The points of issue
First edition: Windmill Books/Simon & Schuster 1969; first-issue dust jacket WITHOUT the Caldecott Medal (won 1970), priced the printed price. Copyright page 1969 with no later-printing statement.
Is this the true first?
US Windmill/S&S is the true first. The pre-Caldecott jacket (no medal) is the defining first-issue point; relaunch jackets added the medal after 1970.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club editions add the Caldecott Medal, drop the price, are smaller, and carry a board blind-stamp.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Sylvester and the Magic Pebble a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition: Windmill Books/Simon & Schuster 1969; first-issue dust jacket WITHOUT the Caldecott Medal (won 1970), priced the printed price. Copyright page 1969 with no later-printing statement.
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 Windmill/S&S is the true first. The pre-Caldecott jacket (no medal) is the defining first-issue point; relaunch jackets added the medal after 1970.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club editions add the Caldecott Medal, drop the price, are smaller, and carry a board blind-stamp.
I have a first edition of Sylvester and the Magic Pebble — 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.