The points of issue
The true first is the 1960 edition issued under the Ariel Books imprint of Farrar, Straus and Cudahy, with Garth Williams illustrations, bound in light boards with the spine stamped in dark brown. The 'Farrar, Straus and Cudahy' imprint dates it (the firm became Farrar, Straus & Giroux only later). The first-state jacket retains the original printed price on the flap and does NOT bear the Newbery Honor seal.
Is this the true first?
US Ariel Books / Farrar, Straus and Cudahy 1960 is the true first; a 1961 Newbery Honor book. The 'and Cudahy' imprint is the principal dating point.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings and book-club editions show the 'Farrar, Straus & Giroux' imprint, may add the Newbery Honor seal to the jacket, and can carry a blind-stamp.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Cricket in Times Square a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The true first is the 1960 edition issued under the Ariel Books imprint of Farrar, Straus and Cudahy, with Garth Williams illustrations, bound in light boards with the spine stamped in dark brown. The 'Farrar, Straus and Cudahy' imprint dates it (the firm became Farrar, Straus & Giroux only later). The first-state jacket retains the original printed price on the flap and does NOT bear the Newbery Honor 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 Ariel Books / Farrar, Straus and Cudahy 1960 is the true first; a 1961 Newbery Honor book. The 'and Cudahy' imprint is the principal dating point.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings and book-club editions show the 'Farrar, Straus & Giroux' imprint, may add the Newbery Honor seal to the jacket, and can carry a blind-stamp.
I have a first edition of The Cricket in Times Square — 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.