Bibi Steps Out!

A shy, artistic girl comes out of her shell—and finds her community—as she helps transform an ignored rail trail into a place of recreation and beauty.

It’s spring at last, and the residents of Longview Lane are starting to creep out of their cocoons to enjoy the world outside. Among them is Bibi, whose shyness has her hiding under her hoodie, clutching her sketchpad, hoping she doesn’t have to talk to anyone. Bibi is making a beeline for her special place: the Old Rail Trail, where she can sit alone under a tree and draw the birds, ignoring the litter all around her. But today she has unexpected company—neighbors putting up birdhouses and inviting her to make a poster showing what the trail could look like if it were all cleaned up. What if Bibi put her art toward making that dream a reality, decorating benches while others planted flowers, patched up paths, or cleared away trash? From author Roni Schotter and illustrator Christy Hale comes an ode to the transformative effects of community on both the natural places we share and the individuals who love them. Back matter offers more on the history of the rails-to-trails movement and some ways that kids can get involved in their local scene.

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