Bugs in Space

David A. Carter is a master paper engineer, and Bugs in Space delivers everything his Bugs series is known for: pop-ups, moveable pieces, flaps, punny wordplay, and visual color that makes small children want to touch every page. Captain Bug Rogers and his intergalactic adventure are an excuse for the engineering, and that is completely fine — the experience of opening this book with a three-year-old is the point. The series has sold over six million copies for good reason. The practical caveat is durability: pop-up books and very young children are not always compatible, and parents should expect wear. The text is minimal enough that calling this a story is generous; it is more an interactive reading toy. As a reading toy, it is excellent.