How to identify a first printing
- British convention: a first printing carries a complete number line on the copyright page ending in 1 (commonly '2 4 6 8 10 9 7 5 3 1' or '10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1'); the lowest digit present is the printing
- Typically NO 'First edition' statement on UK firsts — rely on the complete number line
- Usually a 'First published 20xx by Walker Books Ltd' line; on later printings the number line rises but the 'First published' date stays the same
Notable points & cautions
- UK independent founded in 1978 by Sebastian Walker (with Amelia Edwards and Wendy Boase); flagship titles include Where's Wally?/Where's Waldo, Guess How Much I Love You, and We're Going on a Bear Hunt
- The US co-edition is published by sister company Candlewick Press (established 1991); the true first is the UK Walker printing, and a US 'First U.S. edition' postdates it
- Do not confuse with Bloomsbury's separate US 'Walker Books' imprint, nor with the older US Walker & Company (adult/nonfiction)
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Walker Books, Walker Studio, Walker Entertainment, Big Picture Press, Walker Books US = Candlewick Press (US sister). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Walker Books (UK) book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. British convention: a first printing carries a complete number line on the copyright page ending in 1 (commonly '2 4 6 8 10 9 7 5 3 1' or '10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1'); the lowest digit present is the printing Typically NO 'First edition' statement on UK firsts — rely on the complete number line
Does Walker Books (UK) use a number line?
Typically NO 'First edition' statement on UK firsts — rely on the complete number line
Is a book-club edition a Walker Books (UK) first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. UK independent founded in 1978 by Sebastian Walker (with Amelia Edwards and Wendy Boase); flagship titles include Where's Wally?/Where's Waldo, Guess How Much I Love You, and We're Going on a Bear Hunt
What era does this cover?
This covers Walker Books (UK) (1978–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.