How to identify a first printing
- First printing: a descending number line ending in 1 on the copyright page; many titles also state 'First edition' or 'First American edition'; the lowest digit indicates the printing
Notable points & cautions
- Minneapolis independent founded in 1959; one of the largest independently owned US children's publishers, with a large library/educational and trade list
- Carolrhoda Books dates to 1969 and Carolrhoda Lab is its literary-YA imprint; Kar-Ben (founded 1974) is the leading publisher of Jewish-interest children's books
- Lerner has handled US distribution/co-editions for Andersen Press at times; such titles are co-editions, not the UK Andersen firsts, so verify the imprint line on the copyright page
- Reliable modern number-line convention
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Lerner Publications, Carolrhoda Books, Carolrhoda Lab (YA), Millbrook Press, Kar-Ben Publishing, Graphic Universe, Zest Books (YA), First Avenue Editions, Darby Creek. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Lerner Publishing Group (children's) book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. First printing: a descending number line ending in 1 on the copyright page; many titles also state 'First edition' or 'First American edition'; the lowest digit indicates the printing
Does Lerner Publishing Group (children's) use a number line?
First printing: a descending number line ending in 1 on the copyright page; many titles also state 'First edition' or 'First American edition'; the lowest digit indicates the printing
Is a book-club edition a Lerner Publishing Group (children's) first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Minneapolis independent founded in 1959; one of the largest independently owned US children's publishers, with a large library/educational and trade list
What era does this cover?
This covers Lerner Publishing Group (children's) (1959-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.