Bathtime for Snow Monkeys

"A serene, exquisite ode to togetherness—and a gentle gateway to haiku for young readers." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

From the critically acclaimed team behind Love in the Library comes a picture book written in haiku, offering a window into the serene and relaxing world of the snow monkeys of Nagano, Japan.

At the Jigokudani monkey park in Nagano, nihonzaru—Japanese macaques—have a unique way of de-stressing from life in a cold climate: gathering in their very own onsen, or hot spring “spa,” to lounge and snack. Peek into this magical world in the mountains, hushed by snow, where the macaques reign over their onsen, huddling together. As a playful baby monkey splashes, the others don’t want to join in, and as the baby’s amusing antics wind down, parents and little ones reading the story will happily snuggle together like the macaques, warm and safe. Maggie Tokuda-Hall’s soothing narration, written entirely in haiku form—as befits its Japanese subject and natural themes—pairs with gorgeous illustrations by Yas Imamura. An author’s note offers insight into the habitat displacement and human intervention that led to the monkeys taking over this toasty, tranquil gathering spot.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs