Overview
This is a masterpiece of paper engineering that brings Tomie dePaola's beloved 'Grandma Witch' to life in three dimensions. It represents a 'dream team' collaboration between a legendary author and the world's most famous pop-up artists.
Preliminary identification
Brava, Strega Nona! A Heartwarming Pop-Up Book by Tomie dePaola, Robert Sabuda, and Matthew Reinhart
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Story
In 2006, three titans of children's literature joined forces to celebrate Strega Nona's 30th anniversary. It transformed a flat 1975 folk tale into a mechanical marvel that literally leaps off the page.
Maker / Origin
Tomie dePaola was a Caldecott and Newbery winner who created over 270 books. He collaborated here with Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart, the 'rock stars' of pop-up books known for their intricate, multi-layered architectural designs.
Condition & Value
The cover shows minor shelf wear and a slight bump to the lower left corner. The value of pop-up books is fragile; a single torn internal tab can reduce the price by 50% or more. Value depends heavily on the 'mechanical' condition of the pop-ups and whether it is a first edition.
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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 compsRegional 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.