Well, that is not so easy. Of course, there are reference guides such as A Pocket Guide to the Identification of First Editions by McBride and A Guide to Identification of First Editions by Edward N. Zempel to help, but they are not all inclusive. The Internet is a good source for information about children's books and investigating the information in the Library of Congress is most helpful. Trial and error is sometimes a painful way to learn, but it works. Whereas finding the treasured book for a collector or dealer was definitely much harder in the days before the Internet, now it much easier.
Collectors can browse the Web and find many of their cherished books.
For booksellers, it is very helpful to go online and find the going market price or find that special book their customer wants. Of course, nothing takes the place of going out treasure hunting, digging under piles of whatever to come upon the magical book you are looking for. It is exciting and fun. I wouldn't trade it for anything. Whether you're a debater, a reader, or a curmudgeon, we bet you have an opinion to share.