Moko and Koko in the Jungle (Pop-Up Book) – Illustrated by Voitech Kubasta
London: Westminster Books / Bancroft & Co., [n.d., ca. 1961]. An Artia production. Printed in Czechoslovakia.
Folio (12 3/4 x 9 inches; 32.4 x 22.8 cm). 8 pages of text, with a large double-page chromolithographic pop-up spread mounted to rear board. Includes two original detachable paper dolls—Moko and Koko—intended to be moved through the jungle scene like characters in a play.
Condition: Fine. Pop-up is complete, fully functional, and clean. The swinging monkey is present and operable. The branch supporting the monkey has been reattached, unobtrusively. Both loose figures, Moko and Koko, are present—an uncommon survival as these pieces are frequently missing. Boards bright, binding secure. Minor shelfwear only. See photos for full condition details.
Description:
This vibrant jungle adventure follows two children—Moko and Koko—on an expedition into the rainforest, where they encounter exotic animals and make friends with a talking elephant. Kubasta's dramatic fold-out scene spans the full width of the book, creating a dynamic tableau that rises more than 10 inches when opened. With vivid chromolithography and movable elements, this early pop-up showcases Kubasta’s signature style: theatrical layouts, deep layering, and interactive design.
This is among Kubasta's earliest pop-ups created for Bancroft & Co., published under their Westminster Books imprint and produced by Artia in Prague. The jungle setting, elephant motif, and removable figures reveal influences from puppet theatre and Czech paper play traditions.
Collector’s Corner:
Vojtech Kubasta (1914–1992) was a visionary Czech illustrator and paper engineer whose work in the 1950s and 60s transformed the landscape of children's publishing. Moko and Koko in the Jungle represents a rare early example of his technical experimentation with panoramic depth and movable components. The inclusion of intact Moko and Koko figures in this copy makes it especially desirable for collectors.
References:
Westminster Books. Moko and Koko in the Jungle. Illustrated by Vojtech Kubasta. London: Bancroft & Co., [ca. 1961]. Printed in Czechoslovakia by Artia. OCLC Number: 17369078.
Bienes Museum of the Modern Book, Broward County Library. Collection of Vojtěch Kubašta. Call number: POPUP KUBASTA R FIC MOKO.
Princeton University Library Catalog. “Moko and Koko in the Jungle.” Department of Rare Books and Special Collections. Accessed June 30, 2025. https://catalog.princeton.edu/catalog/99105398613506421.
University of California Library (Melvyl). “Moko and Koko in the Jungle by V. Kubasta.” Accessed June 30, 2025. https://melvyl.cdlib.org/search~S1?/tMoko+and+Koko+in+the+Jungle.
All books are returnable within 10 days of receipt if not delighted for any reason.