Round Trip Value Guide

Published in 1983, Round Trip by Ann Jonas is a landmark in children's literature celebrated for its innovative reversible optical illusion artwork. This black-and-white picture book, featured on Reading Rainbow, allows readers to follow a journey to the city and then flip the book upside down to experience the return trip home.

What Is Round Trip Worth?

The typical price range for Round Trip is $15 - $17 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the dust jacket, as original 1980s editions are more valuable with intact covers.
• Presence of library markings or 'Ex-Libris' stamps, which typically decrease the value toward the $15.00 range.
• First edition status, specifically the first printing from the 1983 United States release.
• Overall physical state of the paper and binding, ensuring no tears or markings on the reversible artwork.

How to Identify Round Trip?

• Look for the 1983 publication date and the Greenwillow Books imprint on the title page.
• Verify the unique black-and-white high-contrast illustrations that function as optical illusions when inverted.
• Check for the 'New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book of the Year' designation or Reading Rainbow association.
• Ensure the book is designed to be read both ways, with text appearing at the top and bottom of pages depending on orientation.

History of Round Trip

Published in 1983, Round Trip by Ann Jonas became a landmark in children's literature for its innovative design. The story follows a journey to the city, but when the reader reaches the end, they turn the book upside down to read the return journey back home. It was named a New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book of the Year and featured on the PBS series Reading Rainbow.