The points of issue
First edition states 'FIRST EDITION' is NOT used by Harper of this era; identify by code 'I-W' on the copyright page (Harper letter-code: I = January, W = 1947). First-issue jacket priced the printed price. Early printings show the green nightstand lamp with a visibly lit/correct color rendering; many later printings differ in the reproduction of the great green room's colors.
Is this the true first?
US Harper is the true first. The Harper alphabetical month-letter + year-letter code on the copyright page is the reliable precedence tool (later printings advance the second letter). Jacket price (the printed price) supports first-issue identification.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No Harper code is found on book-club or later trade printings; book-club copies lack the price on the jacket and often have a club blind-stamp on the rear board.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Goodnight Moon a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition states 'FIRST EDITION' is NOT used by Harper of this era; identify by code 'I-W' on the copyright page (Harper letter-code: I = January, W = 1947). First-issue jacket priced the printed price. Early printings show the green nightstand lamp with a visibly lit/correct color rendering; many later printings differ in the reproduction of the great green room's colors.
How do I tell the first printing from a later one?
Check the copyright page for the publisher's first-printing convention and confirm the points above. US Harper is the true first. The Harper alphabetical month-letter + year-letter code on the copyright page is the reliable precedence tool (later printings advance the second letter). Jacket price (the printed price) supports first-issue identification.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No Harper code is found on book-club or later trade printings; book-club copies lack the price on the jacket and often have a club blind-stamp on the rear board.
I have a first edition of Goodnight Moon — what should I do?
If you're clearing books, New Mexico Literacy Project offers free pickup in Albuquerque, any condition, and makes sure collectible copies aren't lost. To sell, see the author's collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.