The points of issue
Discworld 28; the first Discworld novel written for younger readers. UK Doubleday, published early November 2001; original boards in dust jacket; copyright page states first publication in Great Britain 2001 by Doubleday with a complete number line ending in 1. Won the Carnegie Medal.
Is this the true first?
UK Doubleday true first; the US HarperCollins children's edition followed on 6 November 2001.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings lack the complete number line; the US edition and book club issues differ.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Discworld 28; the first Discworld novel written for younger readers. UK Doubleday, published early November 2001; original boards in dust jacket; copyright page states first publication in Great Britain 2001 by Doubleday with a complete number line ending in 1. Won the Carnegie Medal.
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. UK Doubleday true first; the US HarperCollins children's edition followed on 6 November 2001.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings lack the complete number line; the US edition and book club issues differ.
I have a first edition of The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents — 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.