Preliminary identification

Bob Staake 'Pets Go Pop!' First Edition Pop-Up Book

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

A vibrant, highly stylized pop-up book by renowned New Yorker cover artist Bob Staake. It features intricate paper engineering that brings his signature geometric, mid-century modern-inspired illustrations to life.

Story

Bob Staake transformed children's literature with his 'digital-primitive' style. This 2009 release used complex paper engineering to hide a giant fold-out poster, making it a tactile masterpiece for young readers and art collectors.

Maker / Origin

Bob Staake is one of the most prolific illustrators of the 21st century, having designed over 15 covers for The New Yorker. His work is celebrated for its ability to look both futuristic and nostalgic, utilizing basic geometric shapes to create complex emotional characters.

Condition & Value

The book appears to be in its original protective plastic sleeve, suggesting the cover and corners are well-preserved. Pristine condition is rare for pop-up books as they are easily damaged by use. Excellent condition adds significant collector appeal. Value is driven by the artist's following and condition.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.