How to identify a first printing
- First printing: a descending number line ending in 1 on the copyright page; many titles also carry a 'First edition' or 'Published in [year]' statement
- The lowest digit present in the number line indicates the printing
Notable points & cautions
- Oldest Canadian children's book publisher, founded in 1967 by May Cutler in Montreal (Westmount/Quebec); sold to McClelland & Stewart, headquarters moved to Toronto in 1996, and it is now part of Penguin Random House Canada
- Historically issued in the US through 'Tundra Books of Northern New York' (founded 1971) — that imprint line on the copyright page distinguishes the US issue from the Canadian first
- Reliable modern descending-number-line convention
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Tundra Books, Puffin Canada, Penguin Teen Canada, Tundra Books of Northern New York (former US arm). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Tundra Books 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 carry a 'First edition' or 'Published in [year]' statement The lowest digit present in the number line indicates the printing
Does Tundra Books use a number line?
The lowest digit present in the number line indicates the printing
Is a book-club edition a Tundra Books first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Oldest Canadian children's book publisher, founded in 1967 by May Cutler in Montreal (Westmount/Quebec); sold to McClelland & Stewart, headquarters moved to Toronto in 1996, and it is now part of Penguin Random House Canada
What era does this cover?
This covers Tundra Books (1967-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.