The points of issue
First edition 1945, Lippincott (Philadelphia and New York). The first printing carries the stated First Edition wording on the copyright page with no later-printing line. Author-illustrated by Lois Lenski; green cloth with gilt lettering and pictorial strawberry endpapers. First-issue jacket bears no Newbery Medal seal.
Is this the true first?
US true first. Awarded the Newbery Medal in 1946.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later Lippincott printings drop the First Edition statement or add printing notices, and later jackets add the Newbery seal.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Strawberry Girl a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition 1945, Lippincott (Philadelphia and New York). The first printing carries the stated First Edition wording on the copyright page with no later-printing line. Author-illustrated by Lois Lenski; green cloth with gilt lettering and pictorial strawberry endpapers. First-issue jacket bears no Newbery Medal seal.
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 true first. Awarded the Newbery Medal in 1946.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later Lippincott printings drop the First Edition statement or add printing notices, and later jackets add the Newbery seal.
I have a first edition of Strawberry Girl — 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.