Customer Reviews
Not what I expected 
2008-07-05
I was hoping for a step-by-step detailed description of how to fold the dollar, instead I had to pass this book to my brother who is an expert in folding the buck to use this book. But even he found some of the directions difficult to understand. There also weren't that many ideas suggested in this book. There are more ideas for folding the buck online than offered in this book.
A great intro to origami... 
2008-05-02
Having been at the beginner level of origami for many years--that is, I follow the ideas in the books and don't create my own--I have at least 30 books on subjects from origami boxes to modular (unit) origami to money origami. This is one of the best introductions to origami in general. Dollar bills are made of excellent paper with printing on them that helps you get oriented with the diagrams in the book. The projects make great gifts (and tips at restaurants, of course).
This book does not introduce you to the variety of "folds" (such as the outside-reverse fold and the rabbit fold) that are the vocabulary of the mainstream origami books, but eases you into the basics (including the inside-reverse fold without labeling it as such). You will enjoy the transition of your ordinary one-dollar bill into these little origami models, which are mostly three-dimensional (many origami books have you sweating and, 47 folds later, ending up with a flat two-dimensional depiction of some insect). Go to other books if this one inspires you to become an origamist. Or just stay here and have fun. And yes I know that insect origami seems to be viewed with a certain amount of reverence, but you get animals in this book also.
When you have folded your masterpiece, origami is fun in that you can unfold it and practice it again until you have it memorized, very useful for when you want to leave a "Dime-In-Ring" as a tip (this project will cost you $1.10--a bill and a dime).
I would not hand the book to a young child, as the activies probably work best with an adult helping those under 10 years old. The adult should have completed the model first.
I would recommend getting a bunch of new crisp bills from your bank. Ask the bank when they come in, as the book says they usually arrive around January. Just in case the US government has any plans to change the pattern on the one-dollar bill, that's another reason to hoard some of the old ones. However, bills that are fairly crisp but not necessarily brand new work very well, and you can find these regularly in change handed to you. When you receive nice crisp bills in change from a store, hand over a $5 bill and get five more crisp ones.
Lastly, as commented on already, the humor and the little facts about money are quite entertaining. Typical "Klutz book" excellence.
Happy folding.
Mike
PS Another book, also on an origami specialty but also for the serious beginner who wants to produce fun and useable projects is "Wings and Things: Origami That Flies."
Great fun! 2007-12-30
I got this for my 11 year old son. He already had some origami experience and really enjoyed it. He easily did the the first few projects, but had a little difficulty with the elephant and the peacock. After we looked at it closer, we were able to figure it out with little trouble. The book is very well written (and illustrated) and the projects are very clever. My son's main problem was that he was just using the pictures and wasn't taking the time to also read the directions. The spiral binding allows the book to lay flat while you work with the dollar. There are also fun facts included. All-in-all, it is entertaining and well worth the money. I only wish there had been a few more shapes to make.
Buck Book 2007-11-19
Very cute book--fun for all ages, or for all ages of people with a little patience.
Great gift for my 13 year old daughter! 2007-01-19
We gave this to my daughter for Christmas and she loves it. She's an artistic sort of girl...likes origami, etc so it was right up her alley. We cannot believe all of the cool things she makes with a dollar bill and she can do it anywhere. It's a great conversation starter and has made her popular with her friends! Absolutely would recommend this book!
Great Book for Beginners 2006-03-10
All sorts of things to do with a dollar bill besides spend it. It even comes with a real $1.00 bill. Make the following items: Buffalo Bill badge, bow tie, dollar ring, dime-in-ring, jumping frog, elephant, and peacock. These creations work best if made with a new or close-to-new bill. The instruction book also includes some interesting facts and myths about the one dollar bill. Ages 6 and up.
THE BEST ORAGAMI BOOK FOR KIDS 2006-03-01
i love it. when i first got it at the age of 9 (right before my birth day)i was so happy. i turned 10 yesterday and i couldn't wait until i got birthday money,i was folding like crazy. i totaly recomend it for all ages(i like the rings best)
very good book 2005-01-04
this book is really fun to read and make the projects. the instructions are easy and i especially like how the author included visual hints to make sure you're doing it right along the way( "You should be able to see half of the N in ONE when you're done" ). The visual checkpoints are helpful too--when the author says "Like this:" and has a picture of the project so far. Interesting dollar-related facts are sprinkled throughout the book and it is written in an easy conversational style that is very funny.
The only downside is that there are only 7 designs.
This Book is Great for Kids 2004-12-08
My 10 year old son loves this book. The diagrams are excellent. They are straightforward and simple to follow. You will definately be pleased with this book. It's well worth the money!
the buck book 2003-11-30
I bought it to have handy for rainy days. My children were small and I needed something to keep them entertained. After many years of using it and planty of fun, I moved and I lost it. I am buying again, because I treasure it. And when my children come back with their children, this is the book they want to see. Sincerely, Hilder Garrison
