The points of issue
First printing copyright page carries no later-printing statement. A genuine text-state point: the early-printing title page and jacket give the subtitle as 'an old tale retold and illustrated by Tomie dePaola'; later printings change this to 'an original tale written and illustrated by Tomie dePaola'. Original cloth-backed boards with the price present on the jacket flap.
Is this the true first?
US Prentice-Hall 1975 is the true first (current reprints carry a Simon & Schuster imprint). A 1976 Caldecott Honor was awarded the year after publication.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club editions typically carry a blind-stamp to the rear board and are unpriced. Later printings change the subtitle from 'an old tale retold' to 'an original tale written', which is a clear later-state indicator.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Strega Nona a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing copyright page carries no later-printing statement. A genuine text-state point: the early-printing title page and jacket give the subtitle as 'an old tale retold and illustrated by Tomie dePaola'; later printings change this to 'an original tale written and illustrated by Tomie dePaola'. Original cloth-backed boards with the price present on the jacket flap.
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 Prentice-Hall 1975 is the true first (current reprints carry a Simon & Schuster imprint). A 1976 Caldecott Honor was awarded the year after publication.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club editions typically carry a blind-stamp to the rear board and are unpriced. Later printings change the subtitle from 'an old tale retold' to 'an original tale written', which is a clear later-state indicator.
I have a first edition of Strega Nona — 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.