside that counts. But to get to the inner core, there has to be a certain something that makes someone want to take a second look. And that's reality, whether we're talking about making friends, getting a job interview, or getting someone wowed by your manuscript.

And I cringe when I say this one, because I'm a rebel at heart. But to a certain extent, good impressions are all about conformity while at the same time allowing your individual stamp to shine through. Now all you rebellious independent beings out there, please don't all grumble at me here. I'll give you your moment to shine.

Think about it. Why do people go off and get themselves all dressed up before going to a party or attending an all important job interview or meeting? Why do people study up on a topic before meeting their professor or approaching someone to invest in their business? Why do people agonize on how to write their resume or query letter? Say it all with me...to make a good impression.

Now making a good impression doesn't always clinch the deal. This is where the rebel lovers everywhere can have their moment of triumph...that's why it's important to show a little of yourself to make yourself memorable. Within reason, of course. I had to add that caveat just so you know I'm not talking about body parts or underwear here.

What is it that's going to create a good impression in the beginning of your manuscript? I've got three of my top picks for what I think will help you create a strong beginning. Now keep in mind, this is my personal opinion, based on all the books I've read and enjoyed. By no means am I an expert in this sort of thing. If you like, you're more than welcome to add other things in the comments section.

1. A great hook: For me, this could be through a great opening line or prologue, interesting characters, the setting, instant conflict or emotion that draws me in and makes me want to read on.

2. An Interesting and Compelling Voice: It doesn't matter whether I love or hate the protagonist. That's actually part of what will make me want to read on. What is their personality and their inner conflict, why are they likeable or not, what is the tone of their voice and does it grab my attention.

3. A Teaser: Some people have all the luck on understanding the nuances of proper teasing. Because it's all about showing just a little, a little bit at a time, to give the reader an idea of what's to come. Do it wrong, and the reader is just going to get frustrated and give up. But do it right, and you're gonna have the reader hanging around until the very end.

Before you go off and study your favorite books or the beginning of your manuscript, what do you think makes a great first impression in the beginning of a novel?

Want to know what it feels like to be a writer? You're gonna want to watch this. The Beginning to The End.

Thank you, Sara Latta for finding this gem.

And if you need help to get to The End, take the time to read Laini Taylor's interview. She'll give you some great advice to reach the finish line. It's worth every precious second.

It's time for the final check in for the 30 Day Challenge. Comment below by 11:59 pm EST to be entered for a surprise!

I have to say, I had a tough time getting motivated these past couple of weeks to write everyday. Life kind of blindsided me with too many things. My creative ability had been somewhat stifled in my writing and my blogging.

My youngest celebrated a birthday. She's been giving Spiderman some quite a bit of competition in the Cling-On category--this child summons up all her incredible holding powers on my leg when we're walking into her preschool. My middle child is on oral prednisone to clear out the gunk in her lungs and her eczema encrusted body. My eldest is fluctuating between the needs of an eight year old and demands of a teenager. She has also had a hard time staying asleep these past couple of weeks and has been waking me up at 3 a.m. to keep her company. And that in itself, is almost enough to do me in.

Not that I'm complaining and all. All these puzzle pieces I need to figure out and put together to make everything right again is totally okay. That's what I do best. However, it has been leeching away at my writing time.

So here's what I did. I brought my laptop to my little one's school. That way the forty five minutes spent at her school, is balanced with some writing time in the peace of my car. I've also taken to writing notes in a little book I carry with me while I'm waiting in the doctor's office, or waiting in the car line to pick up the kids, or am running on a schedule that's completely out of whack.

I was able to write four days last week. One hour of total brilliance, the others, well, we'll have to see. But, I've also decided that I did pretty well for having a week or two from a place I really don't want to go back to for awhile.

So, how did you do? Remember to let me know in the comments here or over here by 11:59 pm EST to be entered for a surprise! The prize winner will be announced tomorrow!

Here's a little something to make you laugh. Liz, thanks for finding this gem.