How Atoms Make Friends

Who knew that tiny atoms had such big personalities? Science meets social skills in this fresh, accessible look at the bits of matter that make up our world—and ourselves.

With playful prose and dynamic depictions that portray atoms as friendly characters, a renowned scientist and an award-winning illustrator team up to explore a fun and compelling metaphor as they present the chemistry behind the way atoms interact. Atoms make up everything we know. But did you know that these miniscule particles bond to one another, and that how they do so determines what kind of material they make? For instance, some atoms make friends by sharing their electrons, the fuzzy, buzzy bits circling their center. When carbon atoms share this way, they make one of the strongest materials we know—a diamond. Other atoms make friends by giving an electron away (like sodium) to an atom that will take it (like chlorine). There are other atoms (such as copper) that join an atomic community where each atom donates electrons and pools them together. And some atoms prefer to be alone, because they have all the electrons they need (looking at you, helium). With backmatter going into more detail about the structure of an atom, the role that the outermost electrons on the atoms play, and different types of chemical bonds, this entertaining, educational book is one that kids, parents, and educators will happily befriend.

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