First Little Golden Books were started in 1981. Because a copyright does not mean when a book was printed someone could have pulled the copyright from the story with Wilkins art and used it later on a First Little Golden Book with June Goldsborough art when they reprinted. Without seeing the book I'd only be guessing. Since my copy like yours is a first and doesn't mention 1973 I can only assume it was an error in a later reprint or since I can only find one seller useing 1973 that it's a typo by the sellre for the copyrght renewal date of 1976. I compliment you on questioning what a seller is saying. You need to be smarter then most book dealers when collecting these types of books.