Bee and the Visitors

A convoy of tiny extra-terrestrial tourists help a lonely girl regain her confidence.

Every day, Bee tells herself she’ll try to talk to someone at her new school. But the more friendless days stack up, the more impossible it feels to reach out.

When Bee ventures into the dense, rainy forest behind her new house, a voice like windchimes greets her from the leaves. These are the visitors, tiny aliens who are eager to learn about Earth—and about Bee.

To the visitors, Bee isn't the awkward, quiet, too-tall new girl. They marvel at her strength when she lifts them in her hands, her kindness when she shares from her lunchbox, the clever things she builds for them. Bee likes who she is through the visitors' eyes. But when it’s time for her friends to go home, will she be alone again? Or does she finally have the courage to make friends with a fellow human?

The debut picture book from author-illustrator Aubrey Nolan, Bee and the Visitors is a deftly subtle, keenly-felt love letter to any kid who’s felt unwelcome or unseen—and to the small acts of kindness that make all the difference in the universe.

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