Tom Angleberger on origami, karaoke and great children’s books

Tom Angleberger is the author and illustrator of the bestselling Origami Yoda series of books for middle-grade kids. In the books, Dwight is an awkward sixth-grader who uses a Yoda finger puppet to communicate with his classmates. The character isn’t exactly based on himself -- but he admits “we both know what it’s like to be the wierdest kid in school.� Angleberger’s books include “The Strange Case of Origami Yoda,� “Darth Paper Strikes Back,� “The Secret of the Fortune Wookie,� and the forthcoming how-to book “Art-2D2s Guide to Folding and Doodling,� along with “Fake Mustache� and “Horton Halfpott: Or, The Fiendish Mystery of Smugwick Manor; or, The Loosening of M’Lady Luggertuck’s Corset.� He’s coming to the L.A. Times Festival of Books in April and answered our questions by email.

Are you, or do you know, any brilliant origami folders?

I am not. Despite decades of dabbling, I’m still not very good. But I’ve been lucky enough to know some great folders, including Chris Alexander, author of “Star Wars Origami.� My dream is to meet Fumiaki Kawahata, creator of the Origami Yoda that is in constant circulation on the Internet. It’s a beautiful fold... and it’s the one that inspired me to write my book!

What have you been reading lately?

I’m currently reading “Cold Cereal� by Adam Rex and “John Carter and the Gods of Hollywood� by Michael Sellers. Next up is probably one of this year’s Newbery Honor Books, “Splendors and Glooms.� (I’ve already read this year’s Newbery, “The One and Only Ivan,� of course. A terrific choice by the Newbery committee!)

Are you looking forward to anything at the Festival of Books this year?

Last year I was sort of overwhelmed by all the excitement and raced through on adrenaline. This year, I’m hoping to slow down and enjoy my time on stage a little bit more! And then I LOVE the chance to meet readers, sign their books and talk Star Wars a bit.

Will you be doing anything in Los Angeles apart from the festival?

Last year, after the festival I sang karaoke with Jeff Kinney. I can’t imagine what could top that, but I’m willing to try!

Do you have a favorite book that involves Los Angeles?

YES! “The Neddiad� by Daniel Pinkwater! This Chicago kid, Ned, moves to L.A. and gets mixed up with movie stars, a ghost, saber-tooth tigers and the end of the world! It is proof that you do not need to write “simple� books for kids. This book is complicated, funny, deep, crazy, mind-blowing and absolutely wonderful!

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