Cooper-Hewitt Design Museum

Pop-up book: Puss in Boots

The adventures of this resourceful and loyal master cat appear in various folktales throughout Europe. The best known is Le Chat Botté, written by Charles Perrault in 1697. Illustrator C. Carey Cloud and paper engineer Harold Lentz collaborated to create this dramatic pop-up edition.

Originally written by Charles Perrault (16281703)
Adapted and illustrated by C. Carey Cloud and Harold B. Lentz
Published by Blue Ribbon Press
New York, NY, 1934

Smithsonian Institution Libraries. PZ8 .P98 1934e
Wall Stories: Children's Wallpapers and Books
On view: October 3, 2008April 5, 2009

This exhibition will explore the relationship between wallpapers and books created for children through works from the permanent collection and the National Design Library. From their beginning in the 1870s, children's wallpapers have been strongly influenced by literature and popular culture. Works on view will include papers illustrated with nursery rhymes and designs inspired by works of fiction and adventure, such as Peter Rabbit, Alice in Wonderland, and Cinderella. The exhibition also will trace the evolution of children's books from instructional to fictional and include developments such as movable and pop-up books, which added an interactive element to children's reading.

Wall Stories: Childrens Wallpaper and Books is made possible in part by public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a State agency. Additional support is provided in part by Esme Usdan, Margery and Edgar Masinter, The Liman Foundation and The Walt Disney Company.