Matthew Reinhart

Matthew Reinhart is an American author, illustrator, and paper engineer recognized for his contributions to children's literature and pop-up book design. Reinhart has spent more than two decades transforming flat sheets of paper into intricate, three-dimensional works, merging art, engineering, and storytelling in his creations. Initially studying biology with plans for medical school, Reinhart shifted his focus to art after moving to New York City and meeting children's book creator Robert Sabuda. Inspired by Sabuda's book "Christmas Alphabet," Reinhart pursued industrial design with a concentration in toy design at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, where he developed a passion for paper engineering.

Reinhart's entry into the pop-up book industry began with "The Pop Up Book of Phobias." He has since produced numerous pop-up books, both as a collaborator and solo creator, including the New York Times best-selling "Encyclopedia Prehistorica" trilogy, "Encyclopedia Mythologica," "Mommy?" with Maurice Sendak, "The Ark," and pop-up adaptations of classic stories such as "The Jungle Book" and "Cinderella." His work spans a range of subjects, from pop culture to science, and his encyclopedic series have been translated into multiple languages, reaching readers worldwide.

Reinhart's pop culture titles include "Star Wars: A Pop-Up Guide to the Galaxy," "Game of Thrones: A Pop-Up Guide to Westeros," and "DC Super Heroes: The Ultimate Pop-Up Book." He has also created "Harry Potter: A Pop-Up Guide to Hogwarts," which brings the world of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to life in three dimensions, and "Avatar: The Ultimate Pop-Up Book," which translates the world of Pandora into a tactile reading experience. Reinhart is known for inventing new paper engineering techniques for each project, combining scientific and artistic approaches to create innovative mechanisms and immersive storytelling experiences.

With more than 30 pop-up books to his name, Reinhart has also contributed to the field as an educator, teaching paper engineering at Pratt Institute and presenting public talks and demonstrations on the art and engineering of pop-up books. His work continues to influence the fields of children's publishing, book design, and paper engineering.